Multi-Skilled Carpenter / General BuilderAbout Jenks & Co
Jenks & Co Carpentry & Building Services Ltd is a growing residential construction company based around Yeovil, working across Somerset, Dorset and parts of Devon.
We specialise in high-quality residential projects including:
- Extensions
- Loft conversions
- Garage conversions
- Structural alterations
- Full house renovations
- Refurbishments
- Carpentry and joinery
- General building works
We pride ourselves on being organised, professional and client-focused. Our aim is not simply to complete building work, but to provide clients with a well-managed experience from start to finish.
As the company continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Multi-Skilled Carpenter / General Builder who wants to become a key part of the team and grow with the business long term.
The Role:
This is a hands-on role working across a variety of residential construction projects.
We are looking for someone who has a strong carpentry and multi trade background but is also comfortable getting involved in general building work and supporting the wider project as required.
The right person will be capable of working independently when required, but must also be happy working as part of a small team and supporting other members of staff.
This is not a role for somebody who only wants to carry out one trade. Our projects are varied and we need somebody who is willing to get involved, solve problems and help keep jobs moving.
Typical Work:
Depending on the project, your work may include:
- First-fix carpentry
- Second-fix carpentry
- Timber studwork and partitions
- Roof structures and associated carpentry
- Internal doors, skirting and architraves
- Flooring
- Kitchen installation
- Plasterboarding
- Insulation
- Structural alterations
- Assisting with steel installations
- Forming new openings
- Demolition and strip-out works
- General building work
- Repairs and remedial work
- Refurbishment and renovation works
- Working alongside subcontractors and specialist trades
- Keeping work areas clean, safe and organised
You are not expected to be an expert in every trade, but you should be confident carrying out a broad range of building tasks and willing to learn where required.
What We Are Looking For:
We are looking for someone who:
- Has good practical experience within residential construction
- Has a strong background in carpentry or general building
- Can work confidently with hand and power tools
- Can read and understand drawings and basic construction information
- Is comfortable carrying out both first and second fix work
- Can work independently without constant supervision
- Is able to recognise what needs doing and use their own initiative
- Takes pride in producing a good standard of work
- Is reliable and punctual
- Communicates well with clients and colleagues
- Understands the importance of maintaining clean and organised sites
- Is willing to support apprentices, labourers and less experienced members of the team
- Is comfortable working in occupied homes
- Is willing to travel to different projects when required
- Wants a long-term position rather than simply moving from job to job
Initiative and Site Standards:
One of the biggest things we value is initiative.
If you finish a task, we do not want somebody who simply stands and waits to be told what to do next.
There is nearly always something that can be done, whether that means:
- Preparing the next area of work
- Organising materials
- Helping another member of the team
- Cleaning and tidying
- Checking what is required next
- Making the site safer and more organised
Clean and well-managed sites are extremely important to us.
Our clients are often living in or around the property while work is taking place, so keeping sites clean, safe and presentable is a fundamental part of the role.
Working With Clients:
A large proportion of our work is carried out in people's homes.
Because of this, professionalism and communication are just as important as practical ability.
You will be expected to:
- Be polite and respectful
- Communicate professionally
- Respect clients' homes and belongings
- Keep disruption to a minimum where possible
- Maintain a clean working environment
- Represent Jenks & Co positively at all times
- Raise concerns with the appropriate person rather than discussing internal company matters directly with clients
We want clients to feel comfortable with every member of our team being in their home.
Teamwork:
We operate as a team.
Although you will sometimes be expected to work independently, you must also be willing to support others and contribute to the wider project.
This may include:
- Working alongside labourers and apprentices
- Helping less experienced team members develop
- Coordinating tasks with subcontractors
- Supporting other trades where required
- Communicating clearly about progress or potential issues
- Helping maintain good morale and professionalism on site
We are not looking for somebody who believes certain tasks are beneath them.
Everyone contributes to getting the project completed properly.
Travel:
Our main base is around Yeovil, but our projects can be located throughout Somerset, Dorset and Devon.
Applicants must therefore be prepared to travel as part of the role.
Some projects may involve longer journeys, and there may occasionally be work further afield.
Travel arrangements, company vehicles and fuel arrangements will be discussed depending on the role and project requirements.
The important thing is that applicants understand from the outset that this is not a position working at one fixed location.
Health & Safety:
Health and safety is taken seriously within the company.
You will be expected to:
- Follow site-specific RAMS and instructions
- Use PPE correctly
- Report hazards and concerns
- Use tools and equipment safely
- Maintain clean and safe working areas
- Complete any required company training
- Follow company procedures and site rules
We use digital systems to manage project information, site documentation, PPE records and training.
Tools
You should ideally have your own basic hand tools appropriate to your trade.
Company tools and specialist equipment will be provided where required.
Any company equipment must be looked after and used responsibly.
What We Value
The people who fit Jenks & Co best tend to share the following values:
Quality
We want work carried out properly, not simply as quickly as possible.
Reliability
If you say you are going to be somewhere, we expect you to be there and ready to work.
Initiative
We value people who think ahead and help solve problems.
Professionalism
How we behave in clients' homes is just as important as the finished work.
Communication
If there is a problem, question or concern, we expect it to be raised early rather than ignored.
Teamwork
No individual is bigger than the project or the team.
Organisation
Clean, organised and well-managed sites are a major part of how we operate.
Development
We want people who are interested in improving their skills and taking on more responsibility over time.
Progression
This role has the potential to develop as the company continues to grow.
For the right person, future progression could include:
- Taking greater responsibility for projects
- Supervising smaller works
- Supporting apprentices and labourers
- Running sections of larger projects
- Developing into a senior tradesperson or site supervisor role
- Additional training and qualifications
Progression will always be based on performance, attitude, reliability and the needs of the business.
Employment:
We are primarily looking for somebody interested in a long-term position with Jenks & Co.
Employment terms, hourly rate and benefits will depend on experience and ability.
The package may include:
- PAYE employment
- Paid annual leave
- Workplace pension
- Company vehicle where applicable
- Fuel for business travel
- Branded workwear
- PPE
- Training and development opportunities
- Ongoing varied residential work
Who This Role Would Suit:
This role would suit an experienced carpenter or general builder who enjoys varied residential work and wants to be part of a professional, growing company.
It may particularly suit somebody who is currently working for themselves or for another contractor but wants:
- More stability
- Less administration
- Varied projects
- A professional team around them
- Opportunities to progress
- Long-term involvement in a growing company
Essential Requirements:
- Relevant residential construction experience
- Strong carpentry/general building ability
- Reliable and punctual
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- Comfortable working with clients
- Prepared to travel
- Full UK driving licence preferred
- Good understanding of site health and safety
Desirable:
- Carpentry qualification or equivalent experience
- Multi skilled
- Experience with renovations and extensions
- Experience with structural alterations
- Experience working in occupied residential properties
- Ability to supervise or support junior team members
Experience reading drawings and specifications
Application question(s):
- Strong communication skills with clients, colleagues and subcontractors.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Reliable, punctual and organised.
- Good understanding of current UK Health & Safety requirements.
- Full UK driving licence less then 3 points required.
Experience:
- residential carpentry, multi-trade or general building: 5 years (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person