At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support cleaning operations across the North UK, ensuring service excellence.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at 14forty, part of Compass Group UK&I.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to Β£50,000, company car, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Shape service delivery and make a real impact in a growing region.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in cleaning operations management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a supportive environment with career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Role will cover the North of the UK (including Scotland) ideally we are looking for candidates with a home base around Newcastle. National travel will be required.
Are you a seasoned cleaning operations expert ready to take the next role in your career? We are looking for an experienced Facilities Management Operations Manager to lead and support our cleaning and soft services contracts across the North of the UK.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary up to Β£50,000, dependent on experience
- Company car or car allowance
- Private Healthcare
- Laptop, phone, and mileage expenses
- Opportunity to shape service delivery across a growing region
- Supportive, flexible working environment
About the Role
As our Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of multi-client cleaning contracts, ensuring service excellence, strong client relationships, and efficient operational delivery. You'll lead and develop on-site teams, drive continuous improvement, and help grow our reputation for quality and reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple cleaning contracts across the North UK
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring service excellence
- Lead, coach, and support site-based teams to deliver high standards consistently
- Monitor performance, budgets, and compliance with health & safety standards
- Identify opportunities for service improvements and efficiencies
- Support tendering, mobilisations, and business development activities
- Contribute to wider soft services delivery
About You
We're looking for a hands-on and motivated leader with a passion for service quality. You'll be an expert in cleaning operations and thrive in a dynamic, client-facing environment.
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' experience managing multi-site or multi-client cleaning operations
- Strong understanding of cleaning standards, processes, and compliance
- Proven experience managing budgets and teams across multiple locations
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Desirable
- Experience in additional soft services (e.g. security, waste, pest control, grounds, reception) would be an advantage
- Proven sales and retention experience, with a track record of business growth and service expansion
For more information about careers at 14forty and our benefits please visit: Careers at 14forty. Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Operations Manager (Soft Services) - North UK in London employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (Soft Services) - North UK in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management sector, especially those who know about cleaning operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in service excellence and client relationships. We love candidates who can demonstrate their passion for quality!
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email or LinkedIn message to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on our radar.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! In interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in cleaning operations. We want to hear about your hands-on approach and how youβve driven improvements in service delivery.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager (Soft Services) - North UK in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing cleaning operations and any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with client relationships and service excellence, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you improve service delivery or increase client satisfaction? We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
β¨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cleaning operations and soft services. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in managing multi-site contracts and ensuring service excellence.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've led and developed teams in previous roles. Think of concrete examples where you coached site-based teams to achieve high standards and how you handled any challenges that arose.
β¨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, strong client relationships are key in this role. Practice your communication skills and be personable during the interview. Show them that you can connect with clients and understand their needs.
β¨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've identified opportunities for service improvements and efficiencies in your past roles. Share specific instances where your proactive approach led to positive outcomes, especially in terms of budget management and compliance.