At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cleaning operations and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all building occupants.
- Company: Join JLL, a global leader in real estate and investment management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and professional development support.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent advancement potential in facility management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by maintaining high cleaning standards and leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in commercial cleaning with supervisory experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
Position Overview
The Soft Services Manager is responsible for overseeing comprehensive cleaning operations at a designated site, ensuring the delivery of exceptional cleaning standards that create a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment for all building occupants. This role emphasizes cleaning service excellence while maintaining oversight of supporting soft services including waste management, pest control and specialized cleaning requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Cleaning Operations Management: Direct and oversee all cleaning operations including daily maintenance cleaning, deep cleaning programs, specialized surface treatments, and periodic intensive cleaning projects. Develop and implement cleaning schedules that optimize coverage while minimizing disruption to building operations. Monitor cleaning quality through systematic inspections, occupant feedback, and standardized assessment protocols to ensure consistently high standards across all areas.
- Quality Control & Standards: Establish and maintain rigorous cleaning quality standards aligned with industry best practices and client expectations. Conduct regular quality audits using detailed checklists and photographic documentation to track performance trends. Implement corrective action protocols for areas not meeting standards, working directly with cleaning teams to address deficiencies and prevent recurrence.
- Cleaning Team Leadership: Supervise and develop on-site cleaning staff, providing hands-on training in proper cleaning techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures. Create detailed work assignments ensuring optimal coverage of all areas within allocated timeframes. Conduct regular performance evaluations, recognize outstanding work, and implement improvement plans for team members requiring additional support.
- Cleaning Contract & Vendor Management: Manage relationships with cleaning contractors and suppliers, ensuring strict adherence to service level agreements and performance metrics. Monitor contractor performance through daily oversight, documented inspections, and regular performance reviews. Coordinate with procurement teams on cleaning supply orders, equipment maintenance contracts, and specialized cleaning services.
- Cleaning Technology & Equipment: Oversee the selection, deployment, and maintenance of cleaning equipment including floor care machines, vacuum systems, pressure washers, and specialized cleaning tools. Ensure all equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operated safely. Evaluate new cleaning technologies and methodologies that could improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, or enhance cleaning outcomes.
- Chemical Management & Safety: Manage the safe storage, handling, and application of cleaning chemicals in strict compliance with safety data sheets and regulatory requirements. Ensure all cleaning staff are properly trained in chemical handling procedures and equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment. Maintain accurate chemical inventory records and coordinate with suppliers on product specifications and delivery schedules.
- Hygiene & Infection Control: Implement and oversee enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, particularly in high-touch areas, washrooms, food service areas, and during health emergencies. Stay current with evolving hygiene standards and public health guidelines, adapting cleaning procedures as necessary. Coordinate with health and safety teams to ensure cleaning practices support overall facility hygiene objectives.
- Waste Management & Recycling: Supervise waste collection, sorting, and disposal operations to maintain clean, odor-free environments while supporting sustainability initiatives. Monitor waste management contractor performance and ensure proper handling of different waste streams including general waste, recycling, confidential waste, and specialized disposal requirements.
- Client Relations & Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for cleaning-related concerns, responding promptly to service requests and occupant feedback. Communicate proactively about planned cleaning activities, temporary service modifications, and any issues that might impact building operations. Develop positive relationships with facility managers, tenant representatives, and building occupants through consistent, professional service delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Education & Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience in commercial cleaning operations with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity. Demonstrated experience managing large-scale cleaning contracts and leading cleaning teams in commercial or institutional environments.
- Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of commercial cleaning methods, equipment, and chemicals across diverse surface types and environments. Understanding of infection control protocols, BICS, and environmental regulations affecting cleaning operations. Familiarity with green cleaning practices and sustainable cleaning product alternatives. Experience with cleaning management software and mobile applications for work order tracking and quality documentation.
- Leadership & Management Skills: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate cleaning teams in demanding operational environments. Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple cleaning activities simultaneously while maintaining quality standards. Experience conducting performance evaluations, managing disciplinary processes, and implementing staff development programs.
- Communication & Problem-Solving: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including cleaning staff, building occupants, contractors, and senior management. Strong problem-solving capabilities with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving cleaning challenges before they impact service quality. Customer service orientation with the ability to handle complaints professionally and implement effective solutions.
- Physical Requirements & Certifications: Ability to perform physical inspections throughout multi-story facilities, including climbing stairs and accessing all areas requiring cleaning oversight. Valid driver's license may be required for travel between building areas or supply procurement.
Working Conditions
This is a hands-on, site-based position requiring daily presence during operational hours with flexibility to adjust schedules based on cleaning requirements and building activities. The role involves significant time walking throughout facilities, conducting inspections in various environments including kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during deep cleaning projects, emergency cleaning situations, or special events requiring enhanced cleaning support.
Performance Metrics
Success in this role is measured through cleaning quality scores, occupant satisfaction ratings, contractor performance metrics, budget adherence, safety incident rates, and staff retention. Regular performance reviews will assess achievement of cleaning standards, effectiveness of team leadership, successful vendor management, and contribution to overall facility operations excellence.
Career Development
This position provides excellent opportunities for advancement within facility management, with potential progression to senior facilities management roles, regional cleaning operations oversight, or specialized positions in infection control, sustainability, or facility operations management. The company supports professional development through industry training programs, certification opportunities, and continuing education in emerging cleaning technologies and methodologies.
Location: On-site – London, GBR
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Soft Services Manager - Site Based in London employer: JLL
At JLL, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that empowers our employees to thrive and grow in their careers. As a Soft Services Manager based in London, you will benefit from a culture of excellence, continuous professional development, and the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in delivering exceptional cleaning standards. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability, combined with a supportive atmosphere, makes JLL an outstanding employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Soft Services Manager - Site Based in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand JLL's values and how they align with your own. This will help you articulate why you're the perfect fit for the Soft Services Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and experience in managing cleaning operations, as these are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the JLL team and shaping a brighter future together.
We think you need these skills to ace Soft Services Manager - Site Based in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Soft Services Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in cleaning operations and team leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your skills shine! Be sure to include examples of how you've managed cleaning teams, maintained quality standards, and handled client relations. Use clear, concise language to demonstrate your expertise in commercial cleaning methods and safety protocols.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team culture, so share a bit about what motivates you and why you’re passionate about maintaining high cleaning standards.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed efficiently, and we can get to know you better as a candidate. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at JLL
✨Know Your Cleaning Standards
Familiarise yourself with the latest cleaning standards and best practices in the industry. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these standards at the site, ensuring a healthy and welcoming environment for all occupants.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cleaning teams in the past. Highlight your experience in training staff, conducting performance evaluations, and managing team dynamics to ensure high-quality service delivery.
✨Understand Client Relations
Be prepared to talk about your approach to client communication and relationship management. Discuss how you would handle feedback and concerns from building occupants, showcasing your customer service orientation.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. This could include managing contractor performance or addressing cleaning deficiencies. Show that you can proactively identify issues before they impact service quality.
