Maintenance Technician

Role Overview

The Maintenance Technician will oversee and execute maintenance tasks for Waterstones' bookshops and cafes throughout the Glasgow area. Reporting to the Area Maintenance Manager, this position involves collaboration with the Maintenance Service Desk, Health & Safety teams, regional support, and retail units. The job covers a variety of trades including electrical work, plumbing, joinery, painting, and decorating. Candidates must hold a full UK driving license as a company van will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and coordinate maintenance and statutory compliance activities in Glasgow's Waterstones shops, covering electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and painting tasks.
• Manage specific job lists for each store and ensure timely completion within set deadlines.
• Partner closely with store teams and regional support to identify issues, generate job lists, and organize workload planning.
• Provide reports on subcontracted project and maintenance activities.
• Report completed tasks to the Service Desk to maintain accurate documentation and evidence.
• Conduct annual inspections, documenting health and safety risks, executing immediate fixes, updating asset records, and proposing shop improvements.
• Maintain proper stock levels of maintenance supplies by monitoring and arranging replenishment.
• Carry out routine upkeep and housekeeping to maximize equipment lifespan.
• Adhere strictly to Health & Safety policies and environmental standards, promptly reporting any compliance issues or hazards.
• Respond swiftly and effectively to emergency call-outs, maintaining clear communication with stores and Service Desk regarding job progress.
• Occasionally work away from the base location and may need to stay overnight when supporting central projects.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Multi-skilled technician with practical experience in electrical, decoration, joinery, and plumbing tasks.
• Solid understanding of health and safety regulations and experience working in public settings.
• Good grasp of general building maintenance practices.
• Competent in IT, including email communication, and use of Excel and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical training certifications.
• PASMA certification (training available).
• Prior experience in a retail environment.

Personal Attributes

• Confident working both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to manage and prioritize competing demands.
• Skilled in explaining technical or complex matters clearly to non-technical individuals.
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Friendly, approachable, and communicates well.
• Strong time management capabilities.
• Capable of following instructions and independently making decisions with minimal supervision.

About Waterstones

Waterstones is a leading bookseller in the UK and Ireland with a history dating back to 1982. It operates over 300 shops across the UK, Ireland, and Europe and continues to grow with new openings. Waterstones also provides an online presence reflecting the enthusiasm and expertise of its booksellers.

Diversity and Inclusion

Waterstones is dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace and aims to reflect the diversity of the society it serves. The company is committed to eliminating discrimination and creating an environment where all employees feel respected and can excel.

Reasonable Adjustments

Applicants who require any reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process due to disability are encouraged to inform their interviewers or contacts during interview arrangements.