Lead Sanitation Operations Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Executive-level benefits package

Significant career advancement机会

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Sanitation Operations Manager in Stellenbosch to oversee large-scale cleaning contracts for commercial and industrial clients, ensuring service excellence and regulatory compliance.

You will lead multi-site teams, develop innovative sanitation strategies, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement while maintaining safety and high client satisfaction. This is a strategic leadership role with significant autonomy.

Qualifications

• 8 years of progressive experience in cleaning, facilities management, or sanitation operations
• at least 4 years in a management or leadership role
• Bachelor's degree in Facility Management or Business Administration or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage sanitation operations for designated client portfolios in Stellenbosch
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize cleaning processes and service quality
• Oversee recruitment, training, performance management and development of cleaning staff
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental and quality standards and regulations
• Manage budgets, resource allocation and inventory for cleaning supplies and equipment
• Implement and monitor KPIs to measure operational success and improvements
• Build and maintain relationships with clients to ensure high satisfaction
• Drive innovation by researching and integrating new cleaning technologies and sustainable practices
• Conduct regular site assessments and audits to ensure service excellence
• Collaborate with sales to support new client acquisition and retention efforts

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

P&L responsibility

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Facility Management or related field

Tools

Facility management software

Business applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent national provider of integrated facilities services, dedicated to maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness and operational efficiency across their client portfolio. They are actively seeking a highly experienced and strategic Lead Sanitation Operations Manager to oversee and elevate sanitation services for their key accounts in the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region. This senior leadership role requires a visionary individual with a proven track record in managing large-scale cleaning operations, developing innovative sanitation strategies, and leading high-performing teams. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of industry best practices, regulatory compliance, and advanced cleaning technologies. You will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring client satisfaction, and optimizing resource allocation. This is an outstanding opportunity to take on a leadership role within a respected organization, shaping the future of sanitation services for significant commercial and industrial clients. We are looking for a proactive, results-driven leader with exceptional strategic planning and execution capabilities, committed to fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Your leadership will directly impact the operational success and reputation of our client's services in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of sanitation operations for designated client portfolios in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize cleaning processes, efficiency, and service quality.
• Oversee the management of cleaning staff, including recruitment, training, performance management, and development.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and quality standards and regulations.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and inventory control for cleaning supplies and equipment.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational success and identify areas for improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
• Drive innovation by researching and integrating new cleaning technologies and sustainable practices.
• Conduct regular site assessments and operational audits to ensure service excellence.
• Collaborate with sales and business development teams to support new client acquisition and retention efforts.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in cleaning, facilities management, or sanitation operations, with at least 4 years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large teams and complex cleaning contracts, preferably in commercial or industrial sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning chemicals, equipment, techniques, and industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of South African health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Proven strategic planning, budget management, and P&L responsibility skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to drive change, foster a positive work culture, and motivate teams effectively.
• Proficiency in facility management software and standard business applications.
• Experience in client relationship management and contract negotiation is highly advantageous.
• Bachelor's degree in Facility Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Significant career advancement opportunities within a leading national company.
• Leadership role with substantial autonomy and strategic influence.
• Access to advanced training and professional development programs.
• Opportunity to implement innovative solutions and shape service delivery.
• Collaborative management team and supportive work environment.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.