Soft Services Operative (Porter/Janitor)

NBI; Norwich; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The NBI Partnership invites applications for a Soft Services Operative (Porter/Janitor) at the Norwich Research Park. The role covers caretaking, porter services, maintenance, cleaning and event setups to keep buildings safe, clean and in good repair.

The position is full-time and indefinite. Salary ranges from £24,455 to £25,000, with pro-rata consideration. UKVI visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths & English
• Manual Handling qualification
• NVQ/BTEC in relevant construction trades
• Forklift certification

Responsibilities

• Manage hazardous waste including autoclave operation and nitrogen Dewar handling
• Daily waste collection and coordination with contractors
• Move furniture and equipment including large items (forklift use where required)
• Support event setups and room reconfigurations
• Carry out external cleaning including entrances, paths and signage
• Complete basic maintenance tasks and support maintenance teams
• Conduct vehicle checks, cleaning and support servicing logistics
• Undertake gritting and seasonal site maintenance
• Provide mail delivery and site support services

Skills

Hazardous waste management

Forklift operation

Teamwork

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Independent working

Education

GCSEs including Maths & English

Manual Handling qualification

NVQ/BTEC in construction trades

Forklift certification

Job description

Job Title Soft Services Operative (Porter/Janitor) Post Number 1006139 Closing Date 17 Nov 2026 Grade SC9 Starting Salary Salary: £24,455-£25,000

Hours per week 37 Months Duration Indefinite

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

Provide facilities support including caretaking duties, porter services, maintenance works, cleaning, and event setups across the Norwich Research Park to ensure buildings are safe, clean and in good repair.

Key Relationships

Janitorial Services Team Leader – Line Manager, Soft Services Manager, Contracts Supervisor, Members of the Facilities Hard Services Team, Institute personnel, heads of function, lab managers

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Main responsibilities: • Manage hazardous waste including autoclave operation and nitrogen Dewar handling

Main responsibilities: • Manage hazardous waste including autoclave operation and nitrogen Dewar handling
• Daily waste collection and coordination with contractors
• Move furniture and equipment including large items (forklift use where required)
• Support event setups and room reconfigurations
• Carry out external cleaning including entrances, paths and signage
• Complete basic maintenance tasks and support maintenance teams
• Conduct vehicle checks, cleaning and support servicing logistics
• Undertake gritting and seasonal site maintenance
• Provide mail delivery and site support services Health, Safety & Compliance:
• Comply with all NBIP policies and procedures, maintain safe working practices, report hazards, and support a positive safety culture Technical Governance:
• Undertake tasks only within competence and under supervision where required, ensuring compliance with facilities policies and standards As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance GCSEs including Maths & English Desirable Manual Handling qualification Desirable NVQ/BTEC in relevant construction trades Desirable Forklift certification Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Ability to work to tight deadlines Essential Understanding of building repairs and maintenance/construction trades Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience in supporting trades Essential Experience in porterage or caretaking; supporting trades Essential Recent experience of working in multi-functional environments Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Good communication skills, both written and verbal Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Partnership Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Manual handling of heavy loads up to 25kg (reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates with a disability) Essential Full UK driving licence (reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates with a disability) Essential Prepared to work on a shift system during the working day, and participate in a standby out of hours rota Essential Ability to work at height Essential

Who We Are

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Soft Services Operative (Porter/Janitor)
The NBI Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a Soft Services Operative (Porter/Janitor) to join their busy Facilities department.
Background:
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes are a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing.
The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.
Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team. In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.
The role:
Provide facilities support including caretaking duties, porter services, maintenance works, cleaning, and event setups across the Norwich Research Park to ensure buildings are safe, clean and in good repair.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £24,455 to £25,000, pro-rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for an indefinite period.
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.
The closing date for applications will be 17 November 2026.