Job Introduction
- 40 hours per week
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Monday - Friday - 08:00 - 16:30
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Up to £30,000 per annum
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Free Car parking
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Sodexo rewards and benefits
Job Introduction
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Cleaning Services Manager to join our team at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT. This is a key operational leadership role, managing a large and diverse cleaning operation across a busy military estate.
Reporting to the Soft Services Operations Manager, you will provide day-to-day leadership, technical expertise and strategic support to a team of over 70 cleaning operatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant and customer-focused cleaning services across a wide range of facilities.
You will play a critical role in maintaining Sodexo’s reputation for excellence, supporting innovation, driving employee engagement, and ensuring all contractual, legislative and MOD requirements are met.
What you’ll do:
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Provide leadership, supervision, direction and technical support to the cleaning team, stepping up to cover the Soft Operations Manager role during periods of absence when required.
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Deliver effective and efficient cleaning services in line with the Services Standard Statement (SSS), KPIs, company policies, client requirements and MOD regulations.
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Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness across a diverse estate including medical facilities, accommodation, offices, leisure areas, workshops, warehouses, vehicles, messes and educational buildings.
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Support and implement innovative service solutions to continuously improve quality and value.
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Manage daily operational administration including time management via KRONOS, ensuring accuracy of Timecard Checks and payroll-related outputs.
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Produce and maintain Essence building schedules and ensure service delivery aligns with contracted and supplementary service requests.
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Conduct and manage internal and external audits, inspections and self-audits, ensuring full compliance at all times.
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Lead employee engagement through regular team huddles, manager briefs, training sessions and performance reviews.
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Oversee employee personal files, return-to-work processes, training records and professional development.
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Manage COSHH compliance, acting as the subject matter expert for cleaning chemicals and consumables, including monthly ordering.
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Ensure safe and compliant use of company vehicles in liaison with the Transport Manager.
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Support welfare, capability, grievance and conduct matters in line with HR policies.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, barrack managers and nominated customer representatives.
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Promote Sodexo’s brand standards, ensuring professional appearance, uniform compliance and positive behaviours across the team.
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Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety, Fire, Environmental and QA policies, including PPE usage, accident reporting and safety walks.
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Maintain effective communication with senior managers, peers, clients and stakeholders.
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Be flexible to support other areas within the Colchester PFI where business needs require.
This role operates in a dynamic environment and requires a proactive, hands-on leader with strong organisational and people management skills.
What you bring:
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Minimum 2 years’ management experience, with qualification equivalent to NVQ Level 3 (or willingness to work towards a recognised FM qualification).
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Management experience within Facilities Management and/or cleaning services.
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Strong knowledge of Health, Safety and Welfare, including COSHH.
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Proven people management skills including recruitment, training, performance management, disciplinary and grievance processes.
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Experience delivering FM services in a customer-focused environment.
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Confident decision-maker, able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
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Strong attention to detail and commitment to service standards.
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Analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to implement innovative solutions.
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Competent user of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Desirable
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IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
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Soft FM technical expertise, including contract administration and transport services.
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Experience managing client relationships in a contract environment.
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Proven track record of leading and developing large teams.
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Experience in a multi-functional role.
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Clean UK Driving Licence.
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SC Clearance (or willingness to undergo clearance following probation).
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Demonstrated ability to drive service improvement and innovation.
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
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Mental health & wellbeing support
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Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
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24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
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Discounts for you & family
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Financial tools & retirement plan
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Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications