Regional Operations Manager

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Regional Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of education-sector contracts across the Southern region. This is a senior operational role, responsible for delivering safe, compliant, and high-quality cleaning services while maintaining excellent client relationships and leading high-performing teams.

You will have full accountability for operational performance, health and safety compliance, financial control, and people leadership across multiple sites, ensuring service excellence is consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Client Management

• Ensure all contracts operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with contractual specifications, company policies, and QHSE standards
• Act as the primary point of contact for education-sector clients, building trusted and effective working relationships
• Manage and resolve client complaints or concerns within 24 hours
• Conduct frequent site visits to review performance, identify risks, and implement corrective action plans
• Drive service improvements, innovation, and best practice across the region
• Manage subcontractors to ensure service consistency and compliance
• Attend and lead weekly, monthly, and quarterly client review meetings

Financial & Resource Management

• Control resources to deliver high-quality services within agreed budgets
• Monitor wage spend and ensure accurate rotas through the Timegate system
• Reduce payroll discrepancies and arbitrations through effective rota planning
• Order materials, equipment, PPE, and uniforms in line with contractual requirements and budgets
• Ensure company vehicles (where applicable) are clean, compliant, and well maintained

People Management & Development

• Recruit, induct, and retain colleagues in line with agreed staffing levels and company procedures
• Ensure all Right to Work checks and onboarding processes are completed correctly
• Plan and deliver training to meet operational, compliance, and development needs
• Provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing support to Area Managers and site teams
• Maintain high standards of conduct, appearance, uniform, and PPE compliance
• Manage disciplinary and grievance processes in line with company policy
• Recognise and reward performance using [Employer hidden] recognition schemes

Quality, Compliance & Health & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with Contract Cleaning Specifications and education-sector KPIs
• Conduct weekly audits and report performance outcomes to clients
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across all sites
• Identify, report, and escalate health, safety, environmental, or service delivery risks
• Maintain accurate contract files, training records, and compliance documentation

Information Security

• Comply with all company information security procedures
• Proactively identify and report security risks or incidents

About You

To be successful in this role, you must have significant senior-level experience within the contract cleaning industry.

Essential requirements:

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in contract cleaning at Contract Manager level or above
• Proven experience managing cleaning services within the education sector (mandatory)
• Experience managing multiple sites and large teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong financial and budgetary management skills
• Excellent leadership, people management, and coaching capability
• Strong customer and client focus with the ability to build long-term relationships
• Confident communicator with strong verbal, written, and IT skills
• Proven ability to manage performance, conflict, and service delivery challenges effectively

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role within a respected and established organisation
• The opportunity to manage high-profile education contracts
• Ongoing training, development, and career progression
• A supportive, values-driven working environment