Maintenance Operative in Portsmouth

Admiral Jellicoe House is a purpose-built 66 bed care home for veterans and spouses of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in Portsmouth which opened in June 2022. Our residents and staff enjoy a varied yet familiar way of life to encourage independence and give each day meaning and purpose. The home has a ‘family run’ feel and we have carefully created a supportive, friendly and close knit team, making it a unique and very special place to work.

The RNBT exists to support Royal Navy Ratings and Royal Marines Other Ranks, both serving and served, and their loved ones, through life’s challenges. Established in 1922 under Royal Charter, The Trust continues to provide a lifeline of support: from financial assistance and training opportunities to wellbeing guidance and signposting, as well as accommodation at our Care Homes and Almshouse.

The Job Role

To provide hands‑on facilities and maintenance support to the care home, ensuring the building, grounds, vehicles and environment are safe, compliant, and well maintained at all times. This is a practical, site‑based role combining day‑to‑day maintenance duties with facilities administration and coordination responsibilities. The Maintenance Operative will act as the on‑site lead for maintenance matters and will take ownership of managing and coordinating reactive works and statutory compliance under the direction of the Facilities Manager. The role requires a proactive, self‑motivated individual with a strong DIY or maintenance background who is confident working independently under the direction of the Facilities Manager. A strong DIY background is desirable, with the confidence to complete basic repairs independently where appropriate. In addition to maintenance work, the postholder is also required to act as a driver for the home as required.

Key Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Undertake day‑to‑day repairs and general DIY projects and minor refurbishment works.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and complete works safely and efficiently.
• Identify defects or maintenance needs and escalate significant issues to the FM.
• Support room preparation, furniture moves, and equipment set‑up as required.
• Maintain tools, materials and storage areas in good order.
• Participate in and support a preventative planned maintenance (PPM) programme.
• Conduct routine inspections of the building, fixtures, fittings, furniture, grounds and external areas.
• Act as the on‑site lead for the outsourced maintenance company.
• Take ownership of coordinating, prioritising and monitoring works completed during contractor visits.
• Ensure contractors complete agreed works to required standards and within agreed timescales.
• Provide site inductions and ensure contractors comply with health & safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of works completed, compliance documentation and follow‑up actions.
• Escalate concerns regarding contractor performance to the FM.
• Support compliance checks relating to H&S and building safety.

The Person

This role would suit someone who is naturally dependable, compassionate and trustworthy. They should be able to empathise with the needs of the residents, have patience and understanding and above all be kind and caring. The postholder should have good, local knowledge, be able to work largely unsupervised and be able to work with enthusiasm and pay attention to detail and deliver work to the highest standards. Experience as a general maintenance/handy‑person type role would be beneficial as would any experience of working in a care home or similar setting.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous suite of benefits to our employees including:

• Medicash health plan
• 6 weeks per annum pro‑rata holiday
• 7% employer contribution pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on‑site parking
• Eligible for blue light card

As a Silver accredited Armed Forces Covenant signatory, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and recognising the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our organisation. We welcome applications from all members of the Armed Forces community and are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer.

IMPORTANT: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. If you would like to find out more about working for The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust please contact us at careers@rnbt.org.uk or visit www.rnbt.org.uk. Closing date for applications is Friday 27 March 2026.