Soft Services Manager – Scientific
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Soft Services Manager to take ownership of cleaning and support services within a highly regulated healthcare environment. This role plays a vital part in ensuring cleanrooms, controlled spaces, and general areas are maintained to the highest possible standards of cleanliness, safety, and compliance.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Ensuring Standards
- Take full responsibility for cleaning operations within cleanrooms and controlled environments
- Maintain strict compliance with all regulatory and hygiene requirements, ensuring full audit readiness
- Create, review, and implement SOPs relating to cleaning activities
- Monitor environmental standards, including contamination control and particulate levels
- Work collaboratively with Quality Assurance teams to uphold compliance
Managing Soft Services
- Oversee a range of services including cleaning, waste disposal, pest control, laundry, and hygiene
- Maintain consistently high standards across both clinical and non-clinical settings
- Manage specialist cleaning activities such as terminal cleans and decontamination procedures
- Organise and deliver scheduled deep cleaning programmes
Leading and Developing Teams
- Manage and support cleaning teams and supervisors to deliver excellent service
- Ensure all team members receive appropriate training in infection control, and health & safety
- Carry out performance management and encourage a culture of accountability and improvement
Health, Safety & Infection Control
- Ensure all operations align with current health & safety legislation
- Conduct risk assessments and maintain safe working practices
- Investigate incidents thoroughly and implement preventative measures
Auditing & Continuous Improvement
- Perform regular quality checks and internal audits
- Maintain accurate documentation and cleaning records
- Support external inspections and regulatory audits
- Use audit outcomes to drive service enhancements
Operational & Stakeholder Management
- Deliver services in line with agreed KPIs and SLAs
- Provide reporting on performance and service delivery
- Manage staffing, scheduling, budgets, and cleaning resources effectively
What We’re Looking For
- Demonstrated experience in a Soft Services or Facilities Management role within regulated industries such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, or GMP environments
- Proven leadership and team management capability
- Solid understanding of health & safety requirements
- Experience with audits, compliance processes, and quality systems
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Qualifications
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification (desirable)
Personal Attributes
- High attention to detail with a commitment to excellence
- Well-organised with strong problem-solving ability
- Comfortable working within strict regulatory frameworks
- A proactive leader who develops and supports others
- Driven to continuously improve standards and performance