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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure top-notch cleaning services across a national portfolio.
- Company: Join a dynamic company generating over £10 million in annual revenue.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company vehicle, and 20 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performance culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior operations, managing large teams and contracts.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive leaders passionate about service excellence and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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
- 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
- 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
- Competitive salary
- Company vehicle or travel allowance
- 20 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Professional development and training opportunities
Senior Operations Manager - Contract Cleaning employer: BRIDGE RECRUITMENT
Contact Detail:
BRIDGE RECRUITMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager - Contract Cleaning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the contract cleaning industry. Understanding the current landscape will help you speak confidently about how you can drive operational excellence and meet client expectations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cleaning and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the Senior Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in managing large teams and contract portfolios. Be ready to discuss how you have driven performance improvements and compliance in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and culture. Tailoring your approach to align with our mission and demonstrating how your leadership style fits within our team will make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager - Contract Cleaning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational leadership, particularly within cleaning or facilities management. Emphasise your achievements in managing large teams and contract portfolios, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic leadership skills and your ability to drive operational excellence. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-site operations and met client expectations in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any industry qualifications like IOSH or NEBOSH, make sure to include them prominently in your application. These credentials can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to health and safety standards.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, describe your leadership style and how you foster a high-performance culture among your team. Use examples to illustrate how you've motivated and influenced your team to achieve operational goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRIDGE RECRUITMENT
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team of operational leaders. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Given the role's focus on managing a contract portfolio exceeding £10 million, it's crucial to show your understanding of commercial operations. Prepare to discuss how you've driven profitability and efficiency in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage compliance issues or client escalations, and be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Compliance and Safety
With a strong emphasis on health & safety and regulatory compliance, be sure to highlight any relevant qualifications (like IOSH or NEBOSH) and experiences that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards across operations.
