Jobs

Smile Education are recruiting for an experienced Caretaker/Handyperson to start ASAP at a large further education campus in Solihull. This is a full-time temporary position on an ongoing rolling month-by-month basis, currently authorised until 31st August 2026, with regular reviews in line with the organisation's long-term staffing requirements.

The Role
As a Caretaker/Handyperson, you will play a vital role in supporting the Estates team to maintain a safe, secure, and well-presented campus environment. Working proactively within a reactive team, you will carry out a wide range of practical maintenance and caretaking duties, responding to the day-to-day needs of staff, students, contractors, and visitors across a large and busy campus.
This is a 37-hour per week role. For the first two weeks, working hours will be 8:00am – 4:00pm. Following this, you will work on a rotating shift pattern every two weeks:
Early Shift

• Monday to Thursday: 6:00am – 2:00pm
• Friday: 6:00am – 1:00pm

Late Shift

• Monday to Friday: 11:00am – 7:00pm

Please note that shift patterns are expected to change from September.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the day-to-day maintenance and operation of the campus
• Carrying out basic maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment tasks
• Responding promptly to reactive maintenance requests from departments across the site
• Working collaboratively with the Estates and Caretaking team to ensure the campus remains safe and operational
• Assisting with site set-ups, parking arrangements, and operational support during large events
• Maintaining good professional relationships with staff, contractors, and visitors
• Responding effectively to emergency situations and unexpected site issues
• Helping to ensure the campus remains clean, secure, and well-maintained at all times
• Working proactively whilst managing a varied and physically demanding workload

Requirements

• Previous experience working within an education environment (essential)
• Experience providing practical site services to a range of customers
• Experience working as part of a team to support projects and operational requirements
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergency or difficult situations
• Good practical maintenance and repair skills
• Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, and contractors
• Reliable, proactive, and able to work using your own initiative
• No formal qualifications are required
• Current Enhanced DBS Certificate (essential)
• Able to start as soon as vetting is complete

Why work with Smile Education?
Smile Education are an agency with a difference. We are education specialists with a proven record of supporting both experienced support staff and education professionals. We provide ongoing support, CPD opportunities, and access to a wide network of schools and colleges across the local area.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks, including Enhanced DBS, Right to Work, reference checks, and any other vetting requirements relevant to the role.

SMILES

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.