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 delivery

About 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