Unite Students
Lead Maintenance Operative
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Lead Maintenance Operative
Lead Maintenance Operative – Unite Group
Location: Birmingham South & Coventry Contract Type: Permanent Salary: Competitive + benefits
About the Role
At Unite Group, we create Homes for Success through our student accommodation brands, Unite Students and Hello Student. This opportunity is part of our Unite Students or Hello Student teams.
The Lead Maintenance Operative plays a vital role in ensuring our student accommodation properties are safe, compliant, and well-maintained. Working alongside our Maintenance Manager, you’ll perform essential hands-on maintenance tasks while supporting broader operational activities. Your skills in problem-solving, ownership, and teamwork will be crucial—alongside your ability to provide leadership and maintain top-tier standards.
Your Impact
Your days will never be identical, combining reactive repairs, planned maintenance, and operational coordination. You’ll contribute to a seamless resident experience while ensuring our buildings remain safe, efficient, and welcome spaces for students.
Responsibilities
You’ll be expected to handle a mix of technical and leadership tasks, such as:
- Executing maintenance tasks – Delivering both reactive and planned repairs efficiently and to a high standard.
- Coordination support – Managing workload priorities and service delivery alongside the team.
- Safety compliance – Overseeing health and safety checks, following safe working practices, and ensuring buildings remain compliant.
- Leadership – Stepping into a lead role as needed, guiding colleagues, and ensuring smooth operations in the absence of the Maintenance Manager.
- Property care – Carrying out low-level repairs and maintaining communal areas to uphold our standards.
- Issue tracking – Logging, monitoring, and resolving maintenance, safety, and operational problems via internal systems.
- Supplier/Contractor liaison – Coordinating works with external contractors when needed.
- Stock management – Keeping tools, materials, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) organised and efficient.
- Incident response – Providing first-line support during emergencies or urgent resident queries.
- Customer-focused service – Resolving issues promptly and professionally to enhance resident satisfaction.
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Your Background
While this role doesn’t follow a strict “traditional” career path, we’re looking for someone with:
- Technical experience in a maintenance, facilities, or property maintenance environment.
- Reactive repair skills – Comfortable diagnosing and fixing common issues independently.
- Health and safety knowledge – Strong understanding of regulations and safe work practices.
- General building expertise – Familiarity with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or general property maintenance.
- Leadership & adaptability – Willing to mentor others, prioritise tasks, and work efficiently as part of a team.
- Communication abilities – Customer-focused attitude to engage with residents, teams, and contractors.
- Organisational & problem-solving skills – Ability to track issues and maintain high standards under pressure.
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What Makes Working with US Special?
At Unite Students, we believe in building living communities, not just buildings. Whether you’re starting your career or progressing further, we’ll support your growth, confidence, and long-term success.
Beyond our welcoming culture, we offer our staff a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our dedication to empowering our teams:
Our Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses paid twice a year.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
- Generous pension scheme – Contributions range from 4% to 11%, depending on how much you save.
- Life assurance worth 4 times your salary.
- Share Save Scheme – Purchase Unite Students shares at a discounted rate.
- Enhanced Family Leave policies.
- Medicash (Health Cash Plan).
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- One free volunteering day per year.
- Retail & hospitality discounts.
Additionally, we provide learning and development opportunities, helping you grow professionally as part of a unique organisation.
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