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- Tasks: Handle property repairs and maintenance, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Company: Join the friendly team at John Bray Cornish Holidays.
- Benefits: Earn £12.79/hour, enjoy 33 days holiday, and get your birthday off!
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying variety in your work every day.
- Qualifications: General maintenance knowledge and at least one trade skill required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with great training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Salary: £12.79 per hour
Hours: 30 hours per week, Wednesday to Saturday (+ on-call rota cover).
Location: Our friendly Rock, Wadebridge office
About the Role
We’re looking for a skilled and hands-on Maintenance Operative to join our John Bray, Rock team. You’ll be the go-to person for tackling property repairs, carrying out routine maintenance, and responding quickly to any issues during a guest’s stay. Working closely with property owners, guests, and contractors, you’ll help keep every property safe, functional, and looking its best. As part of the team, you’ll also join our on-call rota (one week in five), earning an extra £350–£525 per week for handling urgent guest issues.
What You’ll Do
- Respond quickly to guest maintenance requests with effective solutions
- Carry out repairs, routine upkeep, and seasonal adjustments (heating, hot water, etc)
- Liaise with contractors for specialist work
- Complete regular property inspections and log via our KEA system
- Communicate clearly with owners and guests, in person and by phone
- Assist with property quality checks alongside the QA team
- Keep the company vehicle maintained, stocked, and ready
- Support winter projects such as decorating and refurbishments
- Arrange refuse collections as required
- Follow all Health & Safety and company policies
- Submit expenses promptly via Concur
If you’re practical, quick to problem-solve, and enjoy variety in your work, this is a role where every day is different – and your skills will make a real impact.
What You’ll Bring
- General maintenance knowledge plus at least one trade skill (carpentry, plumbing, electrics, painting/decorating)
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Able to work independently and stay calm in emergencies
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Clear communicator with guests and owners
- Basic IT skills for reporting and inventory management
Bonus points for professional trade qualifications, experience in building systems (boilers, alarms), local area knowledge, holiday let or hospitality experience, or familiarity with Health & Safety standards in holiday accommodation.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Performance bonus – up to 5% of salary
- 33 days holiday (including bank hols) + extra days with long service
- Your birthday off just because!
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- Proud to be a BCorp – we care about people & planet
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at 100% pay)
- Generous discounts on stays for you, family & friends
- Employee savings scheme
- 24/7 mental health support and health cash plan
- Loads of training & development opportunities
We’re all about diversity, inclusion, and bringing your authentic self to work. Need adjustments for the recruitment process? Just ask, our team is happy to help. Apply now and become a key part of keeping our properties guest-ready, safe, and welcoming - Making every stay a memorable one!
Maintenance Operative employer: Sykes Cottages
Contact Detail:
Sykes Cottages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on John Bray Cornish Holidays. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit right in with their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you're chatting with the hiring team, make sure to highlight your maintenance experience and any specific trade skills you have. Share examples of past work where you solved problems quickly – they’ll love hearing about your hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical questions! Since this role is all about tackling real-life maintenance issues, expect some scenario-based questions. Think through how you’d handle common problems guests might face during their stay, and be prepared to discuss your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few questions ready about the team dynamics or the on-call rota. It shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your general maintenance knowledge and any specific trade skills you have. We want to see how your hands-on experience can make a difference in keeping our properties in tip-top shape!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clear communication, just like you'll need with guests and property owners. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for the role!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to our job description. Mention any relevant experience in hospitality or holiday accommodation, as it shows you understand what we do and how you can contribute.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sykes Cottages
✨Know Your Stuff
Brush up on your general maintenance knowledge and any specific trade skills you have. Be ready to discuss your experience with repairs, upkeep, and how you've tackled issues in the past. This will show that you're not just a hands-on worker but also someone who understands the nuances of the job.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of times when you've had to think on your feet or solve unexpected problems. Whether it was fixing a plumbing issue or managing a guest's urgent request, having concrete examples will demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure and find effective solutions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be liaising with guests, property owners, and contractors, practice clear and concise communication. Think about how you would explain a maintenance issue to someone without technical knowledge. This will highlight your ability to connect with people and ensure everyone is on the same page.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health & Safety Standards
Make sure you understand the basic health and safety regulations relevant to holiday accommodation. Being knowledgeable about these standards shows that you take safety seriously and are prepared to maintain a safe environment for guests and staff alike.
