Cleaning & Soft Services Manager / Northwest - #2194148

Cleaning & Soft Services Manager
Location | North West based, with national travel
Salary | £35,000–£40,000
Car allowance | £6,000 per annum
Type | Permanent

We are recruiting for an experienced, hands-on Cleaning & Soft Services Manager to take responsibility for the mobilisation, set-up and ongoing management of a large-scale 24/7 cleaning operation, alongside wider Soft Facilities Management responsibilities.

This is a hands-on management role. You’ll be visible on site, working alongside supervisors and frontline cleaning teams, demonstrating cleaning methods and stepping in to support service delivery when needed. You’ll take an active role during mobilisation and stay closely involved in the day-to-day operation once the contract is live.
The role is based in the North West, with regular national travel, particularly during mobilisation and as the contract develops. It would suit an experienced Cleaning or Soft Services Manager who has mobilised cleaning contracts from the ground up and is confident putting the people, processes and standards in place to deliver a successful 24/7 service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mobilisation and implementation of a new 24/7 cleaning operation, taking a hands-on role in setting up the service on site.
• Develop and implement cleaning schedules, staffing structures, rotas and service delivery plans.
• Recruit, induct and manage cleaning and soft services teams, ensuring appropriate staffing levels across all shifts.
• Establish cleaning standards, procedures and quality-control processes, and show teams how to apply them on site.
• Manage the day-to-day delivery of cleaning and associated Soft FM services, working alongside supervisors and frontline teams and stepping in when needed.
• Carry out regular site inspections, audits and performance reviews. Follow up on any issues and check that corrective actions have been completed.
• Ensure cleaning standards meet agreed specifications and KPIs.
• Manage and support supervisors and frontline cleaning teams, providing practical coaching, training and ongoing development.
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained and work in accordance with BICSc standards and recognised cleaning methodology.
• Manage cleaning equipment, consumables, chemicals and stock levels.
• Ensure COSHH, risk assessments, method statements and health and safety procedures are fully implemented and maintained.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and efficiency.
• Manage client relationships and provide regular operational updates and reports.
• Take ownership of service issues, staffing challenges and changing operational requirements, working directly with site teams to resolve them.
• Support wider Soft Facilities Management activities associated with the contract.
• Assist with TUPE and mobilisation processes where applicable.
• Work closely with senior management and other FM teams to ensure a smooth and successful mobilisation.

Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will be an experienced Cleaning Manager, Soft Services Manager or Soft FM Manager with a strong operational background and a hands-on approach to leading teams on site.

• Previous management experience within commercial cleaning or Soft Facilities Management.
• Proven experience mobilising cleaning contracts or setting up new cleaning operations.
• Experience managing large cleaning teams and multi-shift or 24/7 operations.
• BICSc qualification or accredited cleaning industry training is essential.
• Strong practical knowledge of cleaning processes, equipment, chemicals and industry best practice, with the confidence to demonstrate correct methods to frontline teams.
• Good understanding of health and safety, COSHH, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Experience managing staffing levels, rotas, recruitment and operational performance.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with a willingness to work alongside teams and provide practical support when needed.
• Confidence dealing directly with clients and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of the mobilisation process.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage labour, resources and service delivery effectively.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Able and willing to travel nationally as required.

The Role
This position would suit someone who enjoys building an operation from the ground up and getting involved in the practical work of launching it. You’ll put the people, structure and processes in place, then stay visible on site, supporting your teams and maintaining high standards across the ongoing 24/7 operation.
Salary £35,000–£40,000 plus £6,000 car allowance.
Interested, then apply now