Area Manager - Commercial Cleaning

Daniel Owen are working with a client who are looking for an experienced Area manager for a Facilities Management Company

Due to exceptional year-on-year growth, record customer retention and a rapidly expanding contract portfolio, My client is creating a new Senior Area Manager position within our Operations team.

This is a pivotal role within the business, responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 25-30 commercial cleaning sites across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Our customers include offices, educational settings, healthcare environments, industrial facilities, logistics operations and commercial premises throughout the Thames Valley. As the Area Manager, you will be the primary link between our customers, frontline cleaning teams and Head Office support staff, ensuring service excellence is delivered consistently across every site.

Acting as the operational lynchpin, you will ensure communication flows effectively, issues are resolved promptly, and our high standards of cleanliness, safety and customer service are maintained.

This is a highly customer-focused role. Whilst operational excellence is essential, your success will be measured by the strength of your client relationships, customer retention, team engagement and the quality of service delivered across your portfolio.

Working closely with Supervisors, Cleaning Operatives and our Head Office support teams, you will recruit, develop and motivate staff, maintain compliance standards, manage contract performance and support the continued growth of the business.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in shaping the future growth and success of the business. We are looking for an ambitious, customer-focused leader who enjoys taking ownership, developing high-performing teams and building lasting customer relationships. In return, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a successful and expanding company where your contribution will be recognised and valued.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 25-30 commercial cleaning contracts across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire
Act as the key link between customers, frontline cleaning teams and Head Office support functions
Build strong, long-term customer relationships through regular site visits, service reviews and face-to-face meetings
Conduct monthly site audits and quality inspections, ensuring service standards are consistently achieved
Take ownership of customer satisfaction, resolving issues quickly and professionally
Lead, motivate and support Supervisors and Cleaning Operatives to maintain high performance and engagement
Recruit, induct, train and develop team members across your portfolio
Manage staffing levels, timesheets, holiday planning and absence cover to ensure uninterrupted service delivery
Coordinate mobile and relief staff to support customer requirements and prevent missed services
Support the mobilisation and successful launch of new contracts
Ensure all contracts are delivered in line with agreed service specifications and company standards
Monitor labour costs and support contract profitability
Audit cleaning stores, equipment and consumables, ensuring sites remain fully compliant and operational
Manage stock levels and coordinate the delivery of cleaning materials and equipment where required
Work closely with HR, Recruitment, Finance and Operations Support teams to ensure smooth contract delivery
Produce accurate reports, audit records and operational updates for senior management
Provide hands-on operational support where required to ensure customers receive the highest level of service
Adopt a hands-on approach when required, providing practical support to site teams during periods of absence, peak demand or operational challenges to ensure service standards are maintained and customers are never let down

Hours of Work

40 hours per week Monday to Friday
Flexible working pattern to support operational requirements across your portfolio
As many of the cleaning services are delivered during the afternoon and evening, a significant proportion of site visits, audits and team support activities will typically take place between 12pm and 7/8pm (latest)
Some contracts operate during early morning hours, so occasional early starts may be required
Working hours are generally planned in advance, allowing you to effectively organise customer visits, team meetings and operational activities
This is a management role focused on supporting customers and teams across a portfolio of sites, rather than a shift-based position
We recognise the importance of work-life balance and aim to provide structure and advance planning wherever possible, whilst requiring a reasonable degree of flexibility to support customer needs and service deliveryAbout you

Previous experience managing multiple commercial cleaning contracts or sites
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and customer relationship skills
Experience managing customer expectations and service delivery within a contract environment
Experience conducting site audits and quality inspections
Knowledge of cleaning operations, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements
Confidence using Microsoft Office, mobile technology and digital auditing systems
Experience managing recruitment, staff performance and absence cover
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed