Cleaning Services Manager

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards

Discounts for you & family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Cleaning Services Manager to lead a large cleaning operation at Merville Barracks, Colchester. You will provide day-to-day leadership, oversee 70+ operatives, and ensure high standards of cleanliness across medical facilities, offices and accommodation, while complying with MOD and regulatory requirements.

The role emphasizes strategic support, service improvement and employee engagement, with coverage of duties in the Soft Operations Manager's absence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ management experience in facilities/cleaning services.
• NVQ Level 3 or willingness to work towards FM qualification.
• Strong knowledge of Health, Safety and Welfare including COSHH.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and technical support to a 70+ cleaning operatives team.
• Deliver cleaning services compliant with contracts, standards and MOD regulations.
• Manage daily admin including KRONOS timekeeping and payroll outputs.
• Conduct audits, inspections and ensure full compliance.
• Lead and engage staff through regular meetings, training and reviews.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Health & Safety

COSHH

Contract administration

Driver's license

MS Office

Communication

Analytical problem-solving

Multi-functional teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 3 (FM)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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.

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 tobe part of somethinggreater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values youforyou;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:

• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan