At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of soft services at Gyle Shopping Centre, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
- Company: Join ABM, a global leader in integrated facility solutions with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24/7 GP access, mental health support, and discounts through our employee app.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to creating smarter, connected spaces.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing customer experiences in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing soft services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 46000 € per year.
LOCATION: Gyle Shopping Centre
SHIFT PATTERN: Monday to Friday with occasional weekends depending on business needs
SALARY: £46,000 per annum
ROLE OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE
The Soft Services Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of all soft services at Gyle, including security, internal and external cleaning, landscaping and trolley management. This is a contract‑leadership role with responsibility for service performance, compliance, standards, and client satisfaction across the entire estate. The postholder will provide visible, decisive leadership, maintain absolute control of operational detail, and continuously evolve the service to meet changing client and customer expectations. The postholder maintains clear oversight of service delivery, sets expectations, and ensures that Duty Managers and frontline teams operate in line with agreed requirements. The role requires a commercially aware, forward‑thinking manager who takes ownership, drives improvement and sets the standard for how the contract is delivered.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage the delivery of the soft services contract in line with company policies, procedures and agreed specifications
- Provide operational leadership across all soft services, supporting Duty Managers to deliver consistent standards
- Ensure the estate is safe, secure, clean and well‑presented at all times
- Maintain effective control of rotas, manning levels and payroll inputs, ensuring compliance is maintained
- Carry out regular site inspections and audits to ensure service quality and compliance standards are achieved
- Ensure all training, licensing and vetting requirements are in place and kept up to date
- Lead recruitment, induction, development and performance management of site teams
- Ensure incidents, accidents and near misses are managed, reported and investigated correctly
- Maintain up‑to‑date risk assessments, assignment instructions and standard operating procedures
- Ensure correct and safe use of equipment, materials and chemicals in line with COSHH requirements
- Promote and support the client’s environmental and sustainability objectives
- Act as the senior operational point of contact for the client and centre management team
- Identify risks, service gaps and improvement opportunities and take appropriate action
- Ensure accurate completion of all required records, reports and documentation
- Lead by example, setting clear standards for professionalism, conduct and performance
- Provide management cover as required to meet the operational needs of the site
- Undertake any reasonable duties necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the contract
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Proven experience managing soft services within a complex operational environment
- Strong operational leadership with the ability to maintain standards and control delivery
- SIA licence and knowledge of security operations
- IOSH or equivalent health & safety qualification
- Confident decision‑maker with a practical, solutions‑focused approach
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Desirable
- Experience in a retail, mixed‑use or high‑footfall environment
- Knowledge of cleaning standards (BICSc)
- Experience managing external environments and estate presentation
Personal Attributes
- Operationally driven and delivery focused
- Proactive and forward‑thinking
- Comfortable leading managers and setting clear expectations
- Calm, organised and in control in a live environment
- Takes pride in service quality and site presentation
Benefits
We’re proud to offer a great range of benefits including:
- 24/7 GP: Both you and your immediate family can speak to a UK-based GP from the comfort of your own home
- Mental Health support and Life Event Counseling
- Get Fit Programme
- Financial and legal support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access Perks at Work, our innovative employee app where you can find discounts, gift cards, cashback, and exclusive offers
- Search for resources and tools on topics ranging from family and life to health, money and work
- Online chat or telephone service for urgent support in a crisis
For more information about ABM’s benefits, visit our careers page.
About ABM:
ABM (NYSE: ABM) is one of the world’s largest providers of integrated facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. Every day, over 100,000 team members deliver essential services that make spaces cleaner, safer, and efficient, enhancing the overall occupant experience.
ABM serves a wide range of market sectors including commercial real estate, aviation, mission critical, and manufacturing and distribution. With over $8 billion in annual revenue and a blue-chip client base, ABM delivers innovative technologies and sustainable solutions that enhance facilities and empower clients to achieve their goals. Committed to creating smarter, more connected spaces, ABM is investing in the future to meet evolving challenges and build a healthier, thriving world.
ABM are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.
Soft Service Manager in Edinburgh employer: ABM UK
ABM is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With comprehensive benefits such as 24/7 GP access, mental health support, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees at the Gyle Shopping Centre can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the delivery of high-quality soft services. The company's focus on innovation and sustainability ensures that team members are part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Soft Service Manager in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Practise common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during the interview! Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage soft services effectively. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your achievements and how you’ve driven improvement in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Soft Service Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing soft services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and operational expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards and drive improvement. Use numbers and examples where possible – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the Soft Services Manager position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABM UK
✨Know Your Soft Services
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of soft services management. Brush up on your knowledge of security operations, cleaning standards, and compliance requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to take on the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed operations. Highlight how you maintained standards and drove improvements. This will help the interviewers see you as a proactive leader who can handle the responsibilities of the Soft Service Manager.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss your practical, solutions-focused approach. This is crucial for a role that requires calmness and organisation in a live environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s goals, client expectations, and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. It’s a win-win!
