At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering specialist industrial cleaning services across a high-profile campus.
- Company: Join a world-leading global pharmaceutical company making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellbeing support, discounts, pension plans, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with diverse challenges and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge scientific community and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, health & safety knowledge, and experience in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Make an Impact Where It Matters Most. This is not your typical cleaning role. As Industrial Cleaning Manager, you’ll play a critical role in supporting a world-leading global pharmaceutical company, helping to maintain environments where life‑changing research, development, and innovation take place every day. The Industrial Cleaning Team (ICT) is essential to ensuring the campus remains safe, compliant, and operating at the highest standards. From laboratories to large‑scale external environments, your leadership will directly contribute to the health, safety, and success of a cutting‑edge scientific community.
About the Role: You’ll lead the delivery of specialist industrial cleaning services across a complex, high‑profile campus—driving operational excellence, championing safety, and inspiring your team to perform at their best. This is a hands‑on leadership role where no two days are the same. One day you might be overseeing high‑level cleaning in critical lab spaces, the next managing large‑scale external works or coordinating urgent reactive requests.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead and manage all ICT operations across a diverse, high‑spec campus
- Deliver specialist cleaning services including:
- Car parks, stairwells, and external infrastructure
- Jet washing of pathways, courtyards, and public spaces
- High‑level cleaning (ceilings, beams, HVAC systems)
- Glass, windows, and internal fixtures
- Upholstery and shared workspaces
- Structural and architectural features
- Pest and biohazard removal
- Specialist cleaning within laboratory (GxP) environments
- Manage reactive and planned works via ServiceNow
- Coordinate daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery
- Support seasonal safety operations such as snow and ice clearance
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Safety from the Front
- Act as Subject Matter Expert for Working at Height
- Own and control the Permit to Work process
- Drive a zero‑harm culture, embedding safety into everything you do
- Deliver Excellence & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all statutory, client, and industry regulations
- Maintain accurate documentation, SOPs, and operational systems
- Support strict GxP/GMP standards within laboratory environments
- Inspire and Develop Your Team
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team
- Manage performance, training, and HR matters
- Build a culture of accountability, pride, and continuous improvement
- Manage Stakeholders & Contractors
- Oversee subcontractors in line with Contractor Safety Management Systems
- Act as a trusted partner and ambassador for Sodexo
- Build strong, professional relationships across the client environment
- Own Operational Delivery
- Plan and execute the ICT work schedule
- Ensure all services are delivered efficiently and to the highest standard
- Support asset management and equipment compliance (PPMs)
What We’re Looking For:
- IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH (General Certificate or higher)
- Strong leadership and people management experience
- A genuine passion for health & safety
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Confident communicator at all levels
- IT literate (Microsoft Office, Permit to Work systems, SAP, Salesforce/Salus)
- Full UK Driving Licence
- COSHH knowledge
- Confined Spaces training
- Ladder / Banksperson training
- Experience in GxP or regulated environments
Why Sodexo? We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life’s larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular big‑brand retailers
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
- Sodexo UK and Ireland’s enhanced benefits and leave policies
Ready to be part of something greater? Belong in a team, thrive in service.
Industrial Cleaning Team Manager in Stevenage employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical sector. With a strong focus on health and safety, employee wellbeing, and professional development, you will have access to extensive resources and support to grow your career. Located in Stevenage, you'll enjoy a collaborative culture that values accountability and continuous improvement, alongside attractive benefits such as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme and a Bike to Work Scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Cleaning Team Manager in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on 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 its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial Cleaning Team Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Industrial Cleaning Team Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, safety management qualifications, and any relevant industry knowledge to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about health and safety and how your previous roles have prepared you for this hands-on leadership position. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your work history, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success and show us the impact you’ve made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches the right people and stands out in our system!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with the key safety regulations and standards relevant to industrial cleaning, especially in GxP environments. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement a zero-harm culture and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing team members, and be ready to explain how you inspire accountability and pride within your team.
✨Understand the Role's Complexity
Research the diverse cleaning services you'll be managing, from high-level cleaning to pest removal. Be ready to discuss how you would coordinate operations across various environments and handle urgent requests effectively.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. As a manager, you'll need to communicate with various stakeholders, so prepare to demonstrate your ability to build strong professional relationships and manage subcontractors effectively.
