Job Description
We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated full time Porter to join our Portering Service working across the University Campuses.
As part of the Estates department, the Portering team play a significant part in providing service excellence to the University community, its visitors and guests: ensuring our campuses function and are fit for purpose to support the day-to-day University business. This involves a variety of tasks from minor office moves, collecting exam papers, building security as well as supporting major university events such as Open days, Graduation, and external conferences. The team work closely with other Estates teams, Building Support, Cleaning and Security to ensure continuity of service.
Occupying three beautiful campuses (Whiteknights, with its early 19th century planned landscape, London Road with its formal gardens and ceremonial Great Hall, and Greenland’s, Henley-on-Thames, with its riverside garden landscape) the unique “University within a Park” setting of the University of Reading is an inspiring place to come to work.
With such a varied portfolio, there is never a dull day in the Estates Team here at Reading. As well as being responsible for the management and maintenance of the University’s academic teaching and research buildings, we also care for a significant collection of Champion Trees, an expansive lake, and the university Sports Park.
Benefits of working at the University of Reading
Our generous annual leave scheme entitles colleagues to take up to 21 days annual leave per year, increasing to 25 days after 5 years’ service.
Members of staff have the opportunity to join a pension scheme offered by the University.
Our Green Flag Award winning Whiteknights campus is not far from Reading town centre. It has its own bus stop, serving Reading Buses, a free park and ride from Mereoak and Thames Valley Park and with on-site permit parking available.
Schemes such as Cycle2Work, travel loans and discounts are just some of the packages staff can benefit from.
Staff can take advantage of the on-site sports facilities at the Sports Park, with a wide range of classes to choose from and use of the gym before, during or after work.
You will have:
- A current full clean United Kingdom Driving licence and be prepared to drive company vehicles, including large transit and tail lift vehicles as part of your role.
- Recent experience of working in a customer focused and fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Knowledge and experience of heavy lifting processes and using equipment to facilitate this and awareness of Health and Safety requirements/processes.
- Availability to work a rotating shift pattern: Week 1 07@30 – 15:30 Week 2 14:00 – 22:00
- IT literate with knowledge and experience of using MS Office and prepared to use technology as part of the role.
- A willingness to work flexibly on a few different tasks and be able to use initiative and prioritise work.
- Experience of working within a team/team play
- Excellent command of English
- A good level of literacy and numeracy
- Be confident, friendly, and polite.
- A good level of general health
- Willing and able to work overtime when required.
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
Informal Contact Details:
Contact Name: Matias Dias
Contact Job: Portering Manager
Contact Email: m.l.dias@reading.ac.uk
Contact Phone: 07843 346 252
Closing Date: 28th March 2025
Interview Date: 7th April 2025
Candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
