Occupying three beautiful campuses (Whiteknights, with its early 19th century planned landscape, London Road with its formal gardens and ceremonial Great Hall, and Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames, with its riverside garden landscape) the unique “University within a Park” setting of the University of Reading is an inspiring place to come to work.
We are seeking to appoint a motivated, assertive yet diplomatic individual to be part of our team here at the University of Reading, predominately managing maintenance at the Greenlands Campus. The post holder will provide an effective and prompt customer focussed, professional and efficient service to the University in accordance with its requirements, aims, objectives and Service Level Agreements using prior knowledge and experience.
You will be someone who can politically navigate the competing needs of the department to offer a 5 star service whilst being cognisant of a clear maintenance remit and budget limitations. You will be an independent thinker who is mindful, an excellent coordinator of people with great communication skills.
Please apply via the Jobtrain site, and demonstrate how you meet the key criteria:
- A relevant trade qualification, ideally in a mechanical or electrical related discipline (minimum requirement equivalent to NVQ level 3).
- Experience in all aspects of planned, preventative and day to day reactive maintenance issues and managing trade operatives "on the tools" in a professional environment.
- Experience of managing and organising Health & Safety for a workforce, and an awareness of current statutory requirements relating to building fabric and services.
- A pragmatic, independent thinker who has a problem-solving approach to work, with the ability to think outside the box and look for deliverable, effective solutions to problems as they arise, which may require negotiation or diplomatic conversations to overcome competing needs.
- Demonstrable customer service skills, particularly in a similar environment, and the understanding of what is required from a customer facing team
- Knowledge and experience of the supervision of appointed specialist/framework contractors and use of a dedicated software package for delivery of hard/soft FM
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly with individuals from all levels of the Campus and if necessary, diplomatically navigate the competing needs of the stakeholder versus the wider organisation.
The University of Reading aims to create a fair and transparent reward strategy; ensuring staff are paid a competitive salary and are recognised and rewarded for their contribution. Members of staff have the opportunity to join a pension scheme sponsored by the University. We have a strong commitment to health and well-being.
Closing date: 12th Jan 2025 although ongoing shortlisting will occur
Interview date 27th Jan 2025 or sooner if a suitable candidate is found
Informal Contact Details
Contact Name Guneet Bhatti
Contact Job Title Deputy Reactive Maintenance Manager
Contact Email address g.k.bhatti@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact
Contact Name Karen Brading
Contact Job Title Head of Reactive Maintenance
Contact Email address k.a.brading@reading.ac.uk
By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
