Multi-Site Cleaning Operations Leader (Education)

Manchester Arndale; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a Cleaning Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day performance and quality of cleaning services across education sites. You will lead a multi-level team including Area Managers, Contract Managers and Site Managers, ensuring standards align with contractual specifications and safeguarding requirements while balancing service quality with cost awareness.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent stakeholder engagement with schools and Trusts, and a proactive

Qualifications

• Experience managing cleaning/facilities operations across multiple sites.
• Strong leadership to motivate, coach and develop regional managers.
• Customer-focused with ability to build relationships with schools and trusts.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple sites and priorities.
• Commercial awareness with experience in labour and cost control.
• Proactive with ownership of issues from resolution to delivery.
• Commitment to quality, safeguarding and compliance.
• Comfortable using digital systems for auditing, reporting, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure services are delivered safely, consistently and in accordance with contractual specifications and OCS standards.
• Complete regular site visits, quality audits and service reviews, ensuring improvement actions are followed through to completion.
• Use performance data, customer feedback and audit results to drive continuous improvement.
• Support mobilisations, service changes and wider Education Division initiatives as required.
• Lead and manage Area Managers, Contract Managers and Site Managers, ensuring clear accountability and consistent standards across the portfolio.
• Lead, motivate and develop management and frontline teams, ensuring appropriate staffing, training and performance management.
• Monitor absence, vacancies and resource requirements to maintain service continuity.
• Build strong relationships with schools, Trusts and key customer stakeholders.
• Respond proactively to issues and service requirements, ensuring actions are followed through to resolution.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding and education requirements, including KCSIE expectations.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Stakeholder relationships

Problem solving

Quality & compliance

Job description

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a Cleaning Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day performance and quality of cleaning services across education sites. You will lead a multi-level team including Area Managers, Contract Managers and Site Managers, ensuring standards align with contractual specifications and safeguarding requirements while balancing service quality with cost awareness.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent stakeholder engagement with schools and Trusts, and a proactive