Multi Skilled Operative

Multi-Skilled Operative – Responsive Repairs

Location: Eastbourne
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £32,069.00 per annum, plus company van & fuel card
Hours: 42.5 hours per week (8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)

We’re looking for a skilled and customer-focused Multi-Skilled Operative to join our Responsive Repairs team in Eastbourne. This is a front-line role where you’ll be attending occupied social housing properties, carrying out day-to-day repairs and maintenance to keep residents’ homes safe, comfortable, and in good working order.

You’ll respond to a wide variety of repair requests, covering multiple trades such as carpentry, plumbing, plastering, tiling, and basic decorating. Working directly in residents’ homes, you’ll be expected to diagnose faults, complete repairs efficiently, and deliver a high standard of workmanship—often getting it right first time.

This role suits someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys problem-solving, and understands the importance of excellent customer service when working in people’s homes. With a strong pipeline of responsive work and a commitment to improving social housing standards, you’ll be part of a team that makes a real difference to residents’ day-to-day lives.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Carry out day-to-day responsive repairs and maintenance in occupied social housing properties
• Attend and resolve repair issues across multiple trades, including carpentry, plumbing, plastering, tiling, and decorating
• Repair or replace skirting boards, architraves, doors, locks, handles, and hinges
• Identify and rectify minor plumbing faults such as leaks, dripping taps, running toilets, and blocked sinks
• Carry out patch plastering and make good walls and ceilings following repair works
• Complete small-scale wall and floor tiling repairs, including grouting and sealing
• Carry out painting and decorating to a professional standard following repairs
• Diagnose faults accurately and determine the most effective repair solution
• Work respectfully and considerately in residents’ homes, maintaining high levels of customer care
• Participate in an out-of-hours emergency repair rota when required
• Report any follow-on works, health & safety issues, safeguarding concerns, or property defects beyond scope
• Accurately record job details, materials used, and completion notes using handheld devices or job sheets
• Manage your daily workload to meet service level and response time targets
• Maintain tools, equipment, and company vehicle in a clean and serviceable condition

Role Criteria:

• Proven experience in responsive repairs and domestic maintenance across multiple trades
• Experience working in occupied properties and dealing directly with residents
• Full UK driving licence
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Good understanding of health & safety regulations and safe working practices
• Confident using handheld devices or job management systems
• Willingness to take part in an out-of-hours emergency repair rota

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company van, fuel card, and uniform
• Annual Mears Fun Day – a company-wide thank you from the Executive team
• Paid Volunteering Leave to support community and social value initiatives
• Mears Rewards – discounts on groceries, holidays, eye tests, share save scheme, and more
• Family-friendly policies

All roles require the right to work in the UK; Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged 21 or over, have held your licence for a minimum of 3 months, and have fewer than 9 points.

Please note that all appointments are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks prior to employment.

Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact:

If you need any help with your application process, we are here to support you. We will be accessible every step of the way.

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.