Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The NBI Partnership (NBIP) provides non-scientific services to research institutes based on the Norwich Research Park, a globally recognised centre for bioscience innovation. The park is home to leading research institutes - including the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) - supporting cutting-edge research in food security, health, and environmental sustainability. NBIP provides the facilities management (FM) services to the JIC’s, TSL’s and EI’s estates and buildings.
The Cleaning Supervisor ensures the delivery of high-quality, flexible cleaning services across the NBIP and Institutes. This role involves managing two Cleaning Team Leaders and the wider cleaning team while maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness to support the scientific research environment.
The Cleaning Supervisor will engage with key stakeholders, ensuring cleaning services meet the evolving needs of scientific operations while optimising resources, managing budgets, and maintaining compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. The role also includes overseeing safe systems of work, monitoring stock levels, ensuring effective deployment of staff, responding to complaints, and liaising with external service providers such as waste management companies.
Additionally, the post holder will deputise for the FM Support Services Manager when required and work closely with the Portering Supervisor, providing cover during periods of leave or absence.
Key Relationships
Responsible for: Soft Services Cleaning Teams (including two Cleaning Team Leaders).
Internal: Janitor Supervisor (covering for absence), Helpdesk and Business Systems Supervisor, Operational and Laboratory Managers, EI’s Business Support team, JIC Horticulture Manager, Building Managers, and Conference Centre Manager, FM Support Services Manager.
External: Cleaning materials and equipment suppliers, Waste management contractors, Visitors and external service providers.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Cleaning Operations & Quality Control
• Oversee the daily task allocation for the cleaning team, ensuring coverage across all facilities.
• Monitor cleaning standards, ensuring they align with agreed schedules and user requirements.
• Regularly liaise with key stakeholders (JIC, EI, TSL, and NBIP) to ensure service delivery meets evolving scientific and operational needs.
• Ensure flexibility in cleaning schedules to accommodate reactive and ad-hoc requests.
• Respond to complaints and service issues, ensuring satisfactory resolution.
• Implement best-value cleaning practices, balancing quality and efficiency.Team Leadership & Performance Management
• Provide day-to-day management of the in-house cleaning service.
• Lead, develop, and support Cleaning Team Leaders and staff by:
a) Delivering induction training for new staff, including refresher and specialist training.
b)Providing updates on new work patterns, products, and equipment.
c) Assigning specific tasks and offering guidance.
d) Scheduling and managing planned and ad-hoc cleaning tasks.
e) Monitoring cleaning quality through audits and inspections.
f) Managing staff leave and covering absences to ensure minimal disruption.
g) Managing sickness absence while maintaining service continuity.
h) Ensuring COSHH information is kept up to date.
• The Cleaning Supervisor will also directly deliver cleaning services when required to cover for staff absence.Inventory & Procurement Management
• Monitor stock levels of cleaning supplies and consumables, ensuring timely replenishment.
• Order cleaning materials and equipment in line with budget constraints and operational needs.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory usage and procurement activities.
• Accountable for operational budget spend.Waste Management & Environmental Responsibility
• Liaise with waste management providers to ensure compliance with waste disposal regulations.
• Implement sustainable cleaning practices, promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate handling and disposal of hazardous waste related to cleaning operations.Health, Safety & Risk Management
• Oversee safe systems of work and risk management processes for the cleaning team, including cleaning product usage.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH guidelines and other health and safety regulations.
• Monitor and maintain risk assessments and safe operating procedures for all cleaning tasks.
• Promote a positive health and safety culture, ensuring staff are trained in best practices.
• Implement and review emergency response procedures related to cleaning operations.Performance Reporting & Continuous Improvement
• Support the FM Support Services Manager by providing service performance data and quality reports.
• Regularly assess and review policies, procedures, and cleaning schedules, making recommendations for service improvements.
• Contribute to the development of best practices in cleaning and facilities management.Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
• Maintain regular engagement with key stakeholders to ensure that cleaning services align with research and operational needs.
• Implement cleaning schedules in collaboration with institute representatives.
• Provide quarterly performance reports to demonstrate service effectiveness.Other Duties
• Provide cover for the Portering Supervisor when required.
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementImportanceGood general level education with at least 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and MathsEssentialNEBOSH Award / IOSH Health & Safety Certificate (or equivalent)EssentialNVQ Level 2 in Leadership & Management (or working towards it)EssentialIWFM/ILM Level 2 qualification with 3+ years of relevant experienceDesirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementImportanceExcellent knowledge of cleaning services and best practices, including British Cleaning StandardsEssentialExcellent knowledge of cleaning management systemsEssentialExcellent understanding of waste management regulations 2015/2024EssentialStrong IT skills (Word, Excel, Microsoft Project, etc.)EssentialUse of business systems and Cleaning Audit systemsDesirable
Relevant Experience
RequirementImportanceExperience of managing in-house cleaning teamsEssentialExperience of implementing operational changes in cleaning servicesEssentialExperience working in a customer-focused and high-demand environmentEssentialTrack record of implementing cleaning standards and service improvementsEssentialRisk management experience and action/improvement planningDesirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementImportanceExperience of leading a team in a facilities management environmentEssentialAbility to deliver staff training and performance managementEssentialExcellent communication skills, both written and oralEssentialGood interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a teamEssentialAbility to motivate and develop a cleaning teamEssentialStrong decision-making and problem-solving skillsEssential
Additional Requirements
RequirementImportanceAttention to detailEssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssentialEvidence of continuous personal development EssentialWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to workEssentialAble to present a positive image of self and the Partnership EssentialAbility to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate EssentialWillingness to work outside standard working hours when required EssentialFull UK driving licence (or ability to travel across NBIP sites as required)Desirable
Who We Are
NBI Partnership
The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.
The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.
Department
Facilities
Living in Norfolk
1. Visit Norfolk
2. Schools in Norfolk
3. Childcare in Norfolk