Remote Senior Cleaning Operations Manager

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Flexible work hours

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Cleaning Operations Manager for a remote-first role in South Africa. You will lead a geographically dispersed team, shape sanitation programs, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards across large facilities.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in cleaning operations leadership, strong strategic planning, and proficiency with digital collaboration tools to drive remote performance and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in cleaning operations management, including leadership roles.
• Experience leading remote teams and driving performance in a virtual environment.
• Experience developing and implementing sanitation programs in hospitality, healthcare, or large facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee cleaning and sanitation strategies across all managed sites.
• Lead and mentor a geographically dispersed team of supervisors and staff.
• Conduct remote performance reviews and provide feedback for efficiency and policy adherence.
• Manage budgets, resources, and inventory for cleaning supplies and equipment.
• Analyze cleaning performance data to identify trends and improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and hygiene protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align cleaning with broader operations.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and innovations in cleaning and sanitation.
• Handle escalated cleaning-related issues and provide timely resolutions.

Skills

Cleaning operations management

Remote team leadership

Sanitation programs

Health & safety

Communication

Strategic planning

Digital collaboration tools

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health

Tools

Project management software

Office applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing leader in the hospitality sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Cleaning Operations Manager to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, remote-first position, offering the flexibility to manage operations from anywhere in South Africa. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in sanitation management, team leadership, and strategic planning within large-scale cleaning environments. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing innovative cleaning protocols, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and safety across multiple facilities. This role requires a proactive individual with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, capable of driving efficiency and excellence in a virtual setting. The successful applicant will work closely with site managers and frontline staff to maintain a pristine environment for clients and their patrons, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations. We are looking for someone who can lead by example and inspire confidence in their remote teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive cleaning and sanitation strategies and operational plans to ensure consistently high standards across all managed sites.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a geographically dispersed team of cleaning supervisors and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Conduct regular remote performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to company policies.
• Manage budgets, resources, and inventory effectively for cleaning supplies and equipment, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Analyze cleaning performance data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions promptly.
• Ensure all cleaning activities comply with local health, safety, and environmental regulations, and company-specific hygiene protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cleaning schedules and requirements into broader operational planning.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry best practices, technologies, and innovations in cleaning and sanitation.
• Handle escalated cleaning-related issues and provide timely and effective resolutions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in cleaning operations management, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing remote teams and driving performance in a virtual environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing sanitation programs, preferably within the hospitality, healthcare, or large-scale facility management sectors.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to cleaning services.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others remotely.
• Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools, project management software, and standard office applications.
• A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Environmental Health, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure and support.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing organization.
• Flexible working hours within a remote-first culture.
• Contribution to a dynamic and innovative industry leader.
• Chance to shape the future of cleaning operations in a remote capacity.