Cleaning operative

Serco; Lerwick; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Wellbeing programmes

Discounts across retailers

ShareSave scheme

Employee networks

Volunteer/charity days

Job summary

Serco is hiring a Cleaning Operative to support NorthLink Ferries in Lerwick. The role is a fixed-term contract until October, part-time 24 hours per week with flexible shifts including weekends.

You will clean cabins, vessels and facilities, maintain high cleanliness standards and work safely. The job emphasizes teamwork, customer service and contributing to a welcoming travel environment.

Qualifications

• Previous cleaning or housekeeping experience, ideally within hospitality, transport or a similar environment.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high standards of work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitise guest cabins, including changing linens, making beds and replenishing amenities.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across vessels, terminal buildings, office areas and public spaces.
• Vacuum, mop, sweep and polish surfaces to ensure facilities are safe, clean and presentable.
• Monitor cleaning supplies and amenities, reporting low stock levels when required.
• Follow all health, safety and hygiene procedures, including the safe use of cleaning products.
• Provide a friendly and professional service to passengers while working effectively as part of a team.

Skills

Cleaning experience

Attention to detail

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Cleaning Operative

Location: NorthLink Ferries, Lerwick, ZE1 0PR

Salary: £14.80 per hour plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Fixed term contract until October, Part-time 24 hours per week - Variable shift patterns available offering flexible hours (includes weekends)

As a Cleaning Operative in our NorthLink Ferries Housekeeping team, you’ll help create a clean, safe and welcoming environment for passengers and colleagues across vessels, terminal buildings and port facilities. Your work has purpose, supporting a service that connects communities and keeps people moving.

Every day, the quality of your work will have a positive impact on the experience of passengers travelling with NorthLink Ferries. By maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and care, you’ll help create an environment people can trust while contributing to a service that touches lives and supports island communities.

What You’ll Do As a Cleaning Operative

• Clean and sanitise guest cabins, including changing linens, making beds and replenishing amenities.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across vessels, terminal buildings, office areas and public spaces.
• Vacuum, mop, sweep and polish surfaces to ensure facilities are safe, clean and presentable.
• Monitor cleaning supplies and amenities, reporting low stock levels when required.
• Follow all health, safety and hygiene procedures, including the safe use of cleaning products.
• Provide a friendly and professional service to passengers while working effectively as part of a team.

Does this sound like you?

• Previous cleaning or housekeeping experience, ideally within hospitality, transport or a similar environment.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high standards of work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and follow procedures consistently.

What We Offer

• Training and development:We offer a wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Wellbeing:24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres
• Discounts:Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• ShareSave scheme:Helps you save regularly with the choice to buy Serco shares at a discount at the end of your savings period
• Employee networks:Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community
• Charity:Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax-free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme.

A Little Bit About Us

At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our Inclusive Recruitment Commitment

We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).