Cleaning Services Manager

Sodexo Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company is seeking a Cleaning Services Manager for a dynamic role in Colchester. You will lead a team of over 70 cleaning operatives, ensuring high-quality and compliant cleaning services across a busy military estate. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of management experience in Facilities Management, strong leadership skills, and a knowledge of Health and Safety regulations. This position offers benefits including mental health support and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Discounts for you & family

Cycle to Work

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of management experience.
• Management experience within Facilities Management.
• Confident decision-maker, able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the cleaning team.
• Deliver effective cleaning services per company's standards.
• Conduct internal and external audits ensuring compliance.

Skills

Management experience

Knowledge of Health and Safety

People management skills

Analytical problem-solving skills

Competent in MS Office

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Job Introduction

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

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.

Whatyou’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:

• 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!