Lead Maintenance Operative – Multi Trade

About the role

We are partnering with a fast‑growing childcare organisation to recruit a Lead Maintenance Operative who will oversee the upkeep of multiple early‑years education sites across London and Essex. Reporting to senior management, you will be the primary point of contact for both reactive and planned maintenance, ensuring safe, compliant and welcoming environments for children and staff.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out reactive and scheduled preventative maintenance across a portfolio of sites.
• Diagnose and repair electrical faults, lighting systems and perform basic electrical installations.
• Execute plumbing repairs, drain maintenance and general building upkeep.
• Clean and service air‑conditioning units, performing basic fault diagnosis.
• Maintain door access, intruder and fire alarm systems.
• Perform carpentry tasks, including fire‑door repairs and general joinery.
• Repair roofing, guttering and external building fabric.
• Install and service telephone lines, Wi‑Fi extenders and related infrastructure.
• Maintain CCTV systems and troubleshoot related issues.
• Keep accurate maintenance records and compliance documentation.

Required profile

• Proven experience in commercial building maintenance covering multiple trades.
• Level 3 City & Guilds 18th Edition electrical qualification.
• Full UK driving licence and own tools.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and the capacity to work independently across several sites.

Required skills

• Electrical fault finding and lighting maintenance
• Plumbing and drain repair
• Air‑conditioning cleaning and basic diagnostics
• CCTV system maintenance and troubleshooting
• Carpentry and fire‑door repair
• Roofing and gutter repair
• Door access, intruder and fire alarm maintenance
• Telephone line and Wi‑Fi extender installation

What we offer

• Competitive salary £45,000‑£50,000 per year plus performance bonus
• Company‑provided van for travel between sites
• Opportunity to work with a stable, expanding organisation that invests in its people