Caretaker / Premises Assistant – South East London

About the role

We are seeking an experienced caretaker to maintain a safe, clean and fully operational site in South East London. The role involves day‑to‑day management of the premises, supporting building operations and acting as the first point of contact for staff, visitors and contractors.

Key responsibilities

• Open and secure the building each morning and ensure ongoing security.
• Carry out routine inspections and report maintenance or health‑and‑safety issues.
• Perform basic reactive maintenance and minor repairs such as painting, plumbing, carpentry and general handyman tasks.
• Coordinate and monitor contractors, ensuring work is completed safely and to standard.
• Conduct regular health‑and‑safety checks, including fire alarm and emergency‑lighting testing, and maintain compliance records.
• Keep internal and external areas clean, tidy and presentable.
• Set up rooms and facilities for meetings and events.
• Support waste‑management and recycling processes.
• Monitor building systems, report faults and respond promptly to emergencies.
• Maintain stock levels of cleaning and maintenance supplies and liaise with staff and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• Previous experience as a caretaker, premises assistant, site officer or similar role.
• Proven ability to carry out minor repairs and general building maintenance.
• Good understanding of health‑and‑safety procedures and building compliance.
• Ability to work independently, manage a varied workload and communicate effectively.
• Experience liaising with contractors and supervising on‑site works.
• Reliable, proactive and hands‑on approach.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (essential).
• Experience in a school, college, NHS or public‑sector environment is desirable.

Required skills

• Painting
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Basic maintenance and repairs
• Health & safety compliance
• Fire alarm testing
• Emergency lighting testing
• Waste management
• Stock control