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, paid travel time, van, fuel card, and overtime opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Join a supportive environment where your leadership skills can truly shine and grow.
- Qualifications: Experience in carpentry and supervising remote teams; GCSE Maths and English required.
The predicted salary is between 37960 - 39520 £ per year.
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.
Salary: 37960 - 39520 GBP (yearly)
Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance employer: Sherwoods
Sherwoods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where commercial gas engineers can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members benefit from ongoing training and the chance to take on significant responsibilities in their roles. Located in the beautiful South West, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values work-life balance, alongside competitive pay and overtime opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Field Supervisor - Building Fabric Maintenance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Sherwoods's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Sherwoods. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sherwoods
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Sherwoods.
