CLEANING SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Cleaning Supervisor keeps a contracted site clean, safe, and compliant by running a frontline team day-to-day. The role sits between the Contracts Manager and the cleaning operatives, owning both the delivery schedule and the people who execute it. Most days involve checking that colour-coded equipment protocols and COSHH handling procedures are followed correctly, then stepping in when something falls short. That combination of hands-on oversight and administrative accountability, covering rotas, audits, and stock, is what separates this position from a senior operative.

As the Cleaning Supervisor, you are accountable for the daily delivery of contracted cleaning services to the agreed specification, ensuring your team meets the hygiene, safety, and scheduling standards set by the client. Working within an FM services structure and reporting to a Contracts Manager, you coordinate staff rotas, complete audit documentation, and maintain direct client-facing relationships across one or more assigned sites.

Career Impact: Supervisory experience in contracted FM, with direct ownership of COSHH compliance and multi-site scheduling, is a recognized entry point toward Contracts Manager and Area Manager roles.

Business Impact: Client contracts are retained or lost based on the consistency of what your team delivers daily, making your site-level oversight a direct driver of client satisfaction scores and contract renewal.

Growth Opportunity: Managing performance reviews, audit reporting, and procurement processes in this role develops the operational and commercial skills that qualify you for FM contract management positions.

• Supervise cleaning operatives across assigned sites, ensuring daily tasks are completed to the contracted specification and within agreed timescales.
• Conduct routine site inspections and cleaning audits, recording findings and raising corrective actions where standards are not met.
• Coordinate staff rotas, including cover for absences and annual leave, to maintain uninterrupted service delivery.
• Manage COSHH compliance and safe use of cleaning materials, confirming all team members follow prescribed procedures and use PPE correctly.
• Monitor stock levels of cleaning materials and consumables, initiating procurement requests when replenishment is required.
• Report weekly on staff attendance, performance issues, and additional hours worked to the Contracts Manager.
• Coach and develop team members through on-the-job training, corrective feedback, and identification of skills gaps.
• Liaise with client representatives and site stakeholders to address service queries and maintain professional working relationships.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience in a cleaning or FM environment, with at least some supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of COSHH regulations and safe handling of cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to plan and manage staff rotas across multiple areas or sites under time pressure.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to complete audit reports and checklists accurately.
• Competence in basic IT tasks such as logging maintenance requests, completing digital checklists, and communicating by email.
• Valid driver's licence, as travel between sites is typically required.
• Sound understanding of Health and Safety legislation as it applies to a cleaning or FM environment.

• Formal cleaning industry qualification such as BICS or an equivalent nationally recognised credential.
• Experience managing staff performance processes, including conducting reviews and documenting outcomes.
• Prior exposure to contract compliance reporting or workforce management systems in an FM setting.

• Audit pass rate per site, reflecting the proportion of inspections meeting contracted cleanliness standards.
• Rota coverage rate, measuring the percentage of scheduled shifts filled without service gaps.
• COSHH compliance rate, tracking how consistently prescribed chemical-handling procedures are observed by the team.
• Corrective action close-out time, measuring how quickly identified deficiencies are resolved after an inspection.
• Client satisfaction score per contract, based on formal client feedback against the service specification.
• Typical tools: Workforce scheduling systems (commonly Deputy or similar); FM audit platforms (commonly Veriforce or equivalent); building maintenance logging systems.

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $56,000 per year
• Bonus: Discretionary performance bonus, typically 3% to 5% of base salary
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes to premiums
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus public holidays
• Common Perks: Company vehicle or mileage allowance, uniform provision, PPE supplied, on-site parking

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including criminal history and where applicable drug screening, are a standard condition of employment for this role. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to commencing employment.

