Plumber/Maintenance Fitter

Change your career, change lives The Open University is the UKs largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. About the Role The Maintenance Fitter/Plumber is responsible for the safe and effective operation and maintenance of mechanical building services and plumbing systems at the University. The fitter/plumber is part of a team of 5 and works closely with the 5 electricians and 4 M&E Assistants in the directly employed maintenance team. The maintenance fitter/plumber undertakes planned preventative maintenance work on mechanical building services installations (e.g. heating, cooling, air handling, ventilation systems fans, pumps and pressure systems, hot and cold water systems and associated plant and equipment) The successful candidate will also contribute to achieving legislative compliance and high standards of engineering maintenance, as well as responding to reactive works, fault finding and carrying out emergency repairs. This role is based on site at our Milton Keynes campus. The Maintenance Fitter/Plumber responds to out of hours emergencies on mechanical building services and plumbing systems as part of an on call rota with the electricians and contract support. Key Responsibilities Undertake planned preventative maintenance work on mechanical services (e.g. heating, cooling and air handling systems, hot and cold-water systems) recording and reporting all defects. Undertake reactive maintenance work and repairs on all types of building services plant recording and reporting all defects. Inclusion on the University out of hours call out rota for maintenance emergencies. Develop a personal knowledge and understanding of the installed mechanical building services and undertake regular plant room visits. Required to provide guidance on-site installations to other trade staff and contractors. Undertake minor mechanical and plumbing installations. Undertake preparation work for engineering statutory inspections. Responsible for working safely at all times, complying with risk assessments, safe systems of work and safety standards to control hazards to self, colleagues, University staff and visitors. Carry out inspections of mechanical and plumbing installations, updating schedules of plant as required. Undertake from time to time other such appropriate responsibilities and duties as directed by Supervisor/Manager. About You Essential: Craft apprenticeship with City & Guilds or BTEC National Certificate/Diploma, or an advanced modern apprenticeship (NVQ L2 with key skills) in mechanical or plumbing or equivalent qualification. Proven post apprenticeship experience in the operation and maintenance of mechanical building services including low pressure heating systems, hot and cold-water systems. Working knowledge of mechanical and plumbing installations in buildings. Able to carry out duties in a safe way with working knowledge of health and safety issues and understanding of risk assessments. Ability to work safely on roofs, from ladders, scaffolds and in confined spaces such as inspection chambers and roof voids. Ability to routinely complete maintenance work request sheets within timescale, recording work done, hours taken, and materials used. Ability to cope with a steady volume of work using initiative in an organized manner. Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisor, managers, and customers at all levels. Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive assisting other trades and contractors and on occasion labouring as required. Full and current UK driving license. Ability to participate in the emergency, call out rota and be able to respond to additional out of hours emergencies when called to assist others. Response time for attendance on site is within 45 minutes. Desirable: Experience in a similar role maintaining plumbing, heating, cooling and ventilation systems with a public or commercial organisation. A construction safety qualification. Trained in working at height, confined spaces, asbestos awareness, risk assessments. Experience of working to permit to work systems and use of safety equipment for access and maintenance. Ability to update schedules of plant and equipment. Capable of reading maintenance manuals and drawings. What's in it for you? At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window). Flexible working We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether its compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you. This role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office however it is expected that when necessary and in response to business needs, you will also need to travel to our Wellingborough warehouse. Wed expect this to be once per month. TPBN1_UKTJ

Created: 2025-11-01