Maintenance Operative | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Job description

About

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Estates Team at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust as a Maintenance Operative. Working across our hospital sites, you will play a vital role in helping to maintain a safe, reliable and efficient environment for patients, visitors and staff.

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will undertake planned and reactive maintenance across a wide range of engineering services, building fabric and healthcare facilities, supporting the operation of critical hospital infrastructure. Working alongside skilled tradespeople and specialist teams, you will contribute to the upkeep of essential systems that enable high quality patient care.

We are looking for a practical and enthusiastic individual with experience in general maintenance, building or engineering works, who is keen to develop new skills and work as part of a supportive team. A flexible approach, commitment to health and safety, and excellent customer service skills are essential.

In return, ESHT offers a rewarding career within the NHS, comprehensive training and development opportunities, access to a wide range of employee benefits, and the opportunity to make a real difference in an organisation that supports thousands of patients every day. Join us and become part of a team that takes pride in keeping our hospitals running safely and effectively.

The Maintenance Operative will carry out planned preventative maintenance, reactive repairs and minor installation works across a wide range of building, mechanical and electrical systems within the Trust's hospital estate. Duties include maintaining plant and equipment, undertaking statutory compliance tasks, carrying out minor building fabric repairs, monitoring critical services, recording maintenance activities using CAFM systems, and supporting the safe operation of healthcare facilities. The postholder will work closely with colleagues, contractors and clinical teams, providing a flexible, customer-focused service while adhering to health and safety procedures and supporting the delivery of a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

 

• Practical experience in general building, engineering or maintenance work.

• Ability to carry out repairs using a range of hand and power tools.Good understanding of health and safety, risk assessments and safe systems of work. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.Good communication, customer service and IT skills. 

• Flexible and adaptable approach to supporting multiple maintenance disciplines. 

• Willingness to undertake training and develop new skills relevant to the role.

• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including plant rooms, confined spaces, working at height and outdoor locations.

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year. 

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Please see attached Job Description. 

 

For any further questions please do not hesitate to reach out.

This advert closes on Friday 20 Nov 2026