Senior Operations Manager Contract Cleaning/ Soft ServicesRole: Senior Operations Manager Contract Cleaning/ Soft Services

Job Status: Full Time/ Permanent

Location: South East

Vacancy Reference: VR/05338

Role DescriptionOur client is seeking a results-driven and experienced Senior Operations Manager to join their leadership team. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this position is pivotal in ensuring the effective delivery, performance, and compliance of cleaning services across a nationally distributed contract portfolio generating over £10 million in annual revenue.

You will lead a team of 7 direct reports (Account Managers, Area Managers, and Operations Managers), overseeing a frontline workforce of 500+ personnel, while driving operational excellence and aligning service delivery with both client expectations and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across all cleaning operations within the assigned portfolio

Line-manage a team of 7 operational leaders, fostering a high-performance culture and accountability

Ensure consistent delivery of services in line with client SLAs, KPIs, and compliance standards

Act as a senior point of escalation for clients, overseeing service reviews and relationship management

Lead on health and safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance across all sites

Support business-wide projects, contract mobilisations, and integration of new services

Monitor operational performance and budgetary adherence, ensuring cost-effective delivery

Collaborate with HR, Compliance, and Finance to drive aligned business outcomes

Candidate Profile

Minimum of 5 years in a senior operational leadership role within cleaning, soft services, or facilities management

Proven experience managing multi-site operations and large, dispersed teams (500+ staff)

Direct line management of 5-7 area or regional managers

Demonstrated success in managing contract portfolios exceeding £10 million in value

Strong commercial awareness, client management, and communication skills

Proficiency in digital compliance and workforce management platforms

IOSH, NEBOSH, BICS or similar industry qualifications

Experience with TUPE, contract mobilisation, and change management

Background in residential, social housing, student accommodation, or build-to-rent sectors

Key Attributes

Decisive, proactive, and solutions-oriented

Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and influence

Commercially astute with a hands-on operational mindset

Organised, resilient, and capable of managing competing priorities

Commitment to service excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement

Benefits

Company vehicle or travel allowance

20 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays

Professional development and training opportunities

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