Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage electrical projects in stores across the north of England and Scotland.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookshop dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly work environment, excellent shop discounts, and opportunities for overtime.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with a dynamic team in a creative retail setting.
- Qualifications: Must be a multi-skilled technician with electrical qualifications and experience in facilities management.
- Other info: Travel may be required, with hotel accommodation provided when necessary.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Electrical Supervisor
Permanent
Based in Manchester or Liverpool area
We are looking for an Electrical Supervisor to join our friendly northern projects team here at Waterstones. Working alongside a Joiner and Painter & Decorator, you will lead the team and take charge of project works within our stores across the midlands, north of England and Scotland.
- The projects can range from minor layout changes to full store refurbishments, and you will work in conjunction with our shop development and maintenance teams as well as external contractors. The role will require you to work away as required but a lot of stores are within travelling distance, hotel accommodation will be provided where required.
Multi trade skills are highly beneficial as you will be involved in joinery / fabric / plumbing / flooring as part of the team.
You will need to be a driver, and this is a Monday to Friday role with overtime on occasion.
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.
- Attend site meetings as required.
- Provide toolbox talks to keep team informed and engaged.
- Ensure all relevant paperwork is completed, RAMS and insurances are received and certificates upon completion.
- 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.
- Look for ways to continually enhance the operation of the site.
- Supporting team members as required, including travel.
- Attend project meetings with Management for weekly updates.
What we need from you:
- Multi skilled technician with a broad skill base (electrician with 17th /18th edition).
- Experience running jobs and dealing with other trades.
- Experience working on other Facilities Management contracts.
- Previous retail experience preferred.
- Reasonable level of IT knowledge, emails, excel, and word documents.
- Good organisational skills.
- Good communication skills.
Person Profile:
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability 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.
- Friendly and approachable nature with great communication skills.
- Time management skills.
- 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.
Electrical Supervisor employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects Waterstones undertakes. Understanding their store layouts and refurbishment processes will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Waterstones, especially those in similar 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 joinery and plumbing. Being able to showcase these skills can set you apart from other candidates and align with the job's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing external contractors and how you've handled project updates in the past. This will show your ability to lead and communicate effectively within a team.
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your multi-skilled technician experience, particularly in electrical work and any relevant qualifications like the 17th/18th edition. Emphasise your previous roles in Facilities Management and retail to align with what Waterstones is looking for.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage projects, work with external contractors, and your keen eye for detail. Show how your skills can enhance the operation of Waterstones.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your organisational and communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed conflicting priorities and communicated complex issues to non-technical audiences in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Electrical Supervisor role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Showcase Your Multi-Trade Skills
Since the role requires a broad skill base, be prepared to discuss your experience in various trades. Highlight any specific projects where you successfully integrated electrical work with joinery, plumbing, or flooring.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you communicated these solutions to non-technical team members.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As you'll be managing external contractors and working with store teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Share instances where you effectively coordinated with different stakeholders to ensure project success.
✨Discuss Time Management Strategies
Given the need to juggle conflicting priorities, be ready to talk about how you manage your time effectively. Provide examples of how you've prioritised tasks in busy environments while maintaining quality and safety standards.
