About this role
We’re a values-driven, charitable organisation on a mission to make a real difference in Sunderland. Every day, we provide more than 60,000 people with a place they’re proud to call home.
Our vision is clear: everyone deserves a good-quality home they can afford. We invest millions of pounds each year to keep our homes safe and decent, while also playing a part in tackling the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of modern, energy-efficient homes for rent right here in Sunderland.
If you share our passion for creating thriving communities and want to be part of something that truly matters, we’d love for you to join us and help achieve our vision.
If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know—we’re here to support you.
We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a large number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
Salary: £37,707.00
Job Description:
Are you an experienced Joiner ready to put your skills to work preparing homes for new customers?
Join our Empty Homes team and work alongside our skilled trade colleagues who take pride in carrying out repairs and improvements to prepare homes for new customers. We have immediate fixed-term opportunities available, starting in November 2026 and running until March 2027, potentially extended up to 12 months in total.
As a Joiner at Gentoo, you’ll undertake a range of work, including general joinery repairs, preservation work, and the installation and repair of kitchens, doors and roofing, helping to prepare homes across Sunderland for a new start. You’ll use your strong communication skills to work closely with customers, colleagues and wider teams, helping to give every customer a positive experience. If you take pride in your work and enjoy delivering great service, we’d love to hear from you.
Enjoy a 36-hour working week, Monday to Friday, with an early finish on Fridays and a great work-life balance. We’re proud to be certified as a “Great Place to Work” and recognised as one of the UK’s Top 50 Best Workplaces™ 2026. We ask for some flexibility, including occasional overtime when needed.
A full UK driving licence and a basic DBS check (arranged and funded by Gentoo) are required for this position
What you will be doing:
Bring your joinery skills to a varied workload, from general repairs and preservation work to fitting and repairing kitchens, doors and roofing.
Use your wider trade skills to complete minor plastering, tiling, brickwork, plumbing and painting tasks.
Keep your van stocked with the right parts and materials to get the job done.
Use handheld technology to record and update work accurately.
Complete work safely, efficiently and on time.
Follow RAMS, method statements, product guidance, COSHH requirements and Gentoo standards.
Keep your Repairs Manager or Supervisor informed as work progresses.
Work closely with colleagues across other trades to deliver a great service.
Use the right access equipment to work safely at height or in confined spaces.
Drive between jobs as needed to support customers across Sunderland.
What you’ll bring:
A full UK driving licence.
A recognised Joinery qualification, gained through an indentured craft apprenticeship, City & Guilds Advanced Craft Certificate OR NVQ Level 2
A good understanding of relevant health and safety regulations.
Experience of delivering excellent customer service in a customer-facing role.
Confidence using handheld technology to record and update work.
Clear communication skills and a friendly, customer-focused approach.
The ability to work safely at height.
The flexibility to work outdoors in a range of conditions.
It would be great if you also however not essential:
NVQ level 3 in Joinery
Some of our great benefits include:
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31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
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Early finish on Fridays
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Flexible and hybrid working.
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Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
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Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
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Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.
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Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
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Enhanced family-friendly leave
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Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
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Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary