General Maintenance Operative

Maintenance Technician
Location: Whitecross School Hereford
Contract Type: PFI Contract Hard & Soft FM
Working Pattern: 2 Shifts

Role Purpose

Deliver safe compliant and efficient mechanical maintenance and repairs across the PFI estate ensuring statutory compliance contract SLAs/KPIs and high asset availability. The role covers planned preventive maintenance (PPM) reactive works minor projects and lifecycle support using the CAFM system aligned to SFG20 and relevant legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Repairs

• Execute PPM to SFG20 standards and OEM recommendations on mechanical systems (e.g. HVAC/air handling units pumps motors valves heat exchangers pressurisation sets expansion vessels gas systems plumbing water services).
• Diagnose and repair faults on mechanical plant and building services to restore service within SLA response/rectification times.
• Carry out statutory/compliance tasks within agreed skill set: pressure systems checks gas safety (as competent) water hygiene (flushing temperature monitoring TMV servicing descaling) fire damper checks (mechanical aspects) and emergency generator cooling systems (where applicable).
• Support shutdowns isolations and safe system of work (SSoW) including permits to work (hot works confined spaces working at height LV/HV interface support as required).

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records in the CAFM and site logbook system: close out PPM/reactive tasks attach test certificates asset notes parts usage and time confirmations.
• Complete and file statutory documentation (e.g. LOLER interface where mechanical lifting equipment is present PSSR check records gas safety where applicable water hygiene logs).
• Ensure all works comply with the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act PUWER COSHH PSSR Gas Safety Regulations Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and site-specific policies.

Performance & PFI Contract Delivery

• Meet or exceed contractual SLAs and KPIs (response rectification first-time-fix rate statutory completion backlog).
• Support lifecycle planning: condition surveys asset verification end-of-life risk assessments and minor replacements/refurbishments.
• Identify energy and reliability improvements; contribute to continuous improvement and lessons learned.

Collaboration & Customer

• Coordinate with helpdesk Soft FM subcontractors and client stakeholders to minimise downtime and disruption.
• Provide clear professional updates on progress constraints and risks. Escalate promptly when required.
• Mentor apprentices/junior techs and share best practices.

Tools Materials and Housekeeping

• Ensure calibrated tools and test equipment are maintained and used correctly.
• Manage van stock/spares responsibly; raise material requests and provide technical specification input for procurement.
• Maintain clean safe plantrooms and workshops; adhere to 5S standards.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering / Building Services / Plumbing & Heating.
• Demonstrable experience in mechanical maintenance within a live critical or public estate (PFI/PPP NHS education justice accommodation or similar).
• Strong diagnostics across HVAC plant pumps valves bearings seals and pipework systems.
• Proficient with CAFM systems for PPM/reactive management and asset history.
• Sound understanding of statutory compliance (PSSR COSHH Legionella/L8 & HSG274 SFG20).
• Full UK driving licence (if mobile role).

Desirable

• ACS/Gas Safe (domestic or commercial) modules (if gas systems present).
• Water hygiene training (Responsible Person/Authorised Person support desirable).
• IPAF/PASMA Confined Space Asbestos Awareness First Aid.
• Experience with BMS controls VSDs and commissioning support.
• Experience working in educational facilities.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong fault-finding and root-cause analysis.
• Safety-first mindset; excellent permit-to-work and risk assessment discipline.
• Customer-focused with clear written and verbal communication.
• Organised reliable and responsive in high-demand environments.
• Team player coachable and proactive in continuous improvement.

KPIs & Measures of Success

• Statutory compliance completion: 99% on-time.
• PPM completion: 95% on-time; < 5% PPMs deferred (with valid reason).
• Reactive performance: Meet response and rectification SLAs; first-time-fix 85%.
• CAFM data quality: 100% accurate close-out notes parts time and documentation working real time.
• Safety: Zero RIDDOR incidents; timely closure of corrective actions. Good Catch Near Miss target 1per week minimum safe driving 85% in Samsara.
• Backlog control: Aged work orders within agreed thresholds.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Regular standing lifting (within manual handling limits) climbing ladders and working in plantrooms/roof spaces.
• Use of PPE and RPE as task requires.
• Participation in on-call rota and out-of-hours work as needed.
• Travel between sites (if mobile role).

Compliance & Governance

• Adhere to company policies PFI contract requirements and statutory regulations.
• Participate in audits (internal client independent) implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain training and competency matrix; complete mandatory refreshers on time.

Tools & Systems

• CAFM: Concept
• BMS: e.g. Trend / Siemens / Schneider
• Digital workflows: Mobile device for work orders RAMS permits and asset updates.

Benefits & Progression (Example adjust to your policy)

• Competitive salary standby/call-out allowance overtime.
• Company vehicle (if mobile) tools/PPE provided.
• Training and certifications (ACS Gas Water Hygiene RP/AP Confined Space BMS upskilling).
• Career progression to Lead Tech / AP / Supervisor.