Senior Operations Manager Contract Cleaning/ Soft Services

Role: Senior Operations Manager Contract Cleaning/ Soft Services

Job Status: Full Time/ Permanent

Location: South East

Vacancy Reference: VR/05338

Role Description

Our client is seeking a results-driven and experienced Senior Operations Manager to join their leadership team. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this position is pivotal in ensuring the effective delivery, performance, and compliance of cleaning services across a nationally distributed contract portfolio generating over £10 million in annual revenue.

You will lead a team of 7 direct reports (Account Managers, Area Managers, and Operations Managers), overseeing a frontline workforce of 500+ personnel, while driving operational excellence and aligning service delivery with both client expectations and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across all cleaning operations within the assigned portfolio
• Line-manage a team of 7 operational leaders, fostering a high-performance culture and accountability
• Ensure consistent delivery of services in line with client SLAs, KPIs, and compliance standards
• Act as a senior point of escalation for clients, overseeing service reviews and relationship management
• Lead on health & safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance across all sites
• Support business-wide projects, contract mobilisations, and integration of new services
• Monitor operational performance and budgetary adherence, ensuring cost-effective delivery
• Collaborate with HR, Compliance, and Finance to drive aligned business outcomes

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior operational leadership role within cleaning, soft services, or facilities management
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations and large, dispersed teams (500+ staff)
• Direct line management of 5-7 area or regional managers
• Demonstrated success in managing contract portfolios exceeding £10 million in value
• Strong commercial awareness, client management, and communication skills
• Proficiency in digital compliance and workforce management platforms
• IOSH, NEBOSH, BICS or similar industry qualifications
• Experience with TUPE, contract mobilisation, and change management
• Background in residential, social housing, student accommodation, or build-to-rent sectors

Key Attributes

• Decisive, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and influence
• Commercially astute with a hands-on operational mindset
• Organised, resilient, and capable of managing competing priorities
• Commitment to service excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Company vehicle or travel allowance
• 20 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities