At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations and lead the onsite FM team in a vibrant retail environment.
- Company: Dynamic retail management company focused on high-quality service and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and to work with a diverse team.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment where you can make a real difference every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
Responsible for managing daily operations and the onsite FM team in a busy retail environment. This includes overseeing cleaning, security, and maintenance services, while working closely with centre management, retailers, and contractors to ensure a safe, compliant, and high-quality site. The role requires maintaining high standards, adapting to operational needs, and driving continuous improvement. It also involves Duty Manager responsibilities on a rotating basis, including evenings and weekends.
Key Responsibilities
- People Management: Lead, develop, and support teams, ensuring strong performance, training, and wellbeing. Build a capable, well-equipped team.
- Security & Cleaning: Maintain high standards in line with SIA and retail requirements; manage rotas to meet operational needs.
- Operations: Ensure effective team structure, adequate cover, and smooth delivery during peak and off-peak periods.
- Customer Service: Deliver a consistently high standard of service, with teams representing the client professionally.
- Health & Safety: Ensure full compliance, regular reviews, training, and risk assessments to keep all site users safe.
- Client & Innovation: Support client needs, drive continuous improvement and introduce new ideas and best practices.
- Teamwork & Communication: Promote a one-team approach, with a proactive, can-do attitude and strong communication.
- Relationship Management: Maintain strong knowledge of the retail sector and build effective stakeholder relationships.
Cleaning Responsibilities
- Ensure cleaning standards meet contract and quality requirements.
- Manage onsite staff to deliver all contracted and additional services.
- Promote safe working practices and ensure full compliance with COSHH and legal requirements, including staff training.
- Support and guide the cleaning supervisor to maximise team performance.
- Drive efficiency and continuous improvement in processes and service delivery.
- Oversee ordering of consumables and uniforms.
- Maintain accurate training records, identifying opportunities to upskill and develop team members.
Security Responsibilities
- Maintain and exceed SIA and centre security standards.
- Adapt security protocols to evolving threats and emergency planning requirements.
- Support and guide security supervisors to maximise team performance.
- Maintain and regularly review site assignment instructions and reference manuals.
- Manage subject access requests in line with centre procedures and GDPR requirements.
- Conduct and manage CCTV investigations, including evidence handling for relevant authorities.
- Ensure all staff hold valid SIA licences and required certifications, with renewals completed on time.
HR / Employee Responsibilities
- Manage team performance, training and development to meet operational requirements.
- Oversee recruitment and induction to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
- Develop and manage rotas across cleaning, security and maintenance teams.
- Monitor holidays, absence and staffing levels to maintain site coverage.
- Handle investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Support employee wellbeing and welfare.
- Conduct regular performance and development reviews.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all documentation meets company and statutory requirements.
- Work closely with the Regional Director, ensuring clear communication and transparency.
Experience, Skills & Requirements
- Proven experience in facilities management across cleaning, security and maintenance.
- Strong people management skills with the ability to motivate teams and manage challenging situations.
- Experience in HR, ER and Health & Safety (IOSH/NEBOSH desirable).
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
- Financial and budget management experience.
- Excellent organisational, problem-solving and resource management skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including reporting at a senior level.
- Competent in Microsoft Office and general IT systems.
- Flexible, proactive approach with a “can do” attitude and ability to challenge and improve processes.
- Strong written skills for reports, incidents and presentations.
- SIA licence desirable but not essential.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and make decisions on a merit basis. For further information, see our EEO statement.
Soft services manager employer: Bardwood
As a Soft Services Manager in Doncaster, you will thrive in a dynamic retail environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities while ensuring high standards of service and safety. With a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, we empower our teams to excel and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Soft services manager
✨Join Local Community Boards
Get involved in local community boards or forums related to janitorial services. You'll find job postings and connect with businesses in your area, which can really bolster your chances of landing that full-time gig at places like Bardwood.
✨Network with Industry Pros
Don't underestimate the power of networking! Attend industry-specific events or workshops in your locality. Chatting with people already in the field can lead you to hidden job opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a simple portfolio that outlines your experience and specific skills in janitorial services. You can showcase before-and-after photos of your work or even testimonials from past employers. This can help you stand out when applying at places like Bardwood.
✨Apply Directly and Keep it Local
When you see a full-time position that sparks your interest, don’t just apply online. If you can, walk into the company, like Bardwood, with a smile and express your eagerness to contribute. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection!
We think you need these skills to ace Soft services manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When showcasing your experience, focus on any previous roles in janitorial or cleaning services. Include specifics like the types of environments you've worked in – be it offices, schools, or hospitals – and mention any cleaning techniques or equipment you're familiar with. This will show Bardwood that you’ve got the practical skills needed for the job!
Certifications Matter:If you have any certifications related to cleaning, health and safety, or equipment handling, make sure to include them in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in your approach, which is crucial in the janitorial industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should explain why you’re interested in working with Bardwood specifically. Talk about what excites you about the role and how you align with their values. Maybe you love maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment; let that shine through!
Get Your Availability Clear:Since this is a full-time position, be sure to mention your availability at the beginning of your application. Bardwood will want to know that you can commit to the hours required, so throwing in your ideal working times can help ease any worry about schedule conflicts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bardwood
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
Brush up on various cleaning techniques and equipment you're familiar with. Be ready to highlight specific experiences where you've tackled challenging cleaning situations. This could give the hiring team at Bardwood a glimpse of your hands-on skills!
✨Safety First!
Make sure you're up-to-date on health and safety regulations relevant to janitorial work. We can expect some questions about how you handle hazardous materials or ensure hygiene—demonstrating knowledge here shows you're serious about your job and safety at Bardwood.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a full-time role, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and potential overtime. Employers love to see candidates who are adaptable to changing schedules, so share experiences that highlight your commitment and reliability.
✨Present Your Experience!
If you have a portfolio or references from previous jobs in cleaning services, bring them along or have them ready to share. This can strengthen your case at Bardwood, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
