Soft Services Executive / Manager

The Soft Services Executive will oversee the day-to-day operations of soft services within a large-scale school facility in Abu Dhabi. The role focuses on ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient delivery of services such as cleaning, security, landscaping, and general support services. She will be responsible for managing a team of soft services supervisors and ensuring high standards in line with school policies and UAE regulations.

It requires a proactive leader who can ensure a safe, well-maintained, and supportive school environment while managing the daily operations of a multicultural soft services team.

Responsibilities are, but not limited to the following:

• Supervise and coordinate daily operations of soft services including cleaning, security, pest control, waste management, landscaping, mailroom, and reception services.

• Lead and manage a team of soft services supervisors and frontline staff to ensure efficient shift coverage, performance, and attendance.

• Respond promptly to requests or complaints from school management, teaching staff, and stakeholders, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently.

• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive learning environment across academic buildings, staff accommodations, common areas, and external grounds.

• Prepare and review work permits, risk assessments, and safe work method statements (SWMS) for all contractors working on school premises.

• Monitor service performance against KPIs and SLAs and report regularly to the Facilities Manager.

• Oversee inventory control of consumables, cleaning materials, and school support items, and coordinate procurement requests (PR/PO) as needed.

• Organize toolbox talks, safety briefings, and operational huddles for the soft services team to reinforce safety culture and compliance.

• Support recruitment, training, and onboarding of new soft service personnel in collaboration with HR and service providers.

• Ensure all subcontractors and service providers adhere to health and safety policies, child safety protocols, and school-specific operating procedures.

• Maintain documentation and reporting systems for audits, inspections, and quality control checks.

• Act as the primary contact for service provider management and liaise with stakeholders during events or special school activities.

• Participate in emergency drills and ensure staff are trained in first aid, fire safety, and evacuation protocols.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of school operational standards, HSE compliance, and local authority guidelines (ADEK, OSHAD, etc.).

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and stakeholder communication skills.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience using CAFM or FM tracking systems.

Education and Professional Experience:

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Facilities Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (Undergraduate acceptable with strong experience).

• Certified in First Aid (CPR/AED), Basic Firefighting, IOSH, or equivalent HSE certifications.

• Training in risk assessments, chemical safety (COSHH), and manual handling.

• Additional training in customer care, emergency preparedness, or security procedures is a plus.

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Facilities Management with strong exposure to soft services, ideally within educational, healthcare, or hospitality sectors.

• Experience managing large teams of housekeeping, cleaning, and support staff in a school, campus, or similar environment is highly preferred.

• Practical experience in contractor and subcontractor management, audits, and ensuring service excellence.