Job Description:

We are seeking an ambitious, experienced and commercially minded Senior Operations Manager to join a highly respected commercial cleaning contractor with an outstanding reputation across the sector.

This is a senior operational leadership role suited to someone with a strong background in commercial cleaning, specialist cleaning, construction cleaning, builders cleans, sparkle cleans and large-scale handover projects. The role would suit either an established senior manager or an experienced operations manager ready to step into a more senior position and progress their career within a growing, high-performing organisation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing multiple contracts and project teams across large scale new build schools, hopsitals, construction projects ensuring operational excellence, strong client relationships, high standards of service delivery and consistent commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations across a portfolio of commercial cleaning contracts and construction handover projects. Oversee mobilisation, delivery and completion of large-scale cleaning projects, including builders cleans, sparkle cleans, re-cleans and final handover works.
• Ensure all contracts are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the required client specification and manage site supervisors, contract managers, mobile teams and cleaning operatives across multiple locations.
• Maintain consistently high standards of quality, presentation, productivity and client satisfaction. You will also support the senior leadership team in driving operational strategy, service improvements and business growth.

Client and Contract Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for clients, main contractors (including site Quantity Surveyors etc), developers and project stakeholders and build and maintain strong relationships with clients through regular communication, site visits, performance reviews and proactive issue resolution. Attend client meetings, project progress meetings and handover reviews as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, increase contract value and strengthen long-term client partnerships. Ensure client expectations are clearly understood, managed and delivered.

People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop operational teams to create a culture of accountability, professionalism and high performance.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management across operational teams.
• Mentor supervisors and managers, helping them develop their leadership capability.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, productivity and resource allocation across contracts and projects.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all operations are delivered in line with health and safety legislation, company policies, RAMS, COSHH, site rules and client requirements.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across all contracts and projects.
• Carry out site audits, quality inspections and compliance checks.
• Ensure teams are properly trained, equipped and briefed before attending site.
• Investigate incidents, near misses or service failures and implement corrective actions.

Commercial and Financial Performance

Manage operational budgets, labour costs, material usage and project profitability.

Monitor contract performance against agreed KPIs and commercial targets.

Support pricing, tender returns, project planning and contract mobilisation where required.

Identify efficiencies, reduce waste and improve productivity without compromising service quality.

Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on contract performance, risks, opportunities and operational progress.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong operational background within commercial cleaning, construction cleaning, facilities services or a closely related sector.

You may already be operating at senior management level, or you may be an experienced operations manager with the ambition, drive and capability to take the next step in your career.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

Commercial cleaning contracts

Construction site cleaning

Builders cleans and sparkle cleans

Large-scale project handovers

Working with main contractors, developers or construction clients

Managing multi-site teams and fast-paced operational environments

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in commercial cleaning, specialist cleaning, construction cleaning or facilities management.
• Strong understanding of large project handovers and the standards expected by main contractors and end clients.
• Experience managing supervisors, contract managers and frontline teams.
• Excellent client-facing skills, with the confidence to represent the business at senior level.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage labour, materials and contract profitability.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and deliver against deadlines.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working with construction companies, developers or major commercial clients.
• Experience supporting tenders, mobilisations and contract growth.
• Strong knowledge of quality auditing and operational reporting systems.
• Experience in a fast-growing or highly reputable service-led organisation.

Personal Attributes

Ambitious, driven and eager to progress.

Professional, reliable and highly organised.

Hands-on when required, but capable of operating strategically.

Confident managing clients, teams and complex operational challenges.

High standards and strong attention to detail.

Commercially focused with a strong sense of ownership.

Calm under pressure and solutions-focused.

Proud to represent a business with an excellent reputation in the industry.

What is on Offer

A senior role within a respected and established commercial cleaning contractor.

The opportunity to work on high-profile commercial and construction projects.

Genuine career progression for the right candidate.

Supportive senior leadership and a strong operational team.

Excellent salary and package, dependent on experience.

Company Car/Car Allowance

The chance to play a key role in the continued growth and success of the business.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced cleaning operations professional, or a driven manager ready to take the next step in your career, we would be keen to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a short covering note outlining your relevant experience in commercial cleaning, construction cleaning or large-scale project handovers.