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- Tasks: Manage maintenance for bookshops, ensuring compliance and resolving issues efficiently.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookshop chain dedicated to exceptional customer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly team, excellent shop discounts, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your skills enhance the joy of reading for customers.
- Qualifications: Multi-skilled technician with experience in facilities management, plumbing, and carpentry preferred.
- Other info: A full UK driving licence is required; a van will be provided for work.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Handyman / Maintenance Technician to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in Oxford. You will be responsible for reporting, managing and overseeing all maintenance and compliance testing for the bookshops in the Oxford regional area, with the support of the Area Maintenance Manager and approved sub-contractor list and a central head office team. You may have to work away from home on occasion with advance warning. Please note: You will need a full UK driving licence for this role. A van is supplied for your use.
What you will be doing:
- Maintenance for the bookshops in the designated area looking after a number of stores.
- Work closely with shop teams to identify maintenance issues, log jobs with the Service Desk and Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system.
- Complete monthly compliance Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and reactive tasks based on competence and skillset, drawing on sub-contractor support where appropriate.
- Ensure that all instructions and records are completed and returned to the Service Desk, and all Compliance Certificates returned to AMM / Site Logbook records are updated and maintained all in accordance with standard company practices.
- Manage a ‘live’ reactive job list for each store, ensuring all jobs are completed within agreed timescales.
- Audit the stores on a regular basis to ensure all compliance testing and Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) visits are up to date, identifying any reactive tasks that need attending to.
- Ensure all maintenance consumables are available and arrange replenishment to ensure agreed stock levels are maintained.
- Undertake on-site diagnostic analysis and report on what further resource may be required.
- Carry out general maintenance, good housekeeping practices to ensure that the life expectancy of all installed equipment is maximised.
- 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.
- Attend to all reasonable emergency call-out requests as speedily as possible and maintain good communications with the store and Service Desk with the progress of all outstanding works.
What we need from you:
- Multi skilled technician with a broad skill base – including basic level of electrics.
- Experience working on other Facilities Management contracts.
- Previous experience working within a retail environment preferred and working around food areas.
- Plumbing skills.
- Carpentry skills.
- Good working knowledge of H&S (Not essential as training will be provided).
- Fire extinguisher servicing (Not essential as training will be provided).
- Fire alarms and emergency lighting testing/servicing.
- A good understanding of building maintenance and statutory testing regimes.
- Reasonable level of IT knowledge, emails, excel, and word documents.
Person Profile:
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to explain complex issues and technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to problem solve – often thinking outside of the box to solve problems.
- Calm and professional approach.
- Friendly and approachable nature with great communication skills.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work from instruction and make decisions as needed with minimal supervision.
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.
Maintenance Technician employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific maintenance tasks mentioned in the job description, such as plumbing and carpentry. Being able to discuss your experience with these skills during the interview will show that you're a strong fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in retail environments, especially if it involved facilities management. This will demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges faced in such settings and how you can contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving abilities and provide examples of how you've tackled maintenance issues in the past. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet and handle unexpected situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Since communication is key in this role, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. This will help you convey your ideas clearly during the interview, especially when discussing compliance and safety procedures.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in maintenance and facilities management. Emphasise skills such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, as well as any previous roles in retail environments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Waterstones. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage maintenance tasks and work collaboratively with teams.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Since the role involves compliance testing and maintenance, be sure to mention any experience you have with health and safety regulations, as well as your understanding of statutory testing regimes.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully solved maintenance issues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and handle challenges effectively.
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. Discuss your experience in plumbing, carpentry, and basic electrics, as well as any relevant certifications. This will demonstrate that you are well-equipped to handle the various maintenance tasks required for the role.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare examples of how you've successfully solved maintenance issues in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approached each problem. This will show your potential employer that you can think outside the box and tackle challenges effectively.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with shop teams and non-technical audiences, it's crucial to convey your ability to communicate complex issues clearly. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as this will be a key part of your role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance Standards
Research the compliance testing and maintenance standards relevant to the retail environment. Being knowledgeable about Health & Safety regulations and statutory testing regimes will show that you take safety seriously and understand the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.
