Head of Cleaning Operations

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive vehicle

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Head of Cleaning Operations based in Mahikeng, North West. This senior leadership role sets strategic direction, drives operational excellence across a multi-site portfolio, and leads a large team of regional managers.

You will manage significant budgets, implement health, safety and environmental standards, adopt innovative cleaning technologies, and build strong client relationships to elevate service quality and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of senior management experience in cleaning or facilities management.
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-site operations and large budgets.
• Proven strategic planning and execution capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning science, industry best practices, and relevant technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Strong financial management, P&L responsibility, and analytical skills.
• Excellent client relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in relevant operational management software and reporting tools.
• Ability to travel as required to oversee operations effectively.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the vicinity of Mahikeng, North West.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall strategy for cleaning operations, aligning with company goals and client needs.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of cleaning service delivery across the company’s portfolio.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of regional operations managers and supervisors.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality cleaning services that meet or exceed client expectations and contractual obligations.
• Manage the operational budget, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are utilized efficiently.
• Drive innovation in cleaning processes, technologies, and sustainability practices.
• Develop and enforce comprehensive health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention.
• Oversee procurement, inventory management, and equipment maintenance strategies.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge.
• Report on key performance indicators, financial performance, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry standards in Mahikeng, North West and all operating regions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

People management

Client relationship management

Health and safety compliance

Cleaning operations

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding service provider in the facilities management sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Cleaning Operations to lead all cleaning initiatives across their extensive portfolio. This senior leadership role, based in Mahikeng, North West, is responsible for setting the strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene across all managed properties. You will manage a significant budget, lead a large team of operational managers and supervisors, and cultivate strong relationships with key clients. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in large-scale cleaning operations management, a deep understanding of industry best practices, innovative cleaning technologies, and robust financial management skills. This is a pivotal role that requires a visionary leader capable of scaling operations, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of cleaning services for our client, enhancing their market position and client satisfaction in Mahikeng and beyond. We are looking for an influential individual with a passion for service excellence and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall strategy for cleaning operations, aligning with company goals and client needs.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of cleaning service delivery across the company’s portfolio.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of regional operations managers and supervisors.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality cleaning services that meet or exceed client expectations and contractual obligations.
• Manage the operational budget, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are utilized efficiently.
• Drive innovation in cleaning processes, technologies, and sustainability practices.
• Develop and enforce comprehensive health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention.
• Oversee procurement, inventory management, and equipment maintenance strategies.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge.
• Report on key performance indicators, financial performance, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry standards in Mahikeng, North West and all operating regions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in senior management roles within the cleaning or facilities management industry.
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale, multi-site cleaning operations and significant budgets.
• Proven strategic planning and execution capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning science, industry best practices, and relevant technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Strong financial management, P&L responsibility, and analytical skills.
• Excellent client relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in relevant operational management software and reporting tools.
• Ability to travel as required to oversee operations effectively.
• Must possess strong decision-making skills and a results-oriented approach.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the vicinity of Mahikeng, North West.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Executive-level benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a major service offering.
• Significant responsibility and influence within a growing organization.
• Company vehicle and other executive perks.
• Extensive opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Lead a critical function that impacts client satisfaction and company success.