Trade Supervisor (Gas and Plumbing)

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking an experienced Gas & Plumbing Trade Supervisor to lead a skilled team of engineers and subcontractors. The role involves overseeing gas and plumbing repairs and ensuring compliance with all safety standards. Candidates should have up-to-date gas certifications, strong leadership skills, and relevant technical experience. This position values diversity and offers competitive benefits, including generous holiday entitlement and flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days plus bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Experience as a Gas Engineer or Plumber.
• Solid understanding of gas and plumbing installations and repairs.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and support.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers and subcontractors.
• Schedule and allocate jobs effectively.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies.

Skills

Leadership

Gas compliance

Plumbing knowledge

Technical expertise

Communication

Education

Recognized trade apprenticeship or City & Guilds qualification

Up-to-date domestic gas certifications (CCN1, CENWAT, CKR1, HTR1, CPA1)

Job description

Lead the way as our Gas & Plumbing Trade Supervisor! We’re looking for an experienced, knowledgeable and supportive leader to guide our skilled team of gas engineers, plumbers and specialist subcontractors. If you’re passionate about quality workmanship, great service and developing others, this is a fantastic opportunity to take the next step in your career.

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

Based at our Bennet Road depot in Reading (RG2 0QX), you’ll be the technical lead and first point of contact for all things gas and plumbing within the Housing Repairs team.

You’ll lead, support and develop a team of gas engineers, plumbers and specialist subcontractors, helping them deliver safe, high‑quality repairs, servicing and maintenance. Your mix of technical expertise and people skills will ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and with pride.

We’re looking for a qualified Gas & Plumbing professional with up-to-date domestic gas certifications, including CCN1, CENWAT, CKR1, HTR1 and CPA1, covering areas such as boiler and water heater servicing, gas cooker installation, gas fire maintenance and combustion analysis.

Responsibilities

• Allocate gas and plumbing jobs and manage work scheduling
• Supervise staff on site, ensuring workloads are prioritised effectively
• Monitor quality, productivity and compliance across all gas and plumbing works
• Carry out toolbox talks, skills assessments, 1:1s and van stock checks
• Ensure safe use of equipment, materials and vehicles
• Plan work programmes so repairs and servicing are completed on time and in the right order
• Identify training needs and support staff development
• Ensure all health and safety and gas safety policies are followed
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and support to your team
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Repairs & Maintenance to deliver a consistent service

About You

You’ll bring strong technical experience as a Gas Engineer or Plumber, backed by a recognised trade apprenticeship or City & Guilds qualification.

You’ll have a solid understanding of gas and plumbing repairs, installations, servicing and compliance, with the confidence to apply regulations and industry standards to ensure safe, high‑quality work across our housing stock.

Just as important as your technical skills is your ability to lead and communicate. You’ll be someone who can motivate, support and organise others, building strong working relationships across teams.

You’ll have good commercial awareness and an understanding of how performance, KPIs and service standards contribute to an effective repairs service.

You’ll feel comfortable assessing the work of others, setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback. You’ll also be confident using IT systems and handheld technology to manage workflows, and you’ll be motivated to help the team continuously improve.

Above all, you’ll be a supportive, approachable and professional leader who takes pride in both the work delivered and the people you manage.

Our Values and Behaviours

• Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
• Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
• Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our 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.

Benefits

• 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

For more information on this position please contact Sean Donaghue, Assistant Housing Repairs and Maintenance Manager – [e-mail]

Closing Date: Thursday 29th January 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interviews to take place in person at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX