Repairs and Maintenance Inspector - Housing Repairs Team

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the UK is seeking a skilled Repairs and Maintenance Inspector to ensure high standards in housing maintenance. You will inspect, specify, and supervise maintenance works while collaborating with housing officers and contractors. The ideal candidate should have a solid background in building systems, excellent communication skills, and a relevant construction qualification. This role offers a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing day-to-day building repairs.
• Strong understanding of statutory legislation and building contracts.
• Proven site experience in related trade.

Responsibilities

• Inspect day-to-day repairs undertaken by the workforce.
• Carry out pre-inspections as required.
• Liaise with Housing Officers and contractors on repairs.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organisational abilities

Knowledge of building systems

Problem-solving skills

Fault diagnosis experience

Education

Building construction qualification (minimum ONC/OND)

City & Guilds or equivalent

Job description

Fixed term for 23 months – 37 hours per week

Reading Borough Council has an ongoing programme of maintenance to ensure our housing stock meets the required high standard. Due to an increase in work for both internal and external clients Property Services are looking to recruit a Repairs and Maintenance Inspector to join the Team.

We are seeking a skilled and detail‑oriented Repairs and Maintenance Inspector to be responsible for the inspection, specification, ordering and supervision of works of the maintenance and repair operations for our properties. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of building systems and construction techniques, as well as excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

The role will be based at our Bennet Road depot – 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX.

To provide a comprehensive professional building repairs inspection service in respect of day‑to‑day maintenance of properties, within the housing portfolio including Temporary Accommodation and Short Term Lets.

Duties

• Post inspect day‑to‑day repairs undertaken by the directly employed labour force and Council’s contractors.
• Carry out pre‑inspections as required.
• Undertake inspections within the Voids and Planned Team as work levels demand.
• Assist in the delivery of a sensitive and high‑profile service where conflicting priorities will need to be managed.
• Liaise with Housing Officers and contractors on a day‑to‑day basis regarding works in progress.
• Consult with tenants/residents in conjunction with other housing client and contractor staff on pre and post work repair.

About you

Building construction qualification to minimum ONC/OND with relevant experience or City & Guilds or equivalent in a recognised trade or several years proven site experience.

Knowledge of statutory legislation and building contracts.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with tenants, colleagues, and contractors.

Experience of budgetary monitoring and control.

Solid organisational and time‑management abilities, with a keen attention to detail.

Experience of fault diagnoses.

Full UK driving licence.

What we offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years; the monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Sean Donaghue – Assistant Housing Repairs & Maintenance Manager – [e-mail].

Closing Date: Sunday 14th December 2025

Interview Date: January 2026

Interview Setup: In person at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX.