Cleaning and External Services Team Leader in Edinburgh

LOCATION: GYLE SHOPPING CENTRE, Edinburgh

SHIFT PATTERN: VARIOUS SHIFT PATTERN 5 OVER 7, 40 hours per week

PAY RATE: Competitive

ROLE OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

The External Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of external services across The Gyle, including external cleaning, waste management and trolley collection operations. The role provides frontline supervision and control of external service activities, ensuring standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation are consistently achieved. The postholder will lead by example, supporting and working alongside operatives to deliver daily tasks and maintain service standards across the estate. This is a hands-on Working Team Leader role, combining operational duties with responsibility for coordinating tasks, maintaining standards and supporting team members throughout the shift. The postholder will actively undertake external cleaning, waste management and trolley collection duties while ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with site requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out external cleaning duties across the estate, including public areas, footpaths, entrances, service yards, car parks and surrounding external spaces.
• Lead external operatives on shift, working alongside the team to deliver required standards.
• Undertake and coordinate waste management activities, including waste collection, segregation, recycling and disposal processes.
• Work as part of the trolley collection team, actively undertaking trolley retrieval, redistribution and presentation duties across the Centre while supporting colleagues to maintain agreed service standards.
• Allocate daily tasks, set priorities and adjust workloads as site conditions and operational requirements change.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation at all times.
• Carry out routine inspections and spot checks, addressing issues promptly.
• Ensure safe working practices are followed in line with Health & Safety, COSHH and manual handling requirements.
• Operate cleaning equipment, machinery and waste management equipment safely and effectively.
• Monitor stock levels and report shortages of consumables, equipment or materials.
• Report defects, damage, hazards or equipment faults promptly to the Duty Manager.
• Support seasonal activities, reactive tasks and event-related operational requirements.
• Assist with the induction, training and development of operatives.
• Complete operational records, checklists and required documentation accurately.
• Promote professional behaviour, teamwork and pride in the Centre.
• Escalate issues to the Duty Manager where standards, resources or service delivery are at risk.
• Undertake any reasonable duties necessary to support the effective operation of the Centre.

Requirements

• Proven experience working in external cleaning, environmental services, waste management or a similar operational role.
• Experience acting as a Working Team Leader, Team Leader or Supervisor.
• Practical knowledge of external cleaning operations and waste management procedures.
• Understanding of recycling processes and environmental best practices.
• Awareness of Health & Safety, COSHH and manual handling requirements.
• Ability to organise tasks, guide others and lead by example.
• Comfortable working in a public, high-footfall environment and outdoor conditions.
• Good communication skills and a practical, solution-focused approach.
• Reliable, proactive and standards-driven.

Desirable

• BICSc qualification or working knowledge of BICSc standards.
• Experience working in a shopping centre, retail or mixed-use environment.
• Experience using external cleaning machinery and waste management equipment.

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.

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.