Cleaning Unit Manager - Castle Donnington

Chartwells Independent; Isley Walton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a Hands-on Cleaning Unit Manager to lead all cleaning services at a high-profile site near East Midlands Airport. You will oversee operations, drive quality and safety, manage a team and maintain strong client relationships.

You will ensure standards meet contractual requirements, manage budgets and supplies, and report on performance to clients and internal teams. This role demands leadership in a dynamic, demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Must have extensive experience managing cleaning operations.
• Five years' continuous employment history is required for client screening.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, labour forecasting, and performance.
• Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation (COSHH) and cleaning compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day delivery of all cleaning services across the site.
• Lead, develop and motivate a team of cleaning colleagues and supervisors.
• Ensure cleaning standards meet or exceed contractual requirements and client expectations.
• Manage labour, equipment, consumables, and budgets effectively.
• Build relationships with client stakeholders and act as primary contact for cleaning services.
• Drive a culture of safety and ensure COSHH and company procedures compliance.
• Conduct audits, inspections and quality checks.
• Oversee staffing levels, recruitment, training and performance management.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements.
• Produce operational reports and performance updates for internal and client reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Health & Safety

Client relationships

Team management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Operational reporting systems

Job description

Cleaning Unit Manager

Location: East Midlands Airport
Salary: Up to £44,000 per annum, depending on experience
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, mix of days, evenings and nights to cover all shift patterns.

Lead a High-Profile Cleaning Operation

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Cleaning Unit Manager to lead all cleaning services at a prestigious client site located near East Midlands Airport.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on cleaning professional with a proven track record in large-scale site management. You'll take overall responsibility for operational delivery, team leadership, compliance, client relationships, and continuous improvement, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness are consistently maintained across a busy and demanding environment.

Important Client Requirement

Due to the nature of the client environment, applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum of five years' continuous and unbroken employment history. Employment verification and background screening will form part of the recruitment process.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing the day-to-day delivery of all cleaning services across the site.
• Leading, developing, and motivating a team of cleaning colleagues and supervisors.
• Ensuring cleaning standards consistently meet and exceed contractual requirements and client expectations.
• Managing labour, equipment, consumables, and operational budgets effectively.
• Building strong relationships with key client stakeholders and acting as the primary point of contact for cleaning services.
• Driving a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety, COSHH, and company procedures.
• Conducting regular audits, inspections, and quality checks.
• Managing staffing levels, recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency improvements, and service enhancements.
• Producing operational reports and performance updates for both internal and client review meetings.

About You

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running and bring strong operational leadership experience to a fast-paced environment.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive experience managing cleaning operations
• Previous experience in a Cleaning Manager, Cleaning Operations Manager, Cleaning Unit Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage teams and deliver high service standards.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, COSHH, and cleaning compliance standards.
• Experience managing budgets, labour forecasting, and operational performance.
• Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
• Competent using Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain site security clearance where required.

Join us and help create a safe, clean, and outstanding environment for our client every day.

Job Reference: com/1708/41459001/52827751/SU #14Forty

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!