Multi Skilled Operative

MEARS GROUP PLC; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company van & fuel card

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

MEARS Group PLC in Exeter is seeking a skilled Multi-skilled Operative to deliver high-quality repairs and maintenance across social housing properties. You will work across occupied homes performing carpentry, plumbing, plastering and tiling, with a focus on safety, customer service and first-time fixes.

This is a full-time permanent role, 42.5 hours per week, with a company van and fuel card, extensive benefits and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in domestic repairs and maintenance across multiple trades (e.g. plumbing, plastering, tiling, decorating and minor carpentry)
• Previous experience in full Bathroom refurbishments
• Full UK driving licence
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service skills, with experience working in occupied homes
• Good understanding of health and safety regulations and safe working practices
• Provide own hand and power tools
• Ability to use handheld devices or job management systems to record work
• Willingness to participate in out-of-hours emergency rota

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day Planned Projects across social housing properties
• Complete full Bathroom refurbishments
• Replacing or repairing skirting boards, architraves, and internal door frames
• Installing and adjusting Bathroom units, worktops, and full bathroom refits
• Repairing or replacing internal doors, handles, locks, and hinges
• Identifying and fixing plumbing issues such as leaks, dripping taps, and blocked sinks
• Carrying out patch plastering and making good, damaged walls or ceilings
• Completing wall shower boards and floor tiling repairs, including grouting and sealing and Latex works
• Painting and decorating to a professional finish following repair works
• Ensuring all repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard
• Working in occupied properties with sensitivity to residents' needs and privacy
• Reporting any further works, safeguarding concerns, or property issues beyond scope
• Deliver excellent customer service while working in residents' homes
• Accurately record job details, materials used, and completion notes using handheld devices or job sheets
• Maintain tools, equipment, and company vehicle in good working order
• Manage daily workload efficiently to meet service level targets

Skills

Multi-trade experience

Plumbing

Carpentry

Plastering

Tiling

Decorating

Power tools

Job management systems

Tools

Power tools

Job management systems

Job description

Multi-skilled Operative

Annual salary: up to £35,385.84

Location: Exeter

Contract: Full Time Permanent

Salary up to £35,385.84 per annum, plus, company van & fuel card

42.5 hours per week (8-5 Monday- Friday)

"A desire to make a positive difference wherever we operate has always been at the heart of our business. It was over 30 years ago when we were a small maintenance contractor with a single van; and it still is now we are a truly national company"

About the role:

We're on the lookout for a talented and versatile Multi-Skilled Operative to join our team, supporting a busy Planned works contract in Exeter. This is a dynamic, hands-on role where you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality repairs and maintenance across a range of trades, ensuring residents' homes are safe, functional, and well cared for.

You'll be working across occupied properties, responding to day-to-day project requests that cover carpentry, plumbing, plastering, tiling, and more. No two days are the same, and your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and deliver excellent customer service will be key to your success.

With a strong pipeline of work and a commitment to improving social housing standards, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that's making a real difference in the community. We're looking for someone reliable, skilled across multiple trades, and passionate about getting the job done right the first time.

Duties:

• Carry out day-to-day Planned Projects across social housing properties
• Complete full Bathroom refurbishments
• Replacing or repairing skirting boards, architraves, and internal door frames
• Installing and adjusting Bathroom units, worktops, and full bathroom refits
• Repairing or replacing internal doors, handles, locks, and hinges
• Identifying and fixing plumbing issues such as leaks, dripping taps, and blocked sinks
• Carrying out patch plastering and making good, damaged walls or ceilings
• Completing wall shower boards and floor tiling repairs, including grouting and sealing and Latex works
• Painting and decorating to a professional finish following repair works
• Ensuring all repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard
• Working in occupied properties with sensitivity to residents' needs and privacy
• Reporting any further works, safeguarding concerns, or property issues beyond scope

• Deliver excellent customer service while working in residents' homes
• Accurately record job details, materials used, and completion notes using handheld devices or job sheets
• Maintain tools, equipment, and company vehicle in good working order
• Manage daily workload efficiently to meet service level targets

Role Criteria:

• Proven experience in domestic repairs and maintenance across multiple trades (e.g. plumbing, plastering, tiling, decorating and minor carpentry)
• Previous experience in full Bathroom refurbishments
• Full UK driving licence
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service skills, with experience working in occupied homes
• Good understanding of health and safety regulations and safe working practices
• Provide own hand and power tools
• Ability to use handheld devices or job management systems to record work
• Willingness to participate in out-of-hours emergency rota

Benefits we can offer you.

• Company Sick Pay
• Life Assurance (1x annual salary)
• Company pension scheme with Pensions people
• 5% employee and 3% employer pension contribution with People pension
• Commercial vehicle and fuel card
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity (14 weeks full pay, 12 weeks half pay and 13 weeks statutory pay), paternity (2 weeks full pay) and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme - free confidential support and counselling available
• Mears Rewards offering discounts and cashback at leading retailers including travel, household items and shopping
• Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
• Volunteering leave - up to two days per year to support community initiatives
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Share save scheme
• Recognition and long service awards
• Buy up to 5 days holiday each year depending on length of service
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression opportunities across Mears Group
• Occupational health support
• Green car scheme with Tusker after successful probation period
• Be part of an inclusive workplace with access to a range of colleague networks and support groups focused on diversity, wellbeing and career development. From Disability, Pride (LGBTQ+) and Ethnic Diversity networks to Women in Leadership, the Women Operative Support Group, Women's Health, Men's Mental Health and Armed Forces communities, these groups provide opportunities for support, connection and professional development across our diverse workforce.

All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.

Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.

At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) to coincide with this, we hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.

In our continued effort to promote social mobility, we invite applicants to voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. This is to ensure we are committed to improving social mobility. We use the Social Mobility Index to assess and enhance opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.