Maintenance Operative

Kara Healthcare; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Kara Healthcare is seeking a capable Maintenance Operative to support our portfolio of elderly residential care homes. You will carry out planned and reactive maintenance, ensure health and safety compliance, and help maintain high standards across sites.

The role requires practical hands-on skills in plumbing, electrical maintenance, decorating, and carpentry, with a focus on safety and minimal disruption to residents.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a maintenance, facilities, handyman, property maintenance, or similar role.
• Practical experience in plumbing.
• Basic electrical maintenance.
• Decorating and general building maintenance.
• Experience carrying out PAT testing, or willingness to undertake training.

Responsibilities

• Carry out general maintenance and repair work across multiple care home sites.
• Undertake basic plumbing repairs and maintenance.
• Complete basic electrical maintenance, including replacing light bulbs, changing fuses, and other minor non-specialist tasks.
• Perform carpentry repairs to doors, locks, furniture, fixtures, and fittings.
• Complete decorating, painting, and general upkeep tasks.
• Carry out routine health and safety inspections.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Identify and report larger maintenance issues requiring specialist contractors.
• Ensure all maintenance work is completed to a high standard with minimal disruption to residents and staff.

Skills

Maintenance

Plumbing

Electrical work

Carpentry

Record keeping

Tools

PAT testing

Job description

At Kara Healthcare, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our residents and are guided by our core values of Care, Compassion, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence.

We are seeking an experienced and reliable Maintenance Operative to support our portfolio of elderly residential care homes, including homes that specialise in caring for residents living with dementia. This is a rewarding, hands‑on role where your work will directly contribute to ensuring our homes remain safe, comfortable, and welcoming environments for both residents and staff.

Kara Healthcare is a quality care provider devoted to delivering first‑class dementia, nursing, residential, and respire care to residents living in our homes. We believe our residents deserves choice, dignity, and independence. Follow our CEO Nitesh Somani or Kara Healthcare LinkedIn to find out more about us.

The Role

As a Maintenance Operative, you will work across multiple care home sites throughout the East Midlands and surrounding areas. You will be responsible for carrying out planned and reactive maintenance, ensuring health and safety compliance, and helping to maintain high standards across all locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out general maintenance and repair work across multiple care home sites.
• Undertake basic plumbing repairs and maintenance.
• Complete basic electrical maintenance, including replacing light bulbs, changing fuses, and other minor non-specialist tasks.
• Perform carpentry repairs to doors, locks, furniture, fixtures, and fittings.
• Complete decorating, painting, and general upkeep tasks.
• Carry out routine health and safety inspections.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Identify and report larger maintenance issues requiring specialist contractors.
• Ensure all maintenance work is completed to a high standard with minimal disruption to residents and staff.

Experience

• Previous experience in a maintenance, facilities, handyman, property maintenance, or similar role.
• Practical experience in:
• Plumbing
• Basic electrical maintenance
• Decorating and general building maintenance
• Experience carrying out PAT testing, or willingness to undertake training.

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and reports.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving maintenance issues.

Driving Requirements

• Full UK driving licence.
• Own vehicle and willingness to travel between care home sites across the North East.

Personal Qualities

We're looking for someone who is:

• Reliable, trustworthy, and highly organised.
• Friendly, approachable, and professional.
• Respectful and understanding when working within elderly and dementia care environments.
• Able to prioritise workloads and respond calmly to maintenance issues.
• Committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and well‑maintained home for residents.

What We Offer

• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A varied and rewarding role with autonomy and responsibility.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of elderly residents.

Successful candidates will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.