At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in cleaning, security, and customer service to enhance visitor experiences.
- Company: Join Lakeside Shopping Centre, a top UK destination undergoing a £50m transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail and leisure while making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Seeking leaders from hospitality or retail with experience in soft services and team management.
- Other info: This is a brand-new role with a chance to drive change at an iconic shopping centre.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Exciting Opportunity: Soft Services Manager Location: Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Essex Working Pattern: Full-time, 5 days out of 7 (includes duty management one weekend per month) Lakeside is levelling up — and this is your chance to join the transformation. With £50m investment on the way, a brand-new leasing strategy, and bold ambitions to become a top 5 UK shopping destination, Lakeside is redefining retail and leisure in the UK. As Soft Services Manager , you’ll lead the teams that shape the daily experience of over 20 million annual visitors. ️ What You’ll Be Doing: Leading large multi-disciplinary teams across cleaning, security, waste, and customer-facing operations Ensuring first-class service delivery through contractors and in-house staff Driving innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement Managing budgets, KPIs, audits, and high-impact service contracts Acting as Silver Command in major incidents and ensuring all compliance measures are met Championing a “Best in Class” visitor experience from car park to centre court What We’re Looking For: People-focused leaders from hospitality, retail or leisure sectors ready for something new Experience in soft services, FM, or guest-facing operations Strong communicator and motivator who thrives in fast-paced environments Operationally sharp with an eye for detail and team development Confident in compliance, incident response, and safety standards Why Join Lakeside? This is a unique opportunity to take on a brand-new role , shape the guest experience at one of the UK’s most iconic centres, and grow with a business committed to ambition, reinvention, and excellence. Ready to lead the change at Lakeside? Apply now and help shape the future of this super-regional retail & leisure destination.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15
Soft Services Manager employer: Savills
Contact Detail:
Savills Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Soft Services Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Lakeside Shopping Centre and its current initiatives. Understanding their recent investments and transformation plans will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the soft services and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events or connect on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven innovation and sustainability in previous roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your capability to enhance service delivery at Lakeside.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by preparing to discuss how you motivate and develop teams. Being able to articulate your approach to team dynamics and performance improvement will resonate well with the hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Soft Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in soft services, facilities management, or guest-facing operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for enhancing visitor experiences. Mention your understanding of the retail and leisure sectors and how your background aligns with Lakeside's vision for transformation.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any past achievements related to service delivery, innovation, or sustainability. Quantify your successes where possible, such as improvements in customer satisfaction or efficiency.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to motivate teams and engage with stakeholders. Use clear and concise language throughout your documents.
How to prepare for a job interview at Savills
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Soft Services Manager, you'll be leading large teams. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed diverse teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Operational Expertise
Highlight your experience in managing budgets, KPIs, and service contracts. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you improved service delivery or drove innovation in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
This role requires strong communication and motivational skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've engaged and inspired your team, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance and safety standards in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions.