Senior Cleaning Operations Lead

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle & fuel allowance

Medical aid & retirement fund

Bonus structure

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Cleaning Operations Lead for Sandton, Gauteng. The role oversees a portfolio of high-profile cleaning services, balancing on-site leadership with strategic planning to optimize service delivery and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in cleaning operations management, strong leadership and budget experience, and a track record of improving safety, quality, and profitability in a facilities management environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in cleaning operations management or equivalent leadership role.
• Experience leading large teams and managing operating budgets.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Hybrid work experience with on-site oversight and remote planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day cleaning services for a portfolio of high-profile clients.
• Develop strategic operational plans to improve service quality and efficiency.
• Mentor and develop a team of supervisors and field staff.
• Manage budgets, costs, and identify opportunities for profitability.
• Conduct audits to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with client requirements.
• Build strong client relationships and serve as the primary operations contact.
• Oversee inventory, procurement, and use of cleaning supplies/equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement across operations.

Skills

Leadership

Cleaning ops management

Budget management

Client relationships

Health & safety

Strategic planning

Operations software

Education

Bachelor's in Facilities Management

Tools

Facilities management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious provider of high-end cleaning and facilities management services, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Senior Cleaning Operations Lead to join their team in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**. This leadership role demands extensive experience in managing complex cleaning operations, optimizing service delivery, and ensuring client satisfaction at the highest level. The Senior Operations Lead will oversee a team of supervisors and operatives, drive operational efficiency, manage budgets, and champion best practices in hygiene and safety. We are looking for an individual with a proven track record in the cleaning industry, exceptional leadership skills, and a strategic mindset. This hybrid role requires a balance of on-site strategic oversight and management of daily operations within **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining and elevating the company's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of cleaning services for a portfolio of high-profile clients.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance service quality, efficiency, and client retention.
• Oversee, mentor, and develop a team of cleaning supervisors and field staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for revenue growth and profitability.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards, health and safety regulations, and client-specific requirements.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients, acting as a primary point of contact for operational matters.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and effective utilization of cleaning supplies and equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures, promoting a safe and productive work environment.

Requirements

• Significant experience (7+ years) in cleaning operations management, with a focus on leadership roles within the facilities management or professional cleaning sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams and complex operational budgets.
• Expert knowledge of cleaning techniques, sanitation standards, safety protocols, and relevant legislation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to influence and negotiate.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with a proven ability to drive operational excellence.
• Experience in client relationship management and business development.
• Proficiency in relevant software for operations management, reporting, and finance.
• Must be comfortable with a hybrid work model, requiring regular on-site presence in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**, as well as strategic planning and remote oversight.
• Valid driver's license and a commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team.
• Manage prestigious client accounts in the **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA** area.
• Contribute to shaping the future of luxury cleaning services.