Cleaning Operative - Nights

About the Job

Interview Date: 7 September 2026

The University of Northampton is looking to appoint a cleaning operative. This is a fixed term position to December 23rd 2026, working mainly within the Academic Buildings.

• The post will be part time – 37hrs per week.
• The working hours are between 10pm – 6am, Monday - Friday nights.

The successful applicants will work within the current teams to achieve and maintain exemplary standards of hygiene and cleanliness throughout all spaces mainly within the academic buildings. You will provide a scheduled and ad hoc cleaning support across shared staff facilities and general circulation areas across the estate, with responsibility for replenishing consumables to ensure continuity of services. This will be a proactive role to meet the needs of all building users.

Principle Duties include;

To service all areas (hoovering, mopping, wiping, dusting and removing general detritus) and making good the designated areas prescribed by the Facilities Supervisors. You will also complete scheduled and ad hoc tasks to maintain a level of cleanliness throughout the shift. This will also include removing waste to designated bin stores and replenishing consumable items.

General management and removal of litter, waste and spillages in academic general circulation areas and other buildings.

To work with other team members, to ensure that work is covered during absence of colleagues.

Working to 1st Degree Facilities Standard operating procedures.

• Experience in cleaning tasks.
• Be able to work accurately and safely.
• Experience in completion of work in accordance with approved codes of practice and legislative compliance.
• Experience of working in occupied buildings understanding the need not to cause disruption.
• Have sound knowledge of products and materials currently in use.
• Have good interpersonal skills.
• Be able to work with minimal supervision and on own initiative, either in a team or alone.
• Be able to work under pressure and manage conflicting demands.
• To be adaptable, conscientious and to be good team member.

Desirable

• BICS Operators Proficiency Certificate Stage 1 or willing to work towards qualification

You will be working as part of the 1st Degree team, within the Estates and Campus Services team.

1st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

• Inclusivity
  :
  We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability
  :
  We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration
  :
  We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust
  :
  We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is…