Multi Trade Operative in Dartford, Kent

This role is being advertised as Multi Trade Operative but internally your job title will be Multi Trade Technician. The role requires a proven track record of carrying out repairs and maintenance work. We are looking for 3 exceptional Multi-Trade Technicians who want to make a difference and thrive in a challenging, fast-paced repairs environment. The roles will predominantly cover the County of Kent, based out of our Maidstone depot, but will form part of a wider national directorate.

You will become an essential member of the Direct Services department, providing a comprehensive, efficient, and responsive property repairs service for our residents. You will work as part of a tight-knit team, supporting other technicians, operational support staff, managers, and other colleagues around the organisation, working effectively from job issue through to completion of works, providing final quality assurance. You will successfully deliver works to a high quality, as detailed within digitised orders, fulfilling our first-time fix, appointment objectives, and resident satisfaction criteria, with efficient and productive working practices and value for money in mind always.

Please note there is an obligation to attend scheduled, out of hour emergencies within this role.

Must Haves:

• A relevant trade qualification and/or experience in relation to building, maintenance or a similar technical background.
• NVQ / C&G Level 2 in Plumbing, Carpentry and/or Repairs & Maintenance evidence will be required at interview stage. A portfolio or long-term experience and capability may suffice.
• Capability to work alone for much of the time, with good knowledge/experience in a range of maintenance work, and day-to-day repairs (internal & external) including Lock Smithery, Fencing, Decorating, Glazing, Groundworks, Paving, Bricklaying, and Labouring.
• Excellent knowledge and experience in the requirements of the Health and Safety Act, and any other relevant legislation and/or regulatory requirements, with evidence of successfully applying this in practice.
• Competent in the use of a digital device in keeping detailed and auditable records of works completed and materials used.
• A positive approach towards collaborative one-team working is essential, with Customer Satisfaction as a priority.
• Previous experience of working within a Social Housing or similar customer-focused environment would be preferable.
• If you cannot provide the expected qualifications or proven experience, but would be open to completing an Apprenticeship, please note this in your application, as we will consider these if you meet all other requirements.

The role is predominantly site-based, but with our hub in Maidstone operating as a base for materials, pool tools, training and administration. We envisage the successful applicants working 40 hours per week, 08:00 - 17:00, Monday through Friday, with out of hours being scheduled additionally via a working rota (standby and call-out fees paid in addition to the base salary).

As this role requires you to travel across all of Kent and on occasion into other regions, you will be supplied with a Southern Housing fleet vehicle for working purposes only. However, you will need to be over the age of 21, with a full and valid UK driving licence and a minimum of 2 years driving experience to receive this benefit. Your main power tools and equipment, plus uniform and PPE will also be provided. You will be expected to use your own hand tools, however.

Please note, we reserve the right to interview and close the advert early, so it is important that you submit your application as soon as possible detailing as much information about you and your prior experience as you can. Applications are shortlisted via a numbered scoring system; submitting just a CV will not score you the desired amount alone to progress to interview. In your supporting statement, please address how you meet the above criteria and that of the Job Profile, providing examples.

Advert closing date: 01 June 2026 at 23:59 with interviews planned: 16, 17 & 18 June 2026. Interested? If you are passionate about your work and share our ambitions, we look forward to hearing from you.

If you would like further information, feel free to call: Graeme Hodges, Head of Direct Services East Sussex & Kent. M: 07725 736 020

About us: At Southern Housing, our residents are at the heart of everything we do. As one of the largest housing providers in the UK with over 77,000 homes across London, the Southeast, the Isle of Wight, and the Midlands, we give over 167,000 people somewhere affordable to call their own! We also understand the difference that safe, secure, and affordable homes can make to people's lives. A career at Southern Housing will allow you to make a difference every day you come to work. Working in the housing sector with us will bring fresh challenges and give you the opportunity to grow and develop, too.

What's in it for you:

• Pension
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• Eyecare & dental
• Birthday leave
• Retailers discounts
• Cycle to work
• Buy & sell annual leave
• Season ticket loan
• In-house academy & career development
• Flexible working

Inclusion and Diversity: We work hard to create a diverse and inclusive culture and environment where people are respected for who they are. Encouraging inclusion is not just about protected characteristics; it's about celebrating differences of thought, opinion, experience and perspective of each individual. We are all different in our own way and we want our colleagues to feel comfortable, that they belong, and are safe to be themselves at work, without fear of being judged or excluded, but valued for their contribution to our One Team approach.