Maintenance Operative: Hands-On, Team-Driven

Unite Students; Leeds; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Generous pension scheme

Life assurance

Share save scheme

Enhanced Family Leave

Medicash health plan

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Volunteer day

Retail and hospitality discounts

Job summary

Unite Group is looking for a Maintenance Operative to keep our student accommodation safe and well‑maintained. You’ll perform hands-on repairs, support planned maintenance, and respond to day‑to‑day issues, ensuring high standards across communal areas and a welcoming environment for residents.

You’ll be part of a supportive team, with opportunities to grow practical skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry and general repairs.

Qualifications

• Experience in a maintenance, facilities or property maintenance role or similar hands‑on environment.
• Be confident carrying out general repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Basic understanding of health and safety procedures and safe working practices.
• Practical and solutions‑focused with good problem-solving skills.
• Enjoy working in a team while also being comfortable working independently.
• Good communication skills and a customer‑focused approach.
• Experience with building systems such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry or general repairs would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Carry out hands-on reactive maintenance tasks, resolving issues efficiently and to a high standard
• Support planned maintenance and inspections, helping ensure buildings remain safe and operational
• Maintain high property standards, completing low‑level repairs and general upkeep across communal areas
• Support health and safety compliance, following safe working practices at all times
• Respond to maintenance requests and resident queries, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and professionally
• Identify and report maintenance, safety or operational issues, ensuring they are logged and tracked appropriately
• Support emergency response, acting as a first‑line responder when required
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, providing operational support across the property

Skills

Hands-on maintenance

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Customer-focused

Tools

Plumbing

Electrical

Carpentry

Job description

Unite Group is looking for a Maintenance Operative to keep our student accommodation safe and well‑maintained. You’ll perform hands-on repairs, support planned maintenance, and respond to day‑to‑day issues, ensuring high standards across communal areas and a welcoming environment for residents.

You’ll be part of a supportive team, with opportunities to grow practical skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry and general repairs.