Caretaker in Surrey

To manage the Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey centre, including the building, grounds and services. As Caretaker you will pro-actively ensure the centre is maintained to the highest standards, and that the centre runs smoothly on a day to day basis. You will ensure compliance at all times with Health & Safety regulations, conduct regular risk assessments and centre improvements, and provide a visible and approachable presence for visitors, volunteers and staff.

You will work with and coordinate a small team of volunteers to aid the smooth running of the centre. You will manage contractors and suppliers.

• Contractor & Supplier Management – Oversee the delivery of contracts, and ensure value and quality.
• Operational Oversight – Ensure the centre continues to run smoothly, carry out regular inspections, resolve issues promptly.
• Compliance & Safety – Ensure statutory checks and Health & Safety obligations are met and documented. Conduct basic building repairs and maintenance tasks and effectively prioritise and delegate these tasks where appropriate.
• Coordinate and support volunteers – Work with a small team of volunteers to support the smooth running of the centre.
• Projects – Work closely with the Head of HR & Internal Operations to deliver key projects outside of the day to day in line with the overall strategy.

Opening and securing Bridgehead House and managing the alarm system. Monitoring cleaning standards across the site, liaising with and managing suppliers where required. Carrying out general maintenance and minor repairs. Carrying out routine Health and Safety tasks including the weekly fire alarm checks, legionella management, emergency lighting and all other compliance requirements. Recording all required checks appropriately to be available for inspection. Management of stocks and supplies, sourcing the best value for money and quality. Being the Lead Fire Marshall, which will include the management of regular fire drills and improvements following these. Maintaining safe, tidy and welcoming outdoor areas — including litter picking, drain clearing, gritting and seasonal upkeep when required. Monitoring and operating internal equipment and services for example heating/air conditioning, lift etc. including arranging and documenting the servicing and maintenance of these. Managing waste and recycling. Handling and sorting deliveries. Assisting with basic IT issues relating to desk set up, new starters, leavers and facilitating logging IT tickets with the IT supplier and any other suppliers. Supporting and preparing for events with room set-ups and furniture movement. Liaising with contractors attending site for out of hours visits where required. Working as part of the wider centre team, stepping in to welcome guests and visitors to the charity when required, and taking on any wider support to assist with covering any absences.

Experience: Experience of managing a centre as a Caretaker, or Facilities Manager, including managing suppliers and/or contractors. Knowledge of current Health & Safety regulations. Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills. Excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, suppliers and visitors. Enthusiastic with a highly pro-active approach. Good IT skills, ideally with experience of using Microsoft 365. Able to undertake a role involving lifting, and other physically demanding tasks on a daily basis. Ability to conduct general maintenance/small repairs to the property/environment where appropriate. Able to travel in Surrey, including out of hours, transporting equipment when required.

Desirable: Health and Safety qualification. General handyperson experience and/or related qualification. Experience of working with volunteers. Experience of working within a Charity. Volunteer Management training provided.

Hours of work: Full time (40 hours) usually worked Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5.30 pm with a 1 hour unpaid break with flexibility to attend the centre when required during the evening and at weekends (with Time Off In Lieu).

Work Context: This is a full-time post with the responsibility of being a key holder and the primary person to open and close the building. The job role is essential to enabling the Charity to run smoothly and effectively. The work involves a considerable variety of tasks both internally and externally. It requires organisation, patience, discipline and close time management in order to prioritise and meet deadlines.