Field Maintenance Operative

Location: South East London

Field Maintenance Operative The Company At Birchgrove, we create welcoming rental communities designed exclusively for people over 65 places where residents can feel comfortable, connected, and independent. Our work is about more than just buildings its about people. We put residents and colleagues at the heart of everything we do, making a meaningful difference every day. Were proud to be a Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Employer, and were committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

The Role As the Field Maintenance Operative, you will play an important role in ensuring our Birchgrove communities are safe, well-maintained and compliant with all relevant legislation. Working to Birchgroves SLAs and maintenance standards, this role will support neighbourhoods within the Home Counties. You will carry out planned and reactive maintenance, supporting compliance checks, overseeing contractors where required, and helping to ensure our residents and colleagues receive an excellent level of service.

Travel costs between sites will be covered, with the closest site to your home treated as your starting point for travel purposes. This opportunity would suit someone who does not mind travel around the M25 and who is comfortable travelling between locations as part of their working week. You will work closely with the Estates Manager, General Managers and wider neighbourhood teams to support the smooth day-to-day running of both developments, helping to create safe, comfortable and welcoming homes for our residents.

The Person The ideal applicant should ideally have:
Proven experience in general maintenance, building services or a similar hands-on maintenance role. Experience working across multiple sites or the ability to manage a varied workload in different locations. A good understanding of health and safety requirements and safe systems of work. Strong practical maintenance skills, with confidence carrying out day-to-day repairs, minor installations and general upkeep. The ability to plan, prioritise and manage tasks effectively.

A professional, approachable and helpful manner when working with residents, colleagues and contractors. Good communication skills and the ability to provide clear updates on maintenance issues. A proactive, reliable and self-motivated approach. Sensitivity and respect when working in residents homes and private areas. Flexibility and a positive, can-do attitude. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be desirable due to the travel required between sites.

Desirable experience or qualifications include: A relevant trade qualification, such as City & Guilds or NVQ in Building Maintenance, Plumbing, Electrical or a related discipline.

Experience with in retirement living, residential, care, housing or hospitality environments. Knowledge of COSHH, legionella, fire safety requirements and statutory compliance checks. Fire door inspection and maintenance training. Man-safe training and harness inspection experience.

Key Responsibilities Key responsibilities will include:
Carry out day-to-day repairs, maintenance and minor installations across Ayrton House and Queensgate. Complete planned preventative maintenance tasks and compliance checks in line with Birchgroves required schedules. Complete weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual testing, ensuring records are completed accurately and uploaded to the appropriate systems, including Fixflo and the Birchgrove server. Respond promptly and professionally to maintenance requests from residents and colleagues, working in line with Birchgroves service standards.

Conduct regular checks of key systems including fire alarms, emergency lighting, heating, water systems and other building services. Support compliance with statutory testing requirements, including legionella testing and PAT testing where required. Carry out regular inspections to identify and report hazards, faults or areas requiring attention. Ensure maintenance work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high professional standard. Liaise with and oversee external contractors for specialist works, servicing and repairs.

Ensure contractors work safely and professionally, following Birchgroves contractor management procedures. Check that contracted works are completed to the required specification and within agreed time frames. Communicate clearly with residents, colleagues and managers regarding maintenance updates and…