Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
The Property, Assets and Traded Services team are pivotal in the Council’s building, asset and estates management, keeping Council properties, including Schools, clean, safe and healthy for all who use them. Our wider teams also take care of planned preventative maintenance programmes and capital project management and delivery.
About the role.
Property, Assets and Traded Services are looking to recruit an Area Supervisor (Building Cleaning) on a permanent basis. The role will assist in the co-ordination of operational and procedural matters across the building cleaning service within an area of the borough, and support the development of the service. The role will provide direct support to the Operations Officer.
The successful candidate will operate within a designated geographical area managing approximately 100 cleaning operatives across 45 sites and various customers homes. The supervisor will assist in the delivery of the building cleaning contracts across schools, public buildings, libraries, day centre, depots, offices, housing related properties and customers homes in relation to Supporting Independence Service.
What you'll be involved in...
* Supervise approximately 100 staff across around 45 buildings and various customers’ homes in line with appropriate HR guidance and legislation.
* Responsible for recruiting new employees, including conducting training, inductions, and BICS (British Institute of Cleaning Science) training for all staff.
* Ensure all activities comply with the Council’s Health and Safety Policy; carry out risk assessments and ensure employees follow safe systems of work.
* Manage compliance with cleaning specifications for schools and buildings to maintain high cleaning standards throughout.
* Assist the Supporting Independence Assistant, when required, in assessing customers’ needs for SIS and work with relevant partners to create appropriate support plans and specifications.
* Ensure cleaning and support activities are carried out effectively in line with support plans and cleaning specifications, maintaining high standards and responding appropriately to emergency situations.
* Review customer support plans to ensure they receive the correct level of support.
* Monitor sickness and attendance levels and, where necessary, carry out counselling and offer support as the direct line manager.
* Liaise with head teachers, business managers, and SIS customers while demonstrating a high level of customer care.
* Undertake any other responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post.
What you'll need to be successful...
THE KNOWLEDGE
* Customer care and the provision of highquality service
* Health and Safety Regulations
THE QUALIFICATIONS
* Qualified to BICS (British Institute of Cleaning Science) Level 1 or equivalent
* Driving licence or access to mobility support
THE EXPERIENCE
* Supervisory experience
* Experience working in the cleaning industry
* Effective communication skills
* Experience undertaking cleaning inspections
What’s in it for you
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.