At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers while delivering hands-on building maintenance across the South West.
- Company: Sherwoods, a family-owned company with a strong presence in the South West since 1974.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £48,000, paid travel time, and support for your development.
- Other info: Join a rapidly growing team and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in carpentry and supervising remote teams; GCSE Maths and English required.
Job Description
Made a supervisor, then left to get on with it?
It happens a lot.
Someone gets handed a team, told to crack on, and is still expected to hit the same numbers they did on the tools.
We see supervision differently.
At Sherwoods it's a role in its own right, with development and support behind it rather than a title bolted onto a full workload.
You'll report into a Head of Department who's there to back you, and we invest in supervisor and leadership development as our supervisors grow into the role.
We also pay all our field staff for door-to-door travel, so you're paid for every hour you put in.
What you'll be doing.
This is a hands-on role first and foremost — you'll spend the majority of your time on the tools, delivering building fabric works across the South West to the standard your team should be aiming for.
Alongside that, you'll lead a team of 4–10 field engineers: running regular 1-2-1s and performance plans, keeping an eye on KPIs and recoverable hours, and supporting your engineers technically and personally when they need it.
Your team may be stretched across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, so some of your supervisor responsibilities may need to be carried out remotely, rather than face to face.
With that in mind, a home location near Exeter would be ideal.
You'll estimate works with full scope and materials before they go to the client, carry out site audits and surveys, deliver toolbox talks and QHSE reviews, and make sure the out-of-hours rota is covered.
You'll also be the link to your clients, keeping works booked in, access sorted, and progress clear.
As a reactive maintenance business, no two weeks look the same.
We'll give you a van, a fuel card, and industry-leading software to keep your team's workload under control.
With overtime and on-call included, earnings can reach up to £48,000.
What you'll need.
You'll be a time-served carpenter and an experienced multi-skilled fabric engineer, with a track record of supervising a remote, field-based team.
You'll know the facilities maintenance sector, be confident compiling specifications and workflows, and have the managerial courage to have the honest conversations that come with leading people.
Just as importantly, you'll be someone who stays calm under pressure, takes the initiative, and gets on with all kinds of people.
NVQ Level 2 or 3 Carpentry, IOSH, and project management experience are all welcome but not essential.
You'll need GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent, a full UK driving licence, and because some of our sectors involve close contact with vulnerable or young people, you'll be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
If you care about such things, you might like to know that Sherwoods is a family-owned company that cares about its people and their progression.
We've operated since 1974 and built a strong presence in the South West.
Our team has more than doubled since 2019, growing from 60 to 130.
What do you need to do next?
For an informal chat, please click apply.
Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date.
Just send us what you have, and we can deal with that later.
Everyone will get a response.
- Salary
- (Apply online only) GBP (yearly)
Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance in Exeter employer: Sherwoods (SW) Ltd
At Sherwoods, we prioritise the growth and support of our Field Supervisors, ensuring that supervision is a dedicated role rather than an added burden. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive pay for all hours worked, and a collaborative work culture, we create an environment where you can thrive while leading a dynamic team across the beautiful South West. Join us and be part of a family-owned company that values its people and their progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance in Exeter
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Sherwoods (SW) Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance at Sherwoods (SW) Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sherwoods (SW) Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
