Senior Operations Manager - Maternity Cover (9 months)
Commercial Cleaning Services - Ashford, Kent
£28,000 per annum | 30 hours per week | Temporary (9 months)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to join our commercial cleaning company on a maternity cover basis from January 2026 for 9 months. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to take on a senior management role in a growing business.
Key Details
Location: Ashford, Kent (4 days office-based, 1 day flexible home working)
Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Start Date: January 2026
Duration: 9 months (maternity cover)
Reporting to: Managing Director
What You'll Be Managing
You will oversee two Assistant Operations Managers and their teams across multiple remote cleaning contract locations, ensuring excellent service delivery and client satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Generate monthly financial reports for the Managing Director
Maintain contract costs within agreed budgets
Conduct annual price reviews with clients
Track costs and rewards of contracted cleaning services
Team Leadership
Manage and support Assistant Operations Managers and Supervisors
Conduct regular site visits to assess team performance
Monitor training requirements and coordinate with HR
Ensure compliance with time and attendance systems
Ensure compliance with auditing software
Client Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients
Ensure customer expectations are met within agreed timeframes
Handle customer complaints and enquiries promptly
Lead mobilisation for new clients
Achieve high customer satisfaction levels
Operations Management
Manage work schedules and site-specific cleaning programmes
Ensure audits and site visits follow agreed schedules
Oversee inventory control and equipment management
Maintain ISO9001 documentation standards
Ensure Health & Safety compliance across all sites
What We're Looking For - Essential Requirements:
Proven experience in operations management, preferably in commercial cleaning
Strong financial management
Excellent organisational and time management abilities
Outstanding relationship-building and communication skills
Experience managing teams across multiple locations
Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations
Proficiency in reporting and documentation
Personal Qualities:
Highly organised and detail-oriented
Ability to motivate and inspire teams
Problem-solving mindset
Customer-focused approach
Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
What We Offer
Competitive salary of £28,000 for 30 hours per week
Flexible working arrangements (1 day home working)
Experience in a senior management role
Supportive team environment
Job Types: Temporary, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months
Pay: £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* Please describe a situation where you had to manage teams across multiple locations while dealing with a client complaint and maintaining cost controls. How did you prioritise and what was the outcome?
Experience:
* operations management: 3 years (required)
Location:
* Ashford TN24 0TL (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 17/10/2025
Reference ID: Maternity Cover / KT
Expected start date: 05/01/2026