Area Manager - Cleaning Operations

Job Introduction

We're looking for an Area Manager to lead our cleaning operations across Kent responsible for our contracts with Social Landlords and House Associations. You'll be responsible for managing operational performance, leading and developing frontline teams, to ensure communal areas remain clean, safe, and welcoming for residents.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee multiple sites, build strong client relationships, manage budgets, and drive service excellence, all while living our values and creating positive outcomes for the communities we serve.

If you're a commercially aware manager with strong operational experience and a track record of leading successful teams, we'd love to hear from you.

Who we are

Pinnacle Group is a market-leading national provider of housing, neighbourhood and workplace services. With over thirty years of experience, we deliver expert, place-based management and maintenance solutions that enhance the everyday lives of the communities we serve.

We're a people-first organisation with a values-driven culture that has stood the test of time -reflected in the way we care for both our employees and our customers.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone who not only meets the key criteria below but also embraces our core values - Trust, Respect, Involve, Challenge, and Deliver Excellence - and is committed to earning and maintaining the confidence of our clients and communities.

Key responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams, promoting a culture aligned to Pinnacle's values.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, residents, community stakeholders and colleagues.
• Drive service improvements, innovation and opportunities for contract growth.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all contracts are delivered in line with agreed specifications, KPIs and service standards.
• Monitor service quality through audits, inspections and performance reviews, taking corrective action where required.
• Lead contract mobilisations, service improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, environmental, GDPR and company policies.
• Manage incidents, risks, subcontractors and all associated reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate operational records and management information.

Financial Management

• Manage contract budgets, forecasts and financial performance to achieve profitability targets.
• Monitor expenditure, payroll and revenue opportunities, ensuring financial controls are maintained.
• Identify efficiencies and take appropriate action to maximise contract performance.

Key requirements:

Essential

• Proven experience managing cleaning, FM or operational service contracts.
• Strong leadership, people management and customer service skills.
• Experience managing budgets, KPIs and service performance.
• Excellent communication, organisation and reporting skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and data analysis.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• BICS, NVQ, NEBOSH or related FM qualifications.
• Experience within housing, local authority or public sector environments.
• Knowledge of risk management, health & safety and contract mobilisation.

Our offer

We believe that diversity makes us stronger. The more varied our workforce, the better we can understand, reflect and meet the needs of the communities we serve. That's why we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - especially those who represent the communities we work with every day.

As a colleague, you'll be part of an inclusive and supportive culture where you're encouraged to thrive. We're committed to helping you reach your full potential through continuous learning, development opportunities and career progression.

In addition to statutory benefits such as sick pay, maternity/paternity leave, a pension scheme, and annual leave, we offer a wide range of additional benefits tailored to your role and business area, including:

• Car Allowance
• Discretionary Bonus
• Car Allowance
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Maternity/paternity packages
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Life Assurance
• Additional Annual Leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail Discounts
• Childcare Assistance
• Season Ticket Loans
• Sick Pay Schemes
• Personal Development Plans

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Area Manager - Cleaning Operations Salary £50000 - £60000 Frequency Annual Job Reference P3422 Contract Type Permanent Closing Date 6 November, 2026 Job Category Manager Business Unit Soft FM Location New Barn, Highsted Farm. Highsted Valley, Sittingbourne, United Kingdom Posted on 2 October, 2026