The Cleaning Supervisor owns daily task delivery and schedule compliance across an office environment, ensuring cleaning teams meet required standards through regular audits, stock checks, and PPE enforcement. Reporting to site management, the role enables a safe, hygienic workplace by coordinating day-to-day operations and supporting health and safety promotion.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the cleaning team to ensure all tasks are completed to the required standards.
• Undertake and coordinate day-to-day duties in an office environment, including cleaning offices, mess rooms, and WCs, and emptying bins.
• Ensure all cleaning schedules are completed and checked on a daily basis.
• Use all materials and consumables in accordance with laid-down practices, ensuring economic use of resources.
• Undertake manual and mechanical cleaning activities in accordance with the cleaning schedule, ensuring all equipment is cleaned and correctly stored after use.
• Provide emergency and ad hoc cleaning as required.
• Undertake a monthly stock check and conduct regular cleaning audits.
• Manage sickness and annual leave.
• Support management in promoting health and safety, reporting near misses, and ensuring PPE is used by all.
• Ensure strict confidentiality concerning clients and their visitors.
• Attend internal and external training courses as required.

Required Qualifications

• Previous cleaning experience.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to lead and manage a small team.
• Committed to high standards of cleanliness and timekeeping.
• Proactive in identifying areas not meeting the required standard and taking corrective action.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Embedded within the facilities team, the Cleaning Supervisor delivers daily scheduling, building inspections, and equipment maintenance to keep the facility in a functioning and serviceable condition. Working closely with frontline staff, the role reduces maintenance backlogs and operational disruption by overseeing task completion and mentoring employees on corrective procedures.

Core Functions

• Schedule and assign daily work assignments to a team and oversee the completion of tasks.
• Inspect assigned areas on a routine basis and perform maintenance where necessary to keep the facility in a functioning and serviceable condition.
• Complete daily, weekly, or monthly checklists of pre-scheduled building and equipment maintenance procedures.
• Repair various fixtures and hardware such as doors, windows, minor appliances, and office equipment.
• Report on major maintenance needs and recommend corrective action as appropriate.
• Mentor employees on minor tasks to correct mistakes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous maintenance experience required.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or related role preferred.
• Must adhere to basic safety procedures and precautions due to physical risks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Physical fitness to perform demands, including lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and extended walking and standing.
• Available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Reporting to site management, the Cleaning Supervisor leads daily cleaning task execution, site audits, and staff scheduling to maintain hygiene standards across assigned locations. Partnering with cleaning operatives and new starters, the role builds a consistent, well-documented service by training staff and ensuring all checklists and documentation are completed accurately.

Primary Duties

• Complete work to a high standard.
• Use cleaning materials and chemicals safely, in line with training.
• Help complete site audits.
• Check over completed sites to confirm standards of cleaning.
• Train new cleaners.
• Support with rotas and scheduling of staff.
• Maintain hygiene standards.
• Complete daily cleaning tasks and all relevant documentation and checklists.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as a cleaner previously, with supervisory level preferred but not essential.
• Experience in a management-level role.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Good organisational skills and ability to multitask and work on your own initiative to meet deadlines.
• Strong team player and committed to good practice.
• Manual handling ability and awareness, with physical fitness to perform the role.
• Valid driving licence required.

Sitting at the intersection of frontline operations and client contract management, the Cleaning Supervisor shapes team performance, site inspection outcomes, and stakeholder relationships to ensure work is delivered to the required contract specification. Operating across multiple sites and reporting to the Contracts Manager, the role sustains service continuity by coaching teams, managing logistics, and producing weekly absence and hours reports.

Duties

• Coach, develop, and motivate cleaning teams.
• Validate and follow the company's policies and procedures, including HSE requirements.
• Carry out duties and provide cover for operatives in their absence.
• Carry out site inspections using the designated IT system.
• Ensure work is delivered to the required standards and in accordance with the contract specification.
• Manage team performance, providing both positive and constructive feedback and identifying skills gaps.
• Work closely with the Contracts Manager to run day-to-day operations effectively.
• Manage stakeholders including clients, residents, and internal management.
• Provide first-line support for logistical and operational needs, including consumables and equipment.
• Report on weekly absence and additional hours worked by staff to the Contracts Manager.

Requirements

• Relevant supervisory experience required.
• Experience planning work across a large number of sites.
• IT literacy