Cleaning Services Manager

Workingwith Sodexo; Berechurch; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned service provider is seeking an experienced Cleaning Services Manager for their operations in Colchester. This role involves managing a large cleaning team and ensuring high-quality services across various military facilities. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of management experience, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and excellent communication skills. This position offers a competitive hourly rate and various employee benefits, fostering a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Financial tools & retirement plan

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' management experience in Facilities Management or cleaning services.
• Experience delivering FM services in a customer-focused environment.
• Proven track record of leading and developing large teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and technical support to the cleaning team.
• Deliver effective and efficient cleaning services.
• Manage daily operational administration and audits.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Management experience

People management skills

Health, Safety and Welfare knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Management qualification equivalent to NVQ Level 3

IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

40 hours per week Monday – Friday – 08:00 – 16:30 • £12.71 per hour • Free Car parking • Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Cleaning Services Manager to join our team at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT. This is a key operational leadership role, managing a large and diverse cleaning operation across a busy military estate. Reporting to the Soft Services Operations Manager, you will provide day‑to‑day leadership, technical expertise and strategic support to a team of over 70 cleaning operatives, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, compliant and customer‑focused cleaning services across a wide range of facilities. You will play a critical role in maintaining Sodexo's reputation for excellence, supporting innovation, driving employee engagement, and ensuring all contractual, legislative and MOD requirements are met.

What you’ll do

• Provide leadership, supervision, direction and technical support to the cleaning team, stepping up to cover the Soft Operations Manager role during periods of absence when required.
• Deliver effective and efficient cleaning services in line with the Services Standard Statement (SSS), KPIs, company policies, client requirements and MOD regulations.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness across a diverse estate including medical facilities, accommodation, offices, leisure areas, workshops, warehouses, vehicles, messes and educational buildings.
• Support and implement innovative service solutions to continuously improve quality and value.
• Manage daily operational administration including time management via KRONOS, ensuring accuracy of Timecard Checks and payroll‑related outputs.
• Produce and maintain Essence building schedules and ensure service delivery aligns with contracted and supplementary service requests.
• Conduct and manage internal and external audits, inspections and self‑audits, ensuring full compliance at all times.
• Lead employee engagement through regular team huddles, manager briefs, training sessions and performance reviews.
• Oversee employee personal files, return‑to‑work processes, training records and professional development.
• Manage COSHH compliance, acting as the subject matter expert for cleaning chemicals and consumables, including monthly ordering.
• Ensure safe and compliant use of company vehicles in liaison with the Transport Manager.
• Support welfare, capability, grievance and conduct matters in line with HR policies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, barrack managers and nominated customer representatives.
• Promote Sodexo's brand standards, ensuring professional appearance, uniform compliance and positive behaviours across the team.
• Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safe­ty, Fire, Environmental and QA policies, including PPE usage, accident reporting and safety walks.
• Maintain effective communication with senior managers, peers, clients and stakeholders.
• Be flexible to support other areas within the Colchester PFI where business needs require.

This role operates in a dynamic environment and requires a proactive, hands‑on leader with strong organisational and people management skills.

What you bring

• Minimum 2 years' management experience, with qualification equivalent to NVQ Level 3 (or willingness to work towards a recognised FM qualification).
• Management experience within Facilities Management and/or cleaning services.
• Strong knowledge of Health, Safety and Welfare, including COSHH.
• Proven people management skills including recruitment, training, performance management, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Experience delivering FM services in a customer‑focused environment.
• Confident decision‑maker, able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to service standards.
• Analytical problem‑solving skills with the ability to implement innovative solutions.
• Competent user of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Desirable IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Soft FM technical expertise, including contract administration and transport services.
• Experience managing client relationships in a contract environment.
• Proven track record of leading and developing large teams.
• Experience in a multi‑functional role.
• Clean UK Driving Licence.
• SC Clearance (or willingness to undergo clearance following probation).
• Demonstrated ability to drive service improvement and innovation.

What we offer

Workingwith Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of somethinggreater. You'll belong in a company and team that values youfor you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everydayactions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work
• Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part ofsomething greater? Apply today!