Facilities Maintenance Operative

Vacancy Introduction

Come and join our team!

We’re looking for a Facilities Maintenance Operative to join our Building Services team based at Wherstead Park, Ipswich, with travel across our sites when needed. This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, and we’re looking for someone who can start immediately. You’ll work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, carrying out a variety of tasks to keep our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for colleagues and customers.

Want to know more? Take a look at the job description attached to the bottom of this page.

Our working patterns are non-contractual. Any advertised working pattern represents the normal working pattern for the role at time of advertisement and may be subject to change.

What you’ll be doing

• Carrying out painting, decorating, and finishing works to keep our buildings looking professional
• Delivering planned, preventative, and reactive building repairs across our sites
• Completing basic plumbing and carpentry tasks within your competency level
• Supporting office moves, refurbishments, and minor fit-outs
• Conducting building checks, logging maintenance requests, and ensuring timely completion
• Liaising with contractors for specialist works while maintaining safe working practices
• Responding to emergencies such as breakdowns, leaks, and building security issues
• Providing excellent customer service to colleagues and supporting the wider maintenance team

The person we are looking for 

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in keeping buildings safe, well-presented, and fit for purpose. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in building maintenance, facilities, or handyman roles
• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant trade (e.g. painting, carpentry, plumbing, building maintenance)
• A full UK driving licence to travel between sites
• Confidence using hand and power tools safely
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with good time management
• Effective communication and customer service skills

It would be great if you also have qualifications such as IPAF/PASMA, Health & Safety training, or First Aid at Work, but these are not essential.

Perks of the job

At the East of England Co-op, we strive to be the best place to work. We invest in our colleagues to help them to progress in their careers and achieve their full potential. How do we do this?  

• Competitive rates of pay
• 20% discount in our food stores, along with other discounts across our family of businesses
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holiday entitlement) which increases with service
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Death in service benefit
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements*
• Opportunities to grow, with award-winning training and apprenticeship programmes
• Great discounts, deals, and cashback across over 900 high street and online retailers
• Financial wellbeing support, including Stream®
• Access to Cycle To Work, Rental Deposit Scheme, and SmartTech (after a qualifying period)
• Employee Recognition Scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Free remote GP service, available 24/7, including prescription, fitness, nutrition, and counselling services
• Employee Assistance Programme

We recognise the challenges people face trying to balance commitments both in and out of the workplace - perhaps studying, caring commitments, or other employment. We therefore aim to be as flexible as possible, to create shift patterns that work for both our co-op and our colleagues.

* Enhanced on statutory terms, subject to service criteria.