At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep student accommodation spotless and welcoming by cleaning kitchens, corridors, and washrooms.
- Company: Join the University of Northampton's dedicated cleaning team in a vibrant campus environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive team, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community that values diversity and promotes wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by ensuring a clean and safe living space.
- Qualifications: Cleaning experience is a plus, but training will be provided for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Until 31 July 2027
Hours: 25 hours per week or 17.5 hours per week
Location: Waterside Campus, University of Northampton.
Interview Date: W/C 14 December 2026
The post will primarily support the Accommodation cleaning team, helping to maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation across student accommodation. Main duties will include:
- Cleaning kitchens, communal areas, corridors, stairwells and washroom facilities
- Vacuuming, mopping and general surface cleaning
- Emptying waste and recycling
- Replenishing consumables
- Reporting maintenance, damage or health and safety concerns
The role will also support the preparation and turnaround of accommodation, including enhanced cleaning requirements during busy periods, and may be required to assist with cleaning in other University areas where operationally necessary.
Available Hours:
- 25hrs per week - The normal working pattern will be Monday – Friday 9am – 2pm, with these being set contractual working days.
- 17.5hrs per week - The normal working pattern will be Monday – Friday 9am – 12.30pm, with these being set contractual working days.
Some flexibility may be required during peak accommodation periods to support operational requirements. Please specify the working hours you would like to be considered for in your application.
The successful candidate will have a practical understanding of cleaning methods and be able to deliver consistently high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Previous cleaning experience, ideally within accommodation, hospitality, education or another busy environment, would be advantageous, although appropriate training can be provided. They will need good attention to detail, the ability to follow cleaning schedules and instructions, and an understanding of working safely with cleaning products and equipment.
The role requires someone who can work independently and as part of a team, organise their workload effectively and respond flexibly to changing operational priorities. Good communication skills, reliability and a positive approach to customer service are important, as the postholder will work within student accommodation and may have regular contact with students, staff and visitors. They should also be able to identify and report maintenance defects, damage, hazards or other health and safety concerns appropriately.
Qualifications Desirable: BICS Operators Proficiency Certificate Stage 1 or willing to work towards qualification.
You will be working as part of the 1st Degree team, within the Estates and Campus Services team. 1st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel. We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment. We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential. We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals. Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
Commitments Include:
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
- Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
- Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.
UON’s Major Commitments: Disability Confident, Standalone Pledge, IHRA Working Definition.
Cleaning Operative - Days in Northampton employer: Northampton Ukulele Group
Northampton Ukulele Group fosters a vibrant community for music lovers, offering flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development. The organization promotes creativity and collaboration among its members, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about music education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaning Operative - Days in Northampton
✨Tap into Local Networks
For temporary roles in janitorial and cleaning services, it's super effective to connect with local property managers, event venues, and schools. These places often need temporary staff for events or seasonal cleaning, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly and see if they’re hiring!
✨Check Out Community Job Boards
Don’t overlook community job boards and local Facebook groups focused on gig work. Many times, businesses post short-term openings there. Join those groups, keep an eye out for postings, and be ready to jump on opportunities when they come up!
✨Show Up in Person
For temporary jobs like these, sometimes showing up in person can make a big difference. If you spot a business in your area that looks like they might need cleaning help, pop in and ask if they’re looking for short-term workers. A friendly face goes a long way!
✨Post Your Availability Online
Create a quick profile on platforms popular in the cleaning services sector, like Gumtree or local job sites, and list your availability. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience. This can help businesses find you quickly for temporary work opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaning Operative - Days in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in janitorial and cleaning services, make sure to showcase any previous cleaning or maintenance jobs you've held. We want to see your skills in action, so mention specific tasks you've completed, like floor care or waste management, and any equipment you're familiar with!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications that relate to health and safety, or specific cleaning techniques, flaunt them in your application. These can really set you apart from the crowd, showing that you know the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Tailor Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, it’s super important to be clear about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know when you can start and how flexible you can be with hours. The more straightforward you are, the easier it is for us to see if you’re the right fit for our needs at Northampton Ukulele Group.
Keep It Straightforward:For a temporary role, we aren’t looking for a lengthy novel in your CV or cover letter. Stick to the essentials — your experience, skills, and a brief personal touch about why you want to work with us at Northampton Ukulele Group. Short and sweet is the way to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton Ukulele Group
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
In a janitorial role, it's key to showcase your knowledge of different cleaning methods and products. Be ready to discuss your experience with various tidying techniques, whether it's deep cleaning, waste management or floor care. They might even ask you about how you handle specific cleaning challenges, so having a couple of examples up your sleeve will help us shine!
✨Safety First!
Understanding safety protocols is crucial in cleaning services. Make sure you're familiar with health and safety regulations relevant to the industry, like using personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling chemicals safely. Prepare to share how you ensure a safe working environment, as this will definitely resonate with your interviewers at Northampton Ukulele Group.
✨Flexibility Over Everything
Since you're applying for a temporary role, emphasise your availability and adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can adjust to different cleaning environments, shifting schedules, and varying tasks. Highlighting your willingness to jump into any assignment will make you stand out and show us you're the right fit for Northampton Ukulele Group.
✨Show Off Your Past Experience
If you’ve done janitorial work before, bring along your references or any previous feedback you've received. Temporary roles often rely heavily on past performance, so having tangible examples or even a brief portfolio of your work can help us demonstrate your ability to meet and exceed expectations at Northampton Ukulele Group.
