Maintenance Operative

Porchlight; Swanley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Porchlight is seeking an on-site Maintenance Operative to service its accommodation and offices in the Swale area. You will occasionally travel to other Kent premises to cover leave or support the maintenance team, ensuring safe, well‑maintained facilities for residents and staff.

Ideal candidates will have basic maintenance experience, good communication skills, and a solid understanding of health and safety. A driving licence and access to a car are essential for site-to-site travel.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Experience in basic maintenance is essential.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations is advantageous; training can be provided.
• A full driving licence and access to a car are required for travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Porchlight’s accommodation and offices in the Swale area.
• Occasionally travel to Porchlight’s other Kent premises to cover leave or support maintenance staff.
• Liaise with external contractors as required.
• Work with the maintenance manager to plan and prioritise workload.

Skills

Communication skills

Basic maintenance

Health & safety

Driving licence

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 Swale, you will primarily conduct maintenance in Porchlight’s accommodation and offices in the Swale area. However, you will be required to travel to Porchlight’s other premises in 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 basic maintenance is essential.
• Good knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations and approved codes of practice would be advantageous but full training can be given.
• A full driving licence and access to a car (subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Equality Act 2010).

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: 9th November 2026 - 12th 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.