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- Tasks: Join our team to manage store refurbishments and maintenance across the north of the UK.
- Company: Waterstones is a beloved bookshop chain dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent discounts, travel opportunities, and a friendly, dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that combines creativity with practical skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Multi-skilled technician with joinery experience; retail background preferred; good IT and communication skills.
- Other info: Travel across the UK is required, with hotel accommodation provided when necessary.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Joiner / Shop Fitter Permanent Based in Manchester / Lancashire / Liverpool with travel across the north of the UK.
We are looking for a Joiner / Shop Fitter to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones. You will be part of a team of three who look after our stores across the north of the country, including Scotland. You will undertake a variety of project works within our stores. This can range from minor layout changes to full store refurbishments, working in conjunction with shop development/Maintenance and external contractors as required.
The role will require travel across the north of the UK, and you will need to be prepared to work away as required. A lot of stores are within travelling distance, but hotel accommodation will be provided where required. Multi trade skill beneficial as you will be involved in joinery/fabric/plumbing/layout/IT/CCTV/flooring/Electrical as part of the team.
What you will be doing
- Ability to prioritise tasks and work with store teams, stores are often trading while works are carried out.
- Ability to interpret drawings and specifications, foresee issues, make recommendations.
- Manage external contractors attending sites to complete works, work in conjunction with them and provide a point of contact for contractors and stores.
- Keen eye for detail and be happy to snag work upon completion, make further recommendations.
- Manage works from beginning to end, provide updates to key stakeholders.
- Participate in Health & Safety Codes of safe working and other environmental issues to ensure total compliance with Waterstones Health, Safety and Environmental Policy.
- Report any omissions or risks that might compromise a safe working environment.
- Supporting team members as required, including travel.
What we need from you
- Multi skilled technician with a broad skill base (Joiner/shop fitter).
- Experience working on other Facilities Management contracts.
- Previous retail experience preferred.
- Reasonable level of IT knowledge, emails, excel, and word documents.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
Person Profile
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to show initiative in proactive works in respect of store maintenance and upgrades.
- Ability to juggle conflicting priorities.
- Ability to explain complex issues and technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Calm and professional approach.
- Must be able to problem solve easily.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work from instruction and make decisions as needed with minimal supervision.
- Ability to learn new skills.
Why work for Waterstones
At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one). In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com. If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Carpenter employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Carpenter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of projects Waterstones undertakes. Understanding their store layouts and refurbishment styles can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Waterstones, especially those in facilities management or carpentry roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your multi-trade skills, particularly in areas like plumbing and electrical work. Being able to demonstrate versatility in your skill set will make you a more attractive candidate for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with health and safety regulations. Since compliance is crucial in this role, showcasing your knowledge and commitment to safe working practices can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Carpenter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your multi-skilled technician experience, particularly in joinery and shop fitting. Include any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to manage tasks from start to finish.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Waterstones. Mention your experience with facilities management and your ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed conflicting priorities in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your IT knowledge and communication skills in your application. Since the role requires interaction with external contractors and store teams, highlight any experience you have in explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide specific examples in your application of how you've approached problem-solving in past roles. This could include managing unexpected issues during projects or making recommendations based on your keen eye for detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Showcase Your Multi-Skilled Background
Make sure to highlight your diverse skill set during the interview. Since the role requires a mix of joinery, plumbing, and other trades, be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas and how they can benefit the team.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to provide examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Waterstones values a calm and professional approach, so share instances where you successfully resolved issues or improved processes.
✨Emphasise Communication Abilities
Since you'll be working with various teams and external contractors, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare to explain how you've effectively conveyed complex information to non-technical audiences in the past.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss specific scenarios related to store maintenance and upgrades. Think about how you would prioritise tasks while stores are trading and be ready to suggest solutions for potential issues that may arise during projects.
