At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance cleaning operations across multiple campuses, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
- Company: Join the iconic King's estate, a historic and vibrant community in London.
- Benefits: Indefinite contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while promoting a clean and safe environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, cleaning industry knowledge, and experience in multi-site management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
About us
The King's estate is historically important and iconic, consisting of more than 100 buildings ranging in age from the 1780's to the current day. Managed by the Estates & Facilities (E&F) directorate, there are five campuses spread across London. E&F is the largest professional services directorate at King's with the widest variety of roles servicing our campuses and community. We are responsible for the daily, smooth operation of our five campuses and for optimising our buildings and spaces through continuous investment and improvement. Having insourced the Cleaning function in Aug 2019, the focus is on raising standards, embedding the "Fit For Kings" culture and ensuring continuous service improvements.
About the role
The Head of Cleaning Operations will oversee the delivery of the cleaning function for select Campuses, associated Residences and other areas of King's Estate, and will be responsible for the operational effectiveness and direction of the campus cleaning teams. The Head of Cleaning Operations will ensure operational effectiveness and stability whilst working closely with the Associate Director of Facilities (Cleaning and Security Services) and report directly to the Head of Cleaning Resource & Compliance to imbed the necessary changes throughout the organisation creating a service that demonstrates the highest levels of service delivery and standards. They will also work very closely with the second Head of Cleaning Operations (Strand and Waterloo) to promote a collaborative approach to service delivery, innovation and best in practise philosophies.
The Head of Cleaning Operations will provide highly visible and authentic leadership to a large, diverse and multi-site team as we further embed our colleagues into the King's community and enhance the student experience whilst still ensuring a safe environment and value for money. This role will be key to ensuring that the service fulfils the Estates and Facilities strategic aim which is 'to deliver trusted, responsive and consistent services enabling our communities to achieve their aspirations making the world a better place.'
The role will also involve provision of professional advice, guidance and direction to the wider College community in matters of cleaning. The postholder will also assist senior management in the development of appropriate business continuity plans and ensure they remain 'fit for purpose'. This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- IOSH or Equivalent Health and Safety Qualification
- Excellent management and leadership skills with ability to build and motivate an internal team ensuring alignment with delivery goals
- In depth knowledge of the cleaning industry
- Strong and effective communicator with experience of building strong and effective networks to influence and operate at all levels through the organisation from Executive to front line service areas
- Senior cleaning management experience including organisational planning and lead delivery of cleaning function and teams across a multi-site estate
- Completer/finisher mentality to define departmental objectives and deliver sound operational implementation.
- Tenacity in achieving objectives to deadlines
- Competent in MS Office software and Industry Time & Attendance and Quality Monitoring software
- 3rd party vendor contract management experience including preparation specifications for public tender projects
- Previous budget management experience >£5m
- Experience in liaising with HR
- Desirable criteria
- Member of an appropriate professional body eg BICSc
- Experience in a unionised environment
- NEBOSH/ qualification
- Proven experience of providing expert technical advice to a range of stakeholders
- An understanding of the current challenges in the HE sector
Equality and Diversity
The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfill our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.
Head of Cleaning Operations employer: King’s College London
At King's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. As the Head of Cleaning Operations, you will lead a diverse team across our historic campuses in London, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to continuous improvement and a supportive environment ensures that you can make a meaningful impact while enhancing the student experience and contributing to a safe and welcoming community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cleaning Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at King's, especially in the Estates & Facilities directorate. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the cleaning industry trends and how they apply to higher education. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit but the perfect match for the Head of Cleaning Operations role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our leadership skills! Think of examples where we've built and motivated teams. The interviewers will love hearing about how we’ve led diverse groups and improved service delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the King's community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cleaning Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cleaning:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the cleaning industry. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to maintaining high standards and improving service delivery. We want to know why you're excited about this role!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your management experience and any relevant qualifications, like IOSH or NEBOSH, to show us you’re the right fit for the Head of Cleaning Operations.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of what makes you a great candidate!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Cleaning Standards
Familiarise yourself with the 'Fit For Kings' culture and the specific cleaning standards expected at King's. Be ready to discuss how you would raise these standards and implement continuous service improvements in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your management and leadership abilities. Think about times when you've motivated a diverse team or collaborated with other departments to achieve common goals, especially in a multi-site environment.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the current challenges in the higher education sector, particularly those affecting cleaning operations. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the strategic aims of the Estates and Facilities directorate and enhance the student experience.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, budget management, and vendor contract management. Expect questions that assess your technical expertise and ability to provide professional advice to various stakeholders.
