General Operative, Trades ​/ Skilled Labor

Overview

General Operative – Exeter. Full Time Permanent, 42.5 hours per week. Salary up to £29,488.20 plus company van and fuel card.

We are the largest provider of repairs, maintenance, and regeneration services across the UK. Mears delivers tailored rapid-response and planned maintenance services in partnership with local authorities, Arm's Length Management Organisations and Housing Associations.

Based within our Exeter branch, you will work on a stable contract with Exeter City Council, delivering high-quality property maintenance in residents' homes, with a focus on damp, mould and associated repairs. The role involves planned routes, identifying issues, preparing surfaces, and undertaking treatments and repairs to ensure properties are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

• Carry out damp and mould inspections within occupied and void properties, identifying root causes and appropriate remedial actions
• Undertake damp and mould treatments, including cleaning, mould removal, application of anti-mould solutions and preventative measures
• Prepare and repair affected surfaces, including basic plastering, patch repairs, and redecoration where required
• Complete associated repairs linked to damp issues, such as sealing, minor carpentry, and ventilation improvements
• Work from a planned schedule, travelling from job to job to meet service delivery targets
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard, achieving a 'right first time' approach
• Maintain strong communication with residents, providing clear advice on prevention and aftercare in a respectful and professional manner
• Identify and report wider property or safeguarding concerns while on site
• Follow health and safety procedures, including safe use of equipment, materials, and PPE
• Accurately complete job records and update systems in line with company and client requirements
• Work collaboratively with other trades and teams to deliver a seamless repairs service
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, quality standards, and cost control measures

• Previous experience in a repairs, maintenance or damp and mould-related role
• Full UK driving licence
• Good customer service skills, with a professional approach when working in residents' homes
• Ability to use a PDA or willingness to learn
• Ability to carry out manual handling, lifting, bending, repetitive tasks
• Sound awareness of health and safety practices, particularly when working with damp, mould treatments and associated materials
• Basic understanding of damp and mould issues, including causes and effective remedial actions
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload across multiple properties

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Annual Mears Fun Day – a thank you from the Executive team
• Volunteering Leave – paid volunteering in the community
• Staff perks with Mears Rewards – discounts and savings
• Family friendly policies
• Full Uniform

All roles require entitlement to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not offered. To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be over 21, have held your licence for more than 3 months, and have fewer than 9 points. Roles are subject to Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.

Apply below or contact Francesca Swan () if you need help with your application process. We are here to support you at every step.

At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We are a Disability Confident employer, and we proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant, including the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and related veteran transition initiatives.