Planner/Works Programmer

Mears; Worcester Park Estate; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Job summary

Mears is seeking a diligent Planner to coordinate repairs, allocate work to operatives, and ensure timely completion. You will act as the vital link between residents, operatives, and colleagues to deliver a responsive repairs service.

Based in our Dartford area, the role focuses on efficient scheduling, progress tracking, and maintaining high customer service levels while adhering to safety and company policies.

Qualifications

• Pervious Planning experience
• Experience in Building maintenance processes
• Experience in Social housing
• Experience working in a fast-paced, pressurised environment
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use job management and scheduling systems
• Excellent time management, organisational, and communication skills
• A customer-first approach with the ability to handle challenging situations

Responsibilities

• Schedule operatives and subcontractors to ensure resources are used efficiently and repairs are completed on time.
• Monitor and update repair jobs daily, including appointments, follow-on works, and overdue tasks.
• Manage the repairs inbox, dealing with emails from tenants and the client.
• Handle damp and mould cases, speaking with tenants to assess risk and liaising with the client.
• Support the use of IT systems, ensuring operatives update their PDAs and that schedule-of-rates codes are entered correctly.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with residents, operatives, and stakeholders to keep all parties informed.
• Provide cover for other planners and attend meetings or training sessions as needed.
• Adhere to health & safety requirements and assist with reporting and KPI monitoring.

Skills

Planning experience

Building maintenance

Social housing

Fast-paced environment

IT skills

Time management

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Customer-first approach

Tools

Job management systems

Scheduling systems

Job description

Planner

Annual salary: up to £30,000.00

Location: Dartford

Full time / Permanent

Salary: £30,000 Per Annum

Hours: 42.5 hours Monday - Friday

Mears are the largest provider of repairs and maintenance, and regeneration services across the UK. We are a highly responsible partner, who is committed to; delivering the highest levels of customer service, keeping our promises, creating a great place to work, and tackling issues that matter to people and communities.

We are looking for an organised and proactive Planner to join our local repairs team. You'll play a vital role in ensuring repairs are scheduled efficiently, works are allocated to operatives, and jobs are completed quickly and to a high standard. As the key link between residents, operatives, and colleagues, you will help deliver a customer-focused, responsive repairs service.

Duties

• Schedule operatives and subcontractors to ensure resources are used efficiently and repairs are completed on time.
• Monitor and update repair jobs daily, including appointments, follow‑on works, and overdue tasks.
• Manage the repairs inbox, dealing with emails from tenants and the client.
• Handle damp and mould cases, speaking with tenants to assess whether their property is high‑risk, liaising with the client, and issuing any required follow‑on letters.
• Support the use of IT systems, ensuring operatives update their PDAs and that schedule‑of‑rates codes are entered correctly.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with residents, operatives, and stakeholders to keep all parties informed.
• Work closely with administrators, supervisors, and contractors to deliver a seamless service.
• Provide cover for other planners when required and attend meetings or training sessions as needed.
• Always Adhere to company policies and Health & Safety requirements.
• Assist with reporting and performance monitoring to ensure KPIs and targets are achieved.
• Help prioritise emergency and urgent repairs to minimise disruption for residents.
• Maintain accurate records, data, and documentation for audits and compliance purposes.
• Support continuous service improvement by suggesting ways to streamline planning and scheduling processes.

Role Criteria

• Pervious Planning experience
• Experience in Building maintenance processes
• Experience in Social housing
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, pressurised environment
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use job management and scheduling systems
• Excellent time management, organisational, and communication skills
• A customer‑first approach with the ability to handle challenging situations

Benefits

• 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 ond 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.

Company Sick Pay

Life Assurance (2x annual salary)

5% employee and 3% employer pension contribution with People pension

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

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 En