Contract Cleaning Manager, Essex/ Hertfordshire

Role: Contract Cleaning Manager Salary and Benefits: £37,500 annual salary, Laptop, Phone, Commission Scheme and Company Vehicle and Expenses, Company pension scheme, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays. Career development opportunities in a growing, forward-thinking company. Support from an experienced regional and national team. Job Status: Permanent / Full Time - 40 hours per weekLocation: Hertfordshire and EssexVacancy Reference: VR/05349

Role Description:As Contract Cleaning Manager (Operations), you will be responsible for delivering high-quality cleaning services across a designated portfolio of contracts. You will lead, inspire, and develop cleaning teams, build excellent client relationships, and ensure operational and financial targets are consistently met. This hands-on role supports the Company's commitment to innovation, service excellence, and people development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Delivery & Compliance
• Ensure consistent delivery of service in line with KPIs and SLAs.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits, ensuring quality assurance and full compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, and safeguarding standards.
• Drive continuous service improvements using data insights and innovative cleaning methods.
• Ensure all sites have up-to-date Site Procedure Manuals and documentation.
• Lead, train, and support a team of Supervisors and Cleaning Operatives across multiple sites.
• Conduct performance reviews and continuous assessments to ensure high standards.
• Promote a positive and motivated team culture aligned with our Clients values.
• Ensure all staff are using time & attendance systems (e.g. Staffcheck) correctly.
• Build strong, trustworthy relationships with clients through regular meetings and transparent communication.
• Respond promptly to client concerns and proactively address service challenges.
• Present monthly reports and insights, providing added value and solution-focused support.
• Champion the use of mobile apps and Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, Excel) to improve communication, reporting, and productivity.
• Encourage innovation through the implementation of cost-effective and efficient cleaning solutions.
• Manage and report on contract budgets, timesheets, and payroll accurately.
• Control equipment, stock, and resource use to remain within budget and maximise efficiency.
• Ensure all periodic and planned works are completed on time, to standard, and within cost parameters.
• Identify and act on training needs in collaboration with HR and Regional Operations Manager.
• Handle employee relations issues (e.g. disciplinaries, grievances) in line with policies and the ACAS code.
• Promote a culture of integrity, care, and excellence through day-to-day actions and leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Cleaning audits achieving 95%+ consistently.
• Monthly reports submitted on time with actionable recommendations.
• Reduction in client complaints and increase in satisfaction scores.
• Low staff turnover and high engagement.
• Innovation initiatives introduced quarterly.
• 100% Health & Safety and audit compliance.

Person Specification:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an operations/contract management role within the cleaning industry.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-site teams.
• Excellent client and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use Microsoft 365 and operational apps.
• Proactive, highly organised, and solutions-focused.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• BICSc or IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Experience managing national or multi-site cleaning contracts.
• DBS checked or willingness to undergo clearance.
• BICSc trained or awareness of BICSc standards.

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Effective problem solver with initiative and resilience.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Attention to detail and strong presentation/reporting skills.
• Relationship builder with a flexible and adaptable approach.
• Committed to delivering operational excellence and client satisfaction.