About the Role
Tired of chasing clients and quoting on weekends? Or perhaps you’re working for a local contractor or public sector team and feeling burnt out by frantic schedules?
If you are a skilled painter looking for a professional, well-paced environment with a genuine focus on team culture and work-life balance, join us at Oxford Brookes University. We know that the quality of our historic and modern estate depends on the expertise of the tradespeople who maintain it.
As a Painter in our in-house Estates Buildings Team, you’ll carry out reactive repairs, planned maintenance, and small improvement works across academic buildings, student accommodation, workshops, and public spaces.
Why Tradespeople Choose Oxford Brookes
- True Work-Life Balance: Steady 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. No weekend work, no material-cost stress, and no chasing invoices.
- Exceptional Paid Time Off: 25 days annual leave (rising with service) + 8 Bank Holidays + approx. 5 additional University closure days (around 38 days total paid leave).
- Generous Pension Scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme with high employer contributions to secure your future.
- Fully Equipped: All premium tools, uniform, and van access for travel between campuses are completely provided.
- Additional Perks: Employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and local discounts on gym memberships, travel, nursery schemes, and retail.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Painting & Maintenance: Carry out reactive, planned, and preventative painting and decorating across internal and external surfaces (walls, ceilings, woodwork, and metalwork). Diagnose defects, surface failures, and finish issues to complete repairs to a high standard.
- Adaptations & Projects: Undertake authorised refurbishment, development, and accessibility projects across the university.
- Inspections & Reporting: Conduct condition surveys of buildings and painted finishes. Identify defects and provide clear written/digital reports.
- Teamwork & Mentorship: Work alongside technicians, handypersons, engineers, and external contractors. Provide guidance and on-the-job support to handypersons when co-working. Communicate professionally with staff and students.
- Health & Safety: Maintain safe, compliant working practices (RAMS), work comfortably at heights/confined spaces, and update digital job records via mobile/CAFM systems.
What We’re Looking For Skills & Experience
- Completed a recognised painting and decorating apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, or equivalent), OR significant proven trade experience.
- Significant post-apprenticeship experience in painting and decorating maintenance.
- Proven experience working across building maintenance environments (experience in occupied buildings is desirable).
Practical & Safety Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence (essential for travelling between university sites).
- Strong understanding of health & safety regulations, ACOPs, and British Standards.
- Ability to read technical drawings, write clear reports, and use mobile/CAFM systems.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
- Open to training, ongoing development, and supporting a “one team” estates approach.
About Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University is a well-established, modern university based in the historic city of Oxford. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to develop, progress, and thrive. We proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of our commitment to gender equality and progression.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles. We take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value, and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
How to Apply & Contact Info
To apply, please submit your CV.
Informal Enquiries: If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the role before applying, please contact Craig Connolly (Building & Grounds Teams Manager) at [email protected].
Pay: £32,080.00-£34,610.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
