Tired of being responsible for results but not having the authority to make things happen?
Perhaps you're constantly firefighting.
Maybe every decision needs approval.
Maybe you've got ideas to improve things but nobody listens.
If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely lead a department, improve standards, hold people accountable and make a visible difference, keep reading.
About Cornerstone Property Group
Cornerstone Property Group manages more than 220 temporary accommodation properties across Kent and works with over 15 local authorities.
We provide safe, secure accommodation for people at difficult points in their lives and support councils by being reliable, responsive and professional. Our reputation is built on doing the basics well and dealing with issues early.
We've been trading since 2015 and have grown significantly over the last 12 months. We are a close-knit team where decisions happen quickly, ideas are welcomed and good people can make a real impact.
This role exists to bring stability.
For residents. For councils. And for the wider team.
The Opportunity
This is not an administration role.
You will be responsible for overseeing and improving our maintenance department, managing two employed maintenance engineers, one employed cleaner and a network of subcontractors.
Success in this role is not measured by how many jobs you raise. It is measured by property standards, engineer productivity, void turnaround times, maintenance spend and the quality of service delivered to residents and local authorities.
You'll be expected to make decisions, solve problems, improve systems and ensure work gets completed to the required standard.
You will report directly to our Operations & Commercial Manager and have genuine authority to shape how the department operates.
What You'll Be Responsible For
- Managing the daily workload of maintenance engineers.
- Reviewing and prioritising maintenance issues through Fixflo.
- Managing void property turnaround works.
- Ensuring property standards are maintained across the portfolio.
- Managing subcontractors and supplier relationships.
- Liaising with local authorities and housing officers.
- Monitoring engineer productivity and performance.
- Inspecting completed works.
- Ordering materials and coordinating resources.
- Producing performance reports.
- Managing maintenance expenditure.
- Supporting continual improvement across the department.
What Success Looks Like
Within 3 Months
- Fully competent using Fixflo, Inventory Base and internal systems.
- Maintenance backlog significantly reduced.
- Strong relationships established with engineers, cleaner and internal teams.
- Engineer productivity improved and monitored.
- Property standards improved.
- Average void turnaround below 5.5 days.
- Initial subcontractor database established.
Within 6 Months
- Average void turnaround below 4.5 days.
- Maintenance processes documented and implemented.
- Maintenance spend targets established and tracked.
- Improved department morale and accountability.
- Strong relationships developed with housing officers and councils.
Within 12 Months
- Department running effectively with minimal oversight.
- Average void turnaround reduced to 3 days.
- Reduced move-in complaints relating to property standards.
- Reliable subcontractor network established and actively utilised.
- Maintenance spend operating within agreed targets.
- Supplier cost savings identified and achieved.
- Jobs consistently completed within agreed timescales.
- Structured process guides created and implemented across key maintenance activities, including voids, reactive repairs, contractor management and engineer workflows.
- Regular performance reviews and accountability measures embedded within the maintenance team.
What You'll Need
Essential
- Experience managing maintenance engineers or tradespeople.
- Property maintenance experience.
- Reactive maintenance experience.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands.
- Confidence managing strong personalities.
- Strong decision-making ability.
- High level of accountability.
Desirable
- Temporary accommodation experience.
- Social housing experience.
- Residential lettings experience.
- Local authority experience.
- Voids management experience.
- Budget management experience.
You'll Thrive Here If
- You enjoy solving problems.
- You like creating structure.
- You can make decisions under pressure.
- You enjoy improving systems and processes.
- You hold yourself and others accountable.
- You communicate clearly and professionally.
- You like being busy and having variety in your day.
- You are happy, hard-working and take pride in high standards.
- You enjoy building relationships and getting the best out of people.
This Won't Suit You If
- You avoid difficult conversations.
- You blame others when things go wrong.
- You need constant direction.
- You struggle to prioritise.
- You dislike accountability.
- You complain more than you solve.
- You get overwhelmed by competing priorities.
- You allow standards to slip.
- You cannot hold people accountable.
Location & Hours
Gravesend, Kent
Full-time | Office based
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 5:30pm
Salary
£30,000 - £33,000 per annum
Progression
As the business continues to grow, there is an opportunity to progress into Maintenance Department Lead and play a key role in shaping the future of the department.
Application Process
If you'd like to apply, please send us your CV.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to complete a short written exercise based on a real-life maintenance scenario before attending an interview. The exercise should take no more than 20-30 minutes and is designed to show us how you prioritise work, communicate and make decisions.
If you're looking for a role where you'll have the authority to improve systems, lead a team and make a genuine difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £30,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
