Senior Operations Manager; Cleaning

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, hospitals, construction projects ensuring operational excellence, strong client relationships, high standards of service delivery and consistent commercial performance.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Proven experience in commercial cleaning, specialist cleaning, construction cleaning or facilities management.
• Strong understanding of large project handovers and the standards…