Soft Services Lead

Apleona Ireland; Donegal; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Apleona Ireland in Donegal is looking for a Full-time Soft Services Lead to oversee the operation of a premium facilities services contract. You will lead a team of operatives and supervisors, ensuring service standards and SLA compliance while coordinating scheduling and payroll.

The role requires 3–5 years in a regulated client environment, strong leadership, budget discipline, and excellent communication to build lasting client relationships.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a regulated client environment
• Strong leadership and staff development skills
• Commercial awareness with budget management and cost control experience
• Exceptional communication and client relationship-building skills
• Proactive, solution-focused mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage complex situations simultaneously
• Third-level qualification or equivalent; membership of a relevant professional body desirable

Responsibilities

• Manage the operational delivery of a premium facilities services contract portfolio, ensuring high service standards and full SLA compliance.
• Lead and develop a team of operatives and supervisors, supporting recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring consistent satisfaction and effective issue resolution.
• Oversee scheduling, payroll, rostering, and HR compliance to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Ensure safe systems of work and full health & safety compliance across site.
• Monitor, report, and manage performance against KPIs, producing timely client reports and service reviews.
• Drive cost control and efficiency improvements to maximise value and achieve savings.
• Manage inventory, uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and subcontractors to maintain standards and reduce operational risk.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and operational innovations to achieve best-in-class service delivery.
• Conduct regular site audits, respond to ad hoc projects, and support wider company objectives as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationships

Budget management

Communication

Problem-solving

People development

Proactive mindset

Education

Third-level qualification or equivalent; professional body membership desirable

Job description

We are looking for a Full-time Soft Services Lead to join our team in Donegal

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday, from 07:00 -13;30 Friday 07:00 - 14:30

Job Description

• Manage the operational delivery of a premium facilities services contract portfolio, ensuring high service standards and full SLA compliance.
• Lead and develop a team of operatives and supervisors, supporting recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring consistent satisfaction and effective issue resolution.
• Oversee scheduling, payroll, rostering, and HR compliance to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Ensure safe systems of work and full health & safety compliance across site.
• Monitor, report, and manage performance against KPIs, producing timely client reports and service reviews.
• Drive cost control and efficiency improvements to maximise value and achieve savings.
• Manage inventory, uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and subcontractors to maintain standards and reduce operational risk.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and operational innovations to achieve best-in-class service delivery.
• Conduct regular site audits, respond to ad hoc projects, and support wider company objectives as required.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a regulated client environment, ideally within cleaning or security services.
• Proven experience managing teams, with strong people leadership and staff development skills.
• Commercially aware with budget management and cost control experience.
• Exceptional communication and client relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage complex situations simultaneously.
• Third-level qualification or equivalent; membership of a relevant professional body desirable.