General Maintenance Operative

Maintenance Technician

Location: Whitecross School, Hereford

Contract Type: PFI Contract – Hard & Soft FM

Working Pattern: 2 Shifts

Deliver safe, compliant, and efficient mechanical maintenance and repairs across the PFI estate, ensuring statutory compliance, contract SLAs/KPIs, and high asset availability. The role covers planned preventive maintenance (PPM), reactive works, minor projects, and lifecycle support using the CAFM system, aligned to SFG
20 and relevant legislation.

• Execute PPM to SFG
  20 standards and OEM recommendations on mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC/air handling units, pumps, motors, valves, heat exchangers, pressurisation sets, expansion vessels, gas systems, plumbing, water services).
• Diagnose and repair faults on mechanical plant and building services to restore service within SLA response/rectification times.
• Carry out statutory/compliance tasks within agreed skill set: pressure systems checks, gas safety (as competent), water hygiene (flushing, temperature monitoring, TMV servicing, descaling), fire damper checks (mechanical aspects), and emergency generator cooling systems (where applicable).
• Support shutdowns, isolations, and safe system of work (SSoW) including permits to work (hot works, confined spaces, working at height, LV/HV interface support as required).

• Maintain accurate records in the CAFM and site logbook system: close out PPM/reactive tasks, attach test certificates, asset notes, parts usage, and time confirmations.
• Complete and file statutory documentation (e.g., LOLER interface where mechanical lifting equipment is present, PSSR check records, gas safety where applicable, water hygiene logs).
• Ensure all works comply with the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act, PUWER, COSHH, PSSR, Gas Safety Regulations, Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, and site‑specific policies.

• Meet or exceed contractual SLAs and KPIs (response, rectification, first‑time‑fix rate, statutory completion, backlog).
• Support lifecycle planning: condition surveys, asset verification, end‑of‑life risk assessments, and minor replacements/refurbishments.
• Identify energy and reliability improvements; contribute to continuous improvement and lessons learned.

• Coordinate with helpdesk, Soft FM, subcontractors, and client stakeholders to minimise downtime and disruption.
• Provide clear, professional updates on progress, constraints, and risks. Escalate promptly when required.
• Mentor apprentices/junior techs and share best practices.

• Ensure calibrated tools and test equipment are maintained and used correctly.
• Manage van stock/spares responsibly; raise material requests and provide technical specification input for procurement.
• Maintain clean, safe plant rooms and workshops; adhere to 5S standards.

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering / Building Services / Plumbing & Heating.
• Demonstrable experience in mechanical maintenance within a live, critical, or public estate (PFI/PPP, NHS, education, justice, accommodation, or similar).
• Strong diagnostics across HVAC plant, pumps, valves, bearings, seals, and pipework systems.
• Proficient with CAFM systems for PPM/reactive management and asset history.
• Sound understanding of statutory compliance (PSSR, COSHH, Legionella/L8 & HSG
  274, SFG
  20).
• Full UK driving licence (if mobile role).

• ACS/Gas Safe (domestic or commercial) modules (if gas systems present).
• Water hygiene training (Responsible Person/Authorised Person support desirable).
• IPAF/PASMA, Confined Space, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid.
• Experience with BMS controls, VSDs, and commissioning support.
• Experience working in educational facilities.

• Strong fault‑finding and root‑cause analysis.
• Safety‑first mindset; excellent permit‑to‑work and risk assessment discipline.
• Customer‑focused with clear written and verbal communication.
• Organised, reliable, and responsive in high‑demand environments.
• Team player, coachable, and proactive in continuous improvement.

• Statutory compliance completion: ≥ 99% on‑time.
• PPM completion: ≥ 95% on‑time;