Soft Services Lead - Facilities & Operations Excellence

Apleona; Donegal; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Apleona is seeking a Full-time Soft Services Lead to join our team in Donegal. The role oversees the operational delivery of a premium facilities services contract, managing a team and ensuring high service standards and SLA compliance.

You will lead recruitment, training, scheduling, payroll, and HR compliance, build strong client relationships, drive cost control, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to deliver best-in-class service on site.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a regulated client environment, ideally within cleaning or security services.
• Proven experience leading teams with strong people development skills.
• Commercial awareness with budget management and cost control.
• Excellent 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 relationship management

Budget management

Problem solving

Communication

Planning and organizing

Proactive mindset

Education

Third-level qualification

Job description

Apleona is seeking a Full-time Soft Services Lead to join our team in Donegal. The role oversees the operational delivery of a premium facilities services contract, managing a team and ensuring high service standards and SLA compliance.

You will lead recruitment, training, scheduling, payroll, and HR compliance, build strong client relationships, drive cost control, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to deliver best-in-class service on site.