Lead Maintenance Operative: Hands-On & Team Leader

Unite Students; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus twice a year

25 days annual leave plus bank hols

Pension scheme 4%-11%

Life assurance 4x salary

Share save scheme

Enhanced Family Leave

Medicash health plan

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Volunteer day

Discounts

Job summary

Unite Group is seeking a Lead Maintenance Operative to deliver high-quality maintenance across our student accommodation brands Unite Students and Hello Student. You will work closely with the Maintenance Manager, carry out hands-on tasks, and step into a leadership role when required.

This role emphasizes safety, compliance and maintaining high standards across buildings while coordinating daily activities and supporting colleagues to ensure a positive resident experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in a maintenance, facilities or property maintenance role.
• Strong technical ability and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on reactive and planned maintenance tasks to a high standard.
• Coordinate day-to-day maintenance activities and manage workload.
• Maintain safe and compliant buildings; assist with health and safety checks.
• Step into a lead role when required and support colleagues.
• Monitor property standards and carry out low-level repairs across communal areas.
• Log and track maintenance, safety and operational issues in internal systems.
• Liaise with contractors and suppliers for maintenance works as needed.
• Support stock control and ensure materials and PPE are used efficiently.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies, providing first-line support.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Leadership

Health and safety

Team collaboration

Job description

Unite Group is seeking a Lead Maintenance Operative to deliver high-quality maintenance across our student accommodation brands Unite Students and Hello Student. You will work closely with the Maintenance Manager, carry out hands-on tasks, and step into a leadership role when required.

This role emphasizes safety, compliance and maintaining high standards across buildings while coordinating daily activities and supporting colleagues to ensure a positive resident experience.