Andrew Sears

Job overview

I carry out a diverse range of maintenance roles within a residential care home setting, ensuring that all properties are kept in excellent condition for the residents. The majority of my duties focus on painting and decorating; however, my responsibilities extend well beyond these tasks to cover various aspects of property upkeep and repair across the seven properties owned by Able Care Home

Main Duties

• Painting and decorating, including the application of a variety of products and finishes to achieve high standards of presentation.
• Wall papering to refresh and enhance the living spaces for residents.
• Minor glazing to repair or replace damaged windows and glass panels as required.
• Basic plumbing tasks to ensure the smooth operation of water systems and address minor leaks or faults.
• Basic electrical work to maintain lighting, sockets, and other essential electrical components.
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) to ensure the safety of electrical appliances within the properties.
• Conducting water temperature checks to comply with health and safety standards and safeguard resident wellbeing.
• Internal and exterior repair work, addressing issues both inside and outside the buildings to maintain structural integrity and appearance.
• Minor carpentry jobs such as repairing doors, skirting boards, and other wooden fixtures.
• Problem solving to identify and address maintenance challenges efficiently and effectively.
• Working to tight deadlines to prepare rooms in time for new residents, ensuring that all required work is completed promptly without compromising quality.
• Through this combination of skills and tasks, I help to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all residents of Able Care Homes.

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of store operations, ensuring the efficient running of the store, and maintaining high standards of customer service.

Managed Southmead store operations with a team of 31 colleagues.
Oversaw online operations, in-store sales, and home delivery services.

Oversaw shop operations in Bristol City Centre, leading a team of 28 in a dynamic discount retail environment within a demanding location.

During the summer, I made the decision to retrain as a painter and plasterer. This career change stemmed from a long-standing interest in these trades, and I have always aspired to work within this field.

My ultimate goal is to run my own business, offering painting and plastering services. With this ambition in mind, I sought to formalise my skills and knowledge through recognised qualifications.

To support my career development, I completed an NVQ in Plastering, as well as a Level 1 Painting & Decorating course. These achievements have provided me with a solid foundation to pursue my professional objectives.

• Started my career in Tesco as a General Assistant carrying out stock replenishment, checkouts and handing customer enquiries.
• I then advanced from Trainee Baker to Bakery Manager within 18 months, managing multiple bakeries in Tesco Store for a period of 10 years.
• In my subsequent position, I was responsible for managing projects involving two complete store refits as well as overseeing the closure of one store. My role required close coordination between store staff and external contractors throughout the refit processes. I facilitated clear and effective communication, ensuring that all objectives were understood and met within the established timeframes. I ensured that each project adhered to strict deadlines and was successfully completed on schedule
• Promoted to Trading Manager at Tesco, overseeing multiple departments and focusing on coaching managers to achieve key performance indicators and develop teams across all levels. Guided Line Managers in meeting performance targets while developing team skills.
• In response to a business restructure, I transitioned into a newly established position of Deputy Store Manager. This role encompassed responsibility for overseeing the entire store's daily operations. My duties involved integrating all shop functions to maintain exceptional store standards and deliver outstanding customer service.

After dedicating 29 years to the business, I chose to take voluntary redundancy in May 2015, thus concluding my long-standing tenure with the company.