Maintenance Operative

Sykes Holiday Cottages Ltd; Splatt; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday accommodation provider is seeking a skilled Maintenance Operative in England to handle a variety of property repairs and maintenance tasks. The successful candidate will respond quickly to guest requests, complete inspections, and work with contractors. You'll play a crucial role in ensuring every property remains safe, functional, and visually appealing. Competitive benefits include performance bonuses, generous holiday leave, and mental health support.

Benefits

Performance bonus – up to 5% of salary

33 days holiday (including bank holidays)

Birthday off

Paid volunteering days

Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

Generous discounts on stays

Employee savings scheme

24/7 mental health support

Qualifications

• At least one trade skill such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrics.
• Full, clean UK driving licence required.
• Able to work independently in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Respond quickly to guest maintenance requests.
• Carry out repairs and routine maintenance tasks.
• Liaise with contractors for specialized work.

Skills

General maintenance knowledge

Carpentry

Plumbing

Electrics

Painting/decorating

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Job description

We're looking for a skilled and hands‑on Maintenance Operative to join our John Bray, Rock team. You'll be the go‑to person for tackling property repairs, carrying out routine maintenance, and responding quickly to any issues during a guest's stay. Working closely with property owners, guests, and contractors, you'll help keep every property safe, functional, and looking its best. As part of the team, you'll also join our on‑call rota (one week in five), earning an extra £350‑£525 per week for handling urgent guest issues.

What You'll Do:

• Respond quickly to guest maintenance requests with effective solutions
• Carry out repairs, routine upkeep, and seasonal adjustments (heating, hot water, etc)
• Liaise with contractors for specialist work
• Complete regular property inspections and log via our KEA system
• Communicate clearly with owners and guests, in person and by phone
• Assist with property quality checks alongside the QA team
• Keep the company vehicle maintained, stocked, and ready
• Support winter projects such as decorating and refurbishments
• Arrange refuse collections as required
• Follow all Health & Safety and company policies
• Submit expenses promptly via Concur

If you're practical, quick to problem‑solve, and enjoy variety in your work, this is a role where every day is different – and your skills will make a real impact.

Qualifications:

• General maintenance knowledge plus at least one trade skill (carpentry, plumbing, electrics, painting/decorating)
• Full, clean UK driving licence
• Able to work independently and stay calm in emergencies
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Clear communicator with guests and owners
• Basic IT skills for reporting and inventory management

Bonus points for professional trade qualifications, experience in building systems (boilers, alarms), local area knowledge, holiday let or hospitality experience, or familiarity with Health & Safety standards in holiday accommodation.

For nearly 50 years, John Bray Cornish Holidays have been welcoming guests to some of North Cornwall's most beautiful coastal escapes. From clifftop retreats to cosy fisherman's cottages, every property we manage is handpicked within a 5‑mile stretch of stunning coastline, including Rock, Daymer Bay, Polzeath, and Port Isaac. As part of the award‑winning Sykes Holiday Cottages, we combine the warmth of a local team with the resources of a national brand, delivering memorable holidays for guests and peace of mind for owners.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Performance bonus – up to 5 % of salary
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) + extra days with long service
• Your birthday off just because!
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Proud to be a BCorp – we care about people & planet
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at 100 % pay)
• Generous discounts on stays for you, family & friends
• Employee savings scheme
• 24/7 mental health support and health cash plan
• Loads of training & development opportunities