Maintenance Operative

Porchlight; East Malling; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Porchlight in Canterbury is seeking a maintenance operative to look after our accommodation and offices in the Canterbury area, with travel to other Porchlight premises in east Kent as required to cover leave or support colleagues.

You will need trades or maintenance experience, strong safety knowledge, a full driving licence and your own car; excellent communication with staff and residents is essential; we value flexible, proactive team players.

Qualifications

• Experience in trades or maintenance is essential.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Good communication and people skills with residents and staff.

Skills

Good communication

People skills

Maintenance experience

Health & safety knowledge

Job description

We put people at the heart of everything we do and the safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff is really important to us. Based in Canterbury, you will primarily conduct maintenance in Porchlight’s accommodation and offices in the Canterbury area. However, you will be required to travel to Porchlight’s other premises in east Kent from time to time to cover leave and sickness or assist other maintenance staff with their duties.

Strong communication and organisational skills are key to this role. You will be a friendly people person who is able to build positive working relationships with staff and residents, liaising with external contractors as required. You will be able to work with the maintenance manager to plan and prioritise your own workload.

What we are looking for:

• Good communication and people skills.
• Experience in trades or maintenance is essential.
• Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations and approved codes of practice.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.

Porchlight is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Location type: On-site

Contract type: Permanent

Interview date: 16th November 2026

Please note, salaries are pro-rata for part-time positions.

Our application form and interview process have been designed to assess your transferable skills rather than direct experience. This helps remove barriers for people who may have the right values, abilities, and potential but may not have formal experience in the role they’re applying for. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Please have a look at the application guidance and job description at the bottom of the page to give you the best chance of being shortlisted.