Maintenance Operative
Deverell Smith Ltd
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £32,000 + Discretionary Bonus
Hours: Full-time | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday (with flexibility to support business needs)
The Opportunity
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading Build to Rent (BTR) operator for a Maintenance Operative to join a thriving residential community in Cambridge.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a multi-skilled maintenance professional who enjoys working in a customer-focused environment and takes pride in delivering high standards. You'll play a key role in ensuring residents enjoy a safe, well-maintained and welcoming place to call home.
Working closely with the Facilities Manager and wider site team, you'll be responsible for planned and reactive maintenance, preparing apartments for new residents, supporting statutory compliance and helping maintain exceptional communal spaces.
No two days are the same, making this an ideal role for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving and providing excellent customer service alongside their technical skills.
Key Responsibilities
Planned & Reactive Maintenance
Complete planned preventative maintenance (PPM) in line with statutory requirements.
Carry out compliance checks including fire safety, water hygiene, electrical and other building systems.
Respond promptly to reactive maintenance requests, aiming for first-time fixes wherever possible.
Undertake a range of maintenance works including:
Painting & decorating
Basic plumbing
Minor joinery
Plastering
General building repairs
Conduct routine inspections of apartments, communal areas and resident amenities, identifying issues before they become problems.
Apartment Turnarounds
Prepare apartments to an exceptional standard for new residents.
Complete make-ready works between tenancies within agreed turnaround times.
Assist with furniture assembly, movement and inventory where required.
Health & Safety & Compliance
Ensure all maintenance activities are completed safely and in accordance with current legislation.
Maintain accurate maintenance and compliance records using CAFM/property management systems.
Support the Facilities Manager with risk assessments, statutory compliance and site inspections.
Report hazards and ensure remedial works are completed promptly.
Resident Experience
Deliver a professional, friendly and customer-focused service during every resident interaction.
Communicate clearly with residents regarding maintenance appointments and ongoing works.
Take ownership of maintenance issues through to completion, ensuring residents remain informed throughout.
Site Presentation
Help maintain high presentation standards across all communal areas and resident amenities.
Support with the setup and maintenance of amenity spaces for resident events.
Identify and report cleanliness or maintenance issues across the development.
Stock & Contractor Management
Assist in managing maintenance stock, tools and consumables.
Accurately record completed works and materials used.
Build positive working relationships with contractors and suppliers while ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
General Duties
Provide clear handovers between colleagues where required.
Support additional maintenance projects across the development.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Act as a positive ambassador for the development and contribute to creating an outstanding resident experience.
About You
We're looking for someone who is practical, proactive and passionate about delivering exceptional standards.
Essential
Previous experience as a Maintenance Operative, Fabric Technician, Handyperson or Multi-Trader.
Multi-skilled experience across several trades, including painting & decorating, plumbing, joinery, plastering or general maintenance.
Good understanding of planned preventative maintenance and Health & Safety legislation.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Able to work independently and manage your own workload.
Strong attention to detail with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Comfortable using maintenance management or CAFM systems.
Good written and spoken English.
Desirable
Experience within Build to Rent (BTR), PBSA, residential property, hotels or hospitality.
Relevant trade qualification (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent).
Experience using systems such as Yardi, FixFlo or other CAFM/property management platforms.
What's on Offer
Salary of £32,000
Discretionary bonus
Monday to Friday working pattern
Opportunity to join a growing Build to Rent operator
Supportive team environment
Ongoing training and career development
The chance to work within one of the UK's fastest-growing residential sectors
If you're a hands-on maintenance professional looking to progress your career within the Build to Rent sector, we'd love to hear from you.
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.