Senior Maintenance Operative in Hove

Please note this role requires a DBS check.

Hey there! Ready to make a difference? At urbanbubble, we believe cities should be vibrant, fun, and full of life. We’re all about creating welcoming communities where people feel truly at home. If you’re someone who loves making connections, providing top‑tier service, and bringing positive energy to everything you do, we’d love for you to join us as a Senior Maintenance Operative!

As a Senior Maintenance Operative, you’ll be right at the heart of our community, making sure our buildings and shared spaces are always in top condition. You’ll provide first‑line support for maintenance requests, carry out repairs, and ensure our homes and communal areas are safe, welcoming, and well cared for.

• The Senior Maintenance Operative is responsible for undertaking general repairs and maintenance to the apartments, amenity and communal areas.
• Responsible for the management, support and training of the Maintenance Operative to deliver KPI’s in accordance with agreed Service Level Agreements (SLA’s).
• The SMT will also manage the in‑house and supply partner performance in the execution and delivery of planned, reactive and project building services as well as the onboarding and mobilisation of new properties in conjunction with other departments and key stakeholders.
• You will provide timely insight, trend analysis, management information and reporting of all activity under their control such as asset performance, statutory compliance, H&S and ESG management.
• The SMO will liaise closely with the General Manager and Regional Facilities Manager to ensure building services achieve the correct quality assurance, alignment to community priorities and objectives in a timely manner.

• Manage shift rotas to maintain operational cover, including planned and unplanned absence.
• Conduct performance reviews and support development plans and skills training.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Mentor team members and contractors to strengthen competence and statutory awareness.
• Supervise agency or temporary staff and support onboarding of new starters.
• Deliver regular toolbox talks to the on‑site team.

• Coordinate and supervise daily reactive maintenance and work orders.
• Prioritise tasks with site leadership to meet operational and KPI requirements.
• Provide emergency engineering support when required.
• Carry out general fabric repairs, decoration, lighting checks and bulb replacements.
• Ensure work areas remain safe, clean and compliant.
• Record all works accurately on internal systems with notes and photographs.

• Maintain records for statutory checks (e.g., PAT testing, fire alarm testing where applicable).
• Identify and report compliance concerns to site management.
• Support ESG initiatives including energy monitoring and efficiency measures.
• Liaise with third‑party contractors and district heating suppliers to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Report accidents, incidents and near misses using company systems.
• Ensure compliance records and documentation are maintained on internal portals.

• Escort and supervise visiting contractors while on site.
• Issue permits, review job sheets and log contractor visits.
• Communicate planned disruptive works in advance.
• Monitor and report missed or incomplete planned maintenance.

• Manage critical spares, consumables and tool inventory.
• Raise stock requests and maintain accurate records of usage.
• Ensure equipment checks are completed in line with PUWER regulations.

• Maintain plant rooms, risers and maintenance areas in safe, clean condition.
• Support supplier performance monitoring and service improvements.
• Assist with operational responses to supply disruptions where required.

• Support site mobilisation and attend contractor handover meetings.
• Record snagging and defect items during mobilisation phases.
• Act as a role model for company values and maintain strong communication within the team.
• Work collaboratively while also operating effectively with minimal supervision.

• Comparable experience in a similar role.
• High level of BMS knowledge and experience.
• Understanding of decorating and a wide range of general repairs & maintenance knowledge.
• Knowledge of basic water system and L8, plus experience of COSHH.
• Previous use of web based CAFM systems (preferable).
• Senior experience of managing Maintenance Technician.
• Ideally Qualified to City and Guilds or NVQ level 2&3 within a specific trade (preferable).
• High degree of multi skilled competency across various trades.
• IOSH working safely qualification (preferable).
• A good understanding of mechanical systems would be beneficial.
• Proactive, positive and can do.

• Birthday day off, monthly paid wellbeing hour & enhanced annual leave to make sure you get the rest you need.
• Company pension scheme & medical cover for your long‑term health & to help plan for the future.
• Refer a friend scheme to earn that bit of extra money by bringing incredible talent on board.
• Paid volunteering day & social events to give back to causes that truly matter & connect with your colleagues.
• Enhanced sick pay & family leave to take care of yourself & your loved ones.
• Life events for those big milestones like your child’s first day at school or when you get the keys to your new home - we believe that you deserve to celebrate special moments with your loved ones. Family always comes first at ub!
• Cycle to work scheme to help you get to work in a healthier, greener way.
• Study support to help you grow & reach your goals.
• Long service awards to celebrate every milestone with us.
• Employee assistance & counselling for those times when you need a little bit of extra support.
• And the best part? You’ll be working with some truly incredible people who are passionate about what they do & are always ready to support you!

If you’re excited about making a real impact and being part of something special, we can’t wait to hear from you!