At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe, welcoming accommodation by completing minor repairs and property improvements.
- Company: Join London's leading homelessness charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days leave, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team transforming lives and building a better London.
- Qualifications: Practical experience in minor repairs and a commitment to quality work.
Single Homeless Project has a new opportunity for a Maintenance Operative to join and work in our team based in London. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37.5 hours and in return, you will receive a competitive salary starting at £30,662.86 and rising incrementally to £33,148.61 per annum.
We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done. In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures.
About the Maintenance Operative role:
A safe, well maintained room can be the foundation someone needs to begin rebuilding their life. As a Maintenance Operative, you’ll make sure our supported accommodation across London provides the safe, dignified and welcoming environment every client deserves.
This is a hands-on, multi-skilled maintenance role focused on minor repairs and property improvements rather than specialist or technically qualified trade work. Travelling between different services across London, you’ll complete jobs such as painting and decorating, repairing walls and fixtures, basic carpentry, minor plumbing, tiling and preparing empty rooms so they can be offered safely and quickly to someone who needs a home.
You’ll plan and manage a varied workload, respond to urgent health and safety concerns and identify problems before they become more serious. You’ll also inspect rooms and communal areas, record completed work clearly, arrange materials and flag any repairs that need to be passed to a qualified contractor. At times, you may check completed contractor work and provide feedback where standards have not been met.
Our accommodation is home to people who have experienced homelessness, mental ill health and other forms of multiple disadvantage. Some services are larger, hostel-style buildings, while others are smaller residential properties. You’ll often be working in occupied environments and may meet clients while completing repairs, so you’ll need to be comfortable working respectfully around people who may be distressed or experiencing a difficult time.
You’ll join a growing Maintenance Team that shares knowledge, works collaboratively and takes pride in getting the details right. With plenty of variety and autonomy, this is an opportunity to develop your practical skills while seeing the direct difference your work makes to the buildings we manage and the people who call them home.
About you:
- You have practical experience completing minor repairs, including painting and decorating, basic plumbing, carpentry and tiling.
- You can work safely and independently, while recognising when a specialist contractor is needed.
- You’re organised, reliable and able to manage jobs across multiple sites.
- You’re comfortable working respectfully in occupied supported accommodation where clients may be present.
- You take pride in delivering good-quality work that helps create safe and dignified homes.
Our attractive benefits package includes:
- A salary increase after successfully completing six month’s probationary period.
- A 37.5 hour working week including flexible working hours (core hours are 10am – 4pm) in non-accommodation services.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing annually to the maximum 30 days (plus paid Bank Holidays).
- A contributory pension scheme: Single Homeless Project will contribute the equivalent of 5% of your annual salary.
- Staff Health Cash Plan and discounts scheme.
- Comprehensive and integrated training programme designed specifically to develop the skills and knowledge involved in our work.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to join the Single Homeless Project team – please click ‘apply’ now to become our Maintenance Operative - we’d like to hear from you!
Applications will be reviewed, and candidates invited for in person interviews at our head office in Kings Cross, as they are received. Therefore please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered, we reserve the right to close the advert as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.
Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role.
This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.
Single Homeless Project is actively committed to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity and inclusion, in all of our services and workplaces. We are also Disability Confident Committed and are IIP Silver accredited.
Maintenance Operative employer: SINGLE HOMELESS PROJECT
Single Homeless Project is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of Londoners facing homelessness. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training programmes and a supportive work culture that values compassion and collaboration. Our competitive benefits package, including flexible working hours and generous annual leave, ensures that our team members are well-equipped to lead with empathy and drive meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative
✨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 Maintenance Operative
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 SINGLE HOMELESS PROJECT'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 SINGLE HOMELESS PROJECT. 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 SINGLE HOMELESS PROJECT
✨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 SINGLE HOMELESS PROJECT.