At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep communal areas clean and safe while supporting residents in your community.
- Company: Join Ocean Housing, a purpose-driven organisation making a difference in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning workplace that values your voice and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your local community and be part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 1 or equivalent, customer service experience, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 27976 - 27976 £ per year.
Join Ocean Housing as our next Cleaning Operative.
Location: Various housing estates across Cornwall (Head office, St Austell)
Salary: £27,976 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 40 Hours per week
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you take pride in delivering high-quality cleaning services and enjoy working independently or as part of a team? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Role
As a Cleaning Operative, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of communal areas across our housing estates. You’ll be responsible for:
- Dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and polishing communal areas.
- External cleaning including litter picking and grounds maintenance.
- Reporting repairs and safety hazards.
- Supporting fire safety checks and minor handyman tasks.
- Acting as the landlord’s “eyes and ears” to support residents and ensure a welcoming environment.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
- Positive and proactive, with great attention to detail.
- Customer-focused, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Organised and reliable, able to manage time and tasks effectively.
- Committed to safety, equality, and continuous improvement.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- NVQ Level 1 or equivalent.
- Functional Skills Level 1 in Maths and English.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience in customer service and working independently.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a supportive and collaborative team. Receive training and development opportunities. Make a real impact in your local community.
Why You’ll Love This Role
You’ll be joining a friendly, passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your voice is valued, your wellbeing matters and your development is supported. Working at Ocean Housing means being part of something bigger — helping people feel safe, supported and proud of their homes and neighbourhoods.
What are our benefits?
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays
- Professional membership fees paid
- Company sick pay scheme
- Workplace pension with death in service benefit
- Home office work payment
- Medicash health plan (including dental & optical)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Rewards & recognition programme
- On-site parking
- Employee assistance programme
- Family-friendly policies
Key Dates:
Closing Date: Sunday 19th of July 2026 at Midnight
Interview Date: Monday 27th of July 2026 (face to face, Stennack House, St Austell)
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're committed to supporting communities and want a role full of purpose, we’d love to hear from you. Please be aware - we may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon!
The Company
Ocean Housing Ltd is a not for profit, charitable registered provider of social and affordable housing, with a stock of over 4,700 properties throughout Cornwall. We are part of the Cornwall Homechoice ‘Choice Based Lettings’ scheme. At Ocean we believe affordable housing is not just about the buildings, but about the people who turn them into homes. We provide a wide range of services to our residents, helping them to make the most of their homes and the communities they live in.
Mission Statement
“To be an innovative provider of quality homes and services, with residents and staff at the heart of Ocean, and Ocean at the heart of the community.” At Ocean our vision is to be the employer of choice for Cornwall. We want to create a work environment where everyone feels like they belong, can bring their best, authentic selves to work every day and are provided with the support they need to do a great job. Our purpose is to create a modern, dynamic and agile work environment, fit for the 21st Century and one of which all of our colleagues feel included and proud to be a part of. An environment which enables colleagues to provide quality, affordable homes and services for the people of Cornwall. We believe work is what you do, not where you go and therefore colleagues deliver their work where it best suits the need, whether that be in the office, home or around a local area or site using local facilities. Colleagues are agile and work or have meetings in any place to suit the need and task.
Cleaning Operative employer: Ocean Housing
At Ocean Housing, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and purpose-driven employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the Cornwall community. As a Cleaning Operative, you'll enjoy a flexible work environment, comprehensive benefits including 27 days of holiday, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values your wellbeing and contributions. Join us in creating safe and welcoming homes while being part of a team that truly cares about its members and the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaning Operative
✨Join Local Community Boards
Get involved in local community boards or forums related to janitorial services. You'll find job postings and connect with businesses in your area, which can really bolster your chances of landing that full-time gig at places like Ocean Housing.
✨Network with Industry Pros
Don't underestimate the power of networking! Attend industry-specific events or workshops in your locality. Chatting with people already in the field can lead you to hidden job opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a simple portfolio that outlines your experience and specific skills in janitorial services. You can showcase before-and-after photos of your work or even testimonials from past employers. This can help you stand out when applying at places like Ocean Housing.
✨Apply Directly and Keep it Local
When you see a full-time position that sparks your interest, don’t just apply online. If you can, walk into the company, like Ocean Housing, with a smile and express your eagerness to contribute. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection!
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaning Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When showcasing your experience, focus on any previous roles in janitorial or cleaning services. Include specifics like the types of environments you've worked in – be it offices, schools, or hospitals – and mention any cleaning techniques or equipment you're familiar with. This will show Ocean Housing that you’ve got the practical skills needed for the job!
Certifications Matter:If you have any certifications related to cleaning, health and safety, or equipment handling, make sure to include them in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in your approach, which is crucial in the janitorial industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should explain why you’re interested in working with Ocean Housing specifically. Talk about what excites you about the role and how you align with their values. Maybe you love maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment; let that shine through!
Get Your Availability Clear:Since this is a full-time position, be sure to mention your availability at the beginning of your application. Ocean Housing will want to know that you can commit to the hours required, so throwing in your ideal working times can help ease any worry about schedule conflicts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Housing
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
Brush up on various cleaning techniques and equipment you're familiar with. Be ready to highlight specific experiences where you've tackled challenging cleaning situations. This could give the hiring team at Ocean Housing a glimpse of your hands-on skills!
✨Safety First!
Make sure you're up-to-date on health and safety regulations relevant to janitorial work. We can expect some questions about how you handle hazardous materials or ensure hygiene—demonstrating knowledge here shows you're serious about your job and safety at Ocean Housing.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a full-time role, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and potential overtime. Employers love to see candidates who are adaptable to changing schedules, so share experiences that highlight your commitment and reliability.
✨Present Your Experience!
If you have a portfolio or references from previous jobs in cleaning services, bring them along or have them ready to share. This can strengthen your case at Ocean Housing, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
