Reactive Maintenance Manager in Reading

Reactive Maintenance Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time 42000 - 58000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage in-house electrical maintenance team and ensure high-quality service delivery.
  • Company: Join the University of Reading, a beautiful campus with a vibrant community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlements, and health & well-being support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while engaging with diverse stakeholders.
  • Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in mechanical or electrical disciplines and experience in maintenance management.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Closing Date: 9th January 2026 at 23:59 (GMT)

Role Type: Full time, Permanent

Interview: 21st January 2026

Salary Package in region of £52k based on a basic salary G6 up to £46k plus call out standby on average £4.3k plus potential additional responsibility payments as a University Duty Holder up to £2.5k.

Occupying three beautiful campuses (Whiteknights, London Road, and Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames), the unique "University within a Park" setting of the University of Reading is an inspiring place to come to work. With such a varied portfolio, there is never a dull day in the Estates Team here at Reading.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and flexible manager to manage our Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) in-house electrical maintenance team and liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including specialist contractors and consultants, other members of the Estates team, and departmental support, teaching and research staff.

The post holder must demonstrate a clear track record in the delivery of an effective professional, customer-focused, high quality, cost effective and efficient maintenance service using a CAFM system in accordance with agreed Service Level Agreements. The postholder must also ensure that the team carries out all work in a safe manner in accordance with university policies and procedures, safe systems of work, and current legislation.

The post holder will join the formal on-call duty rota, covering one weekend in every 5/6, for which there is an additional allowance of c£4,300 per annum available. There may also be an opportunity to take on responsibility for a key service area as a University Duty Holder for which there is an additional allowance of c£2,584 pa.

If you understand the challenges and opportunities that face a reactive maintenance function and enjoy the challenge of multiple stakeholder engagement and high-quality service delivery then we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via the Jobtrain site, and clearly demonstrate how you meet the key recruiting criteria:

  • Experience in all aspects of planned, preventative and day to day reactive maintenance issues; managing trades "on the tools".
  • A relevant qualification in a mechanical or electrical related discipline (minimum requirement equivalent to NVQ level 3) and 2391 Inspection and testing.
  • Experience of managing and organising Health & Safety for a workforce with an awareness of current statutory requirements including experience of risk assessments.
  • Excellent communication skills, at all levels of an organisation, and experience of effective liaison with customers/stakeholders.
  • Demonstrable customer service skills and the understanding of what is required from a customer facing team.
  • Experience of working with CAFM software packages for the delivery of hard/soft FM.
  • Current full UK driving license.

The University of Reading aims to create a fair and transparent reward strategy; ensuring staff are paid a competitive salary and are recognised and rewarded for their contribution. Members of staff have the opportunity to join a pension scheme sponsored by the University. The University has a range of family friendly policies, including a childcare voucher scheme to help you save money on childcare costs. We have a strong commitment to health and well-being and staff can benefit from discounted membership at the SportsPark, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Health Cash Plan. The University offers generous holiday entitlements which include public holidays and paid closure days.

Contact Details:

  • Contact Name: Guneet Bhatti
  • Contact Job Title: Interim Head of Reactive Maintenance
  • Contact Email address: g.k.bhatti@reading.ac.uk
  • Alternative Contact Name: Chris Hellier
  • Alternative Contact Job Title: Head of Programme Maintenance
  • Alternative Contact Email address: c.i.hellier@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Reactive Maintenance Manager in Reading employer: University of Reading

The University of Reading is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment within its stunning 'University within a Park' campuses. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, generous holiday entitlements, and opportunities for professional growth, staff can thrive in a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusivity. The role of Reactive Maintenance Manager not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to engage with a variety of stakeholders while ensuring high-quality service delivery in a dynamic setting.
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Contact Detail:

University of Reading Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Reactive Maintenance Manager in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Reactive Maintenance Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the University of Reading and its Estates Team thoroughly. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with CAFM systems and your track record in delivering high-quality maintenance services. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the University of Reading. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Reactive Maintenance Manager in Reading

Reactive Maintenance Management
Electrical Maintenance
Health & Safety Management
Risk Assessment
Customer Service Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
CAFM Software Proficiency
Communication Skills
Team Management
Mechanical or Electrical Qualification (NVQ Level 3)
2391 Inspection and Testing
Driving License

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Us Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in reactive maintenance. We want to see how you've managed trades and tackled maintenance issues in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills!

Tailor Your Application: Don't just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand our needs and can clearly show how they meet the key criteria.

Communicate Clearly: Your communication skills are crucial for this role, so make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language clear and concise, and don't forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!

Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply via the Jobtrain site! It's the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you, so get your application in before the deadline!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reactive maintenance and the specific responsibilities of the role. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of planned, preventative, and day-to-day reactive maintenance issues, as well as the use of CAFM systems. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand it inside out.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with customers or team members, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to maintain a customer-focused approach.

✨Safety First

Health and safety is a big deal in this role, so be ready to discuss your experience managing health and safety for a workforce. Bring up any relevant qualifications or training you've had, and be prepared to talk about how you've conducted risk assessments in the past. This shows that you take safety seriously and are aware of current statutory requirements.

✨Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so think of some insightful questions to ask about the team, the university's maintenance strategies, or their approach to stakeholder engagement. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the position is the right fit for you.

Reactive Maintenance Manager in Reading
University of Reading
Location: Reading
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