About the Role
We’re looking for a motivated and experienced Trades Supervisor to join our responsive repairs and maintenance team at Reading Borough Council. In this key leadership role, you’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of skilled trade operatives and subcontractors, ensuring high-quality maintenance and repair services across our housing stock.
As Trades Supervisor, you’ll play a vital part in maintaining safe, secure, and well-maintained homes—making a meaningful difference in the lives of Reading residents.
Key Responsibilities
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Allocate and schedule reactive repairs and planned works to the right staff at the right time
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Supervise and support operatives and contractors on-site, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation
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Monitor work quality, productivity, and performance standards—addressing training needs where identified
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Conduct regular toolbox talks, 1:1s, van stock checks, and site inspections
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Oversee subcontractor performance to ensure it aligns with council expectations
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Support apprentices and trainees in their development and on-site training
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Provide technical guidance and contribute to continuous service improvement
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Help monitor budgets and costs, offering insights for efficient service delivery
About You
We’re looking for a qualified tradesperson with leadership experience and a passion for excellence in building maintenance. You’ll be proactive, organised, and a confident communicator, able to balance hands-on site work with planning, coordination, and team development.
Essential:
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Completed a recognised trade apprenticeship or hold a City & Guilds/NVQ qualification (or equivalent)
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Strong knowledge of building construction methods and relevant health and safety legislation (particularly CDM)
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Previous experience supervising trade operatives or subcontractors
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A valid UK driving licence and access to transport (travel between sites required)
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Strong communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
Desirable:
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SMSTS or IOSH qualification
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Experience working within a local authority or housing association setting
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Knowledge of job allocation and works management systems
Working at Reading Borough Council
At Reading, we believe in Team Reading—a collective commitment to working together to build a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable borough. You’ll be part of a supportive team where your contribution is valued, and your ideas are welcomed.
Our values guide everything we do:
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Work Together – Collaborate across teams and partners
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Drive Efficiency – Embrace innovation and improvement
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Be Ambitious – Challenge the status quo and aim high
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Make a Difference to Reading – Deliver excellent service to our community
What We Offer
We offer a supportive environment where you can develop professionally while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
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Generous holiday entitlement: 25 days + bank holidays (rising to 33 days with service)
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Flexible working opportunities
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Modern depot and working environment
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Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
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Life Assurance (3x annual salary for LGPS members)
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Outstanding on-site nursery (Kennet Day Nursery – rated Outstanding by Ofsted)
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Season Ticket Loan for public transport
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Lease Car Scheme (salary sacrifice) – includes insurance, tax, and servicing
Inclusion and Accessibility
Reading Borough Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce. We encourage applicants who require adjustments to let us know so we can support you throughout the application process.
How to Apply
Interested in this role? To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact:
Stuart Andrews – Housing Repairs and Maintenance Manager
stuart.andrews@reading.gov.uk
Apply early to avoid disappointment—we may close the vacancy once a sufficient number of applications is received.
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