Location: Southern Region (Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Wiltshire)
Location requirement: As this role covers the Southern region, candidates should ideally be based in one of the following areas:
Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, or Wiltshire
Hours: Full time (Flexibility required)
Company: Bidvest Noonan
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
- 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 Bidvest Noonan 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 raise 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.
- 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
Bidvest Noonan is highly committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel valued and respected. We are delighted to welcome applicants from our Armed Forces community and people from diverse backgrounds and identities.
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