Area Cleaning and Sanitation Manager

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Area Cleaning and Sanitation Manager to oversee operations across multiple sites in and around Soweto, Gauteng. This on-site role requires hands-on leadership, extensive travel within the area, and a focus on hygiene standards and regulatory compliance.

You will lead cleaning teams, develop schedules and SOPs, monitor health and safety, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement in sanitation practices while fostering a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in a management role overseeing cleaning and sanitation operations, preferably multi-site.
• Knowledge of industrial cleaning techniques and regulatory compliance (health, safety, environmental).
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities with a keen eye for detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in reporting, scheduling, and inventory software.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel within Soweto, Gauteng and surrounding regions.
• A relevant qualification in facilities management or environmental health is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all cleaning and sanitation operations across multiple assigned sites.
• Develop, implement, and monitor adherence to cleaning schedules, SOPs, and hygiene protocols.
• Supervise, train, and mentor site-specific cleaning supervisors and teams to ensure high performance and quality service delivery.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to assess compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Manage inventory and procurement of cleaning supplies, equipment, and chemicals, ensuring cost-effectiveness and availability.
• Investigate and resolve sanitation-related issues, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Ensure all sites comply with relevant local, provincial, and national health and safety regulations.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets for the assigned area, tracking expenses and optimizing resource utilization.
• Collaborate with site management teams to integrate sanitation best practices into daily operations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all team members adhere to safety procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Planning and organizational skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder liaison

Travel willingness

Safety awareness

Education

Facilities management qualification

Environmental health qualification

Tools

Reporting software

Scheduling software

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly competent and results-driven Area Cleaning and Sanitation Manager to oversee operations across multiple sites in and around Soweto, Gauteng . This role is critical for maintaining consistent, high-level hygiene standards and ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations. You will be responsible for managing cleaning teams, optimizing resource allocation, implementing innovative sanitation strategies, and fostering a strong safety culture. This is an on-site, field-based management position requiring extensive travel within the designated area and a hands‑on approach to leadership. Your expertise will be vital in upholding our client's reputation for excellence and ensuring operational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all cleaning and sanitation operations across multiple assigned sites.
• Develop, implement, and monitor adherence to cleaning schedules, SOPs, and hygiene protocols.
• Supervise, train, and mentor site‑specific cleaning supervisors and teams to ensure high performance and quality service delivery.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to assess compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Manage inventory and procurement of cleaning supplies, equipment, and chemicals, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and availability.
• Investigate and resolve sanitation‑related issues, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Ensure all sites comply with relevant local, provincial, and national health and safety regulations.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets for the assigned area, tracking expenses and optimizing resource utilization.
• Collaborate with site management teams to integrate sanitation best practices into daily operations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all team members adhere to safety procedures.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a management role overseeing cleaning and sanitation operations, preferably in a multi‑site or facility management context.
• Strong knowledge of industrial cleaning techniques, chemicals, equipment, and regulatory compliance (health, safety, environmental).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities with a keen eye for detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using relevant software for reporting, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be willing to travel regularly within the assigned area of Soweto, Gauteng and surrounding regions.
• A relevant qualification in facilities management, environmental health, or a related field is advantageous.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and the opportunity to manage a significant operational area in and around Soweto, Gauteng . Our client provides a challenging yet rewarding work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a substantial impact on operational standards and safety. You will be part of a company that is committed to excellence and invests in its people. Enjoy the autonomy and responsibility of leading critical sanitation services across multiple locations.