Cleaning Operations Manager

ISS Facility Services UK; Slough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ISS Facility Services UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a team of 33 frontline cleaning staff and two Senior Housekeepers on-site in London. You will ensure safety, support, and exceptional service delivery across all cleaning operations.

The role requires strong people leadership, client relationship management, and adherence to SLAs, KPIs, and health and safety standards, with weekend rota responsibility and on-site point of contact.

Qualifications

• Proven operational management experience in facilities management.
• Strong people leadership and team development skills.
• Experience managing client relationships and stakeholder expectations.
• Solid understanding of health and safety standards and compliance.
• Comfort with budgets, KPIs and service level requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of cleaning services and maintain service quality.
• Supervise 33 frontline staff and two Senior Housekeepers, including staffing plans.
• Manage shift rotas and weekend on-site coverage.
• Handle people management, including attendance, investigations and discipline.
• Deliver safety training and toolbox talks; ensure training records are up to date.
• Maintain strong client relationships and ensure compliance with SLAs and policies.

Skills

Operational management

People management

Stakeholder management

Health & safety

Problem solving

Budget control

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER (CLEANING)

Contract: Professional Services, Production & Technology

Location: London, WC2N 6RH

Hours of work: 40 hrs per week

Contract Type: Permanent

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and support a team of 33 frontline cleaning staff and two Senior Housekeepers, ensuring colleagues are safe, well-supported and able to perform at their best.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of Soft FM services (cleaning services only), maintaining consistently high standards across the site.

Job Description

We are looking for a proactive and people-focused leader who can build strong client relationships, manage operational performance, and ensure excellent service delivery.

This role involves overseeing morning and late shift teams, participating in a 1-in-6 weekend rota, and acting as a key on-site point of contact for operational matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of cleaning services, ensuring high standards of service and operational excellence.
• Manage a team of 33 frontline cleaning staff and provide leadership and support to two Senior Housekeepers.
• Plan staffing levels and rotas to ensure all shifts are adequately covered.
• Handle day-to-day people management matters, including absence management, investigations, complaints and disciplinary issues.
• Deliver training sessions and toolbox talks, ensuring all required BICS training is completed and maintained.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client representatives and key stakeholders, ensuring excellent service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with SLAs, KPIs, statutory requirements, health and safety standards, environmental requirements and company policies.
• Monitor site performance, manage risks, support budget control, oversee contractors on site, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

• Proven operational management experience - ideally within facilities management, workplace services or a similar environment. With experience in housekeeping or cleaning services advantageous.
• Experience managing a large and complex operation.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to engage, motivate and develop teams.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder and client relationship management.
• Strong understanding of health and safety, statutory compliance and ESG requirements.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office and workplace systems.
• Highly organised, resilient and solutions-focused, with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Proven experience leading large teams with a focus on engagement, development and performance.
• Ability to identify operational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Flexible and comfortable to work weekends (once every 6 weeks – with time given back in lieu)

The Company

ISS is a global leader in workplace and facilities management, helping organisations create environments where people and businesses can thrive. We partner with clients across sectors—from healthcare to finance—to deliver smart, sustainable solutions that improve everyday experiences.

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to diversity, wellbeing, and supporting the Armed Forces community.

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you require any adjustments, please contact our Resourcing Team—we’ll be happy to support you.

Join ISS and be part of something bigger.