Job Description

Job Title:

Painter & Decorator

Posting Start Date:

09/10/2025

Job Id:

1648

School/Department:

Estates & Facilities Management

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Permanent

Salary per annum ():

23,742 - 25,804

Closing Date:

22/10/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.



We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

The role of Painter and Decorator is based in the Building Maintenance Team, part of the Engineering & Maintenance (E&M) section of the Department of Estates and Facilities Management. You will provide a reactive and planned maintenance service operating in a busy, fast paced environment across the University's campus. The primary focus of the role will be painting and decorating, however you also have the opportunity to support other maintenance functions as required. The majority of work is of a physical nature and requires manual handling ability to carry equipment across campus, the ability use ladders when required and the dexterity to undertake a range of work tasks to ensure a good decorative finish.



A technical knowledge of current decorating best practice techniques is essential. The ability to follow work procedures and instructions, and to use your own initiative, as well as the ability to manage workload and complete jobs in a timely manner is a key element of the role.


As a visible uniformed representative of the University a professional, customer focused attitude is essential as interaction with students, staff, visitors and members of the public will be an important part of this role.



The University's estate contains a varied range of properties which understandably present their own challenges. Some, e.g. the Arts Tower, are of great architectural importance and must be preserved as part of our national heritage, whilst others such as the award winning Information Commons are modern and sophisticated in their design and servicing.

Main duties and responsibilities

Carry out planned painting and decorating across the whole campus, which will involve driving University owned vehicles between sites, completing jobs safely, following relevant procedures correctly, and ensuring own work is completed on time. Complete individual maintenance activities (i.e. small refurbishment works), usually in occupied buildings, giving consideration to maintaining access and security whilst minimising disruption. Ensure works are progressed effectively including ancillary duties including shelf bracket, pin and noticeboard removal and replacement to ensure a professional finish. At all times, carry out work in compliance with the University's policies and procedures as well as current technical legislation and health and safety standards. Prioritise jobs in order of urgency as directed by the appropriate supervisor, drawing upon depth of knowledge, skills, experience and expertise to deal with the job in hand. Make decisions on the methods to be used and the sequence of actions. Liaise with contractors who are working on University premises to ensure they are carrying out work in accordance with required timescales and University health and safety standards, as directed by the appropriate supervisor. Liaise with and maintain good relationships with key contacts in University departments to let them know about work being undertaken and keep them up to date with progress. Responsible for reporting stock levels of consumables to enable planned and reactive maintenance to be achieved. Maintain provided tools, equipment and vehicles, taking responsibility for the safe keeping of these. Complete regular checks on vehicles to maintain good condition. Respond to requests for assistance at the University outside normal working hours in accordance with the departments' call-out procedures. This role is included in a formal on-call rota to provide emergency responses across the University Estate. Participation in this rota will be determined by the University in accordance with the on-call provisions. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Have an industry recognised qualification such as City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating (Course number 6707-33), or equivalent experience.


Essential


Application / Interview


Specialist knowledge of building practice and procedures, including experience in current decorative best practice techniques.


Essential


Application / Interview


A working knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation relevant to the job role and the ability to apply this knowledge in day-to-day work.


Essential


Application / Interview


Experience in using access equipment such as MEWPS, ladders, scaffolding etc.


Essential


Application / Interview


Experience of working effectively and professionally in a busy environment, demonstrating a high standard of customer service.


Essential


Application / Interview


Ability to prioritise and respond to changing and sometimes conflicting demands effectively.


Essential


Application / Interview


Ability to competently assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities within deadlines. Responsible for checking, organising and progressing planned work on handheld devices.


Essential


Application / Interview


A willingness and the ability to support the team by undertaking out of hours work when required.


Essential


Application / Interview


Experience of teamwork with the ability to demonstrate positive contributions to the day-to-day work and the goals of the team.

Responsible for collection and distribution of materials to and from different external outlets, loading, unloading as required across the university campus.


Essential


Application / Interview


Experience of using a range of IT systems such as Google applications, Microsoft Word and Excel, email, and electronic calendars.


Essential


Application / Interview


A full and valid driving license.


Essential


Application / Interview

Further Information

Grade

3

Salary

23,742 - 24,685 with potential to progress to 25,804 through sustained exceptional contribution

Work arrangement

Full Time

Duration

Permanent

Line manager

Building Maintenance Manager

Direct reports

None

Our website

www.shef.ac.uk/efm


For informal enquiries about this job contact Glenn Lannaman, Building Maintenance Manager: on g.lannaman@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact admin-engmain@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 38days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework A range of generous family-friendly policies + paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.


We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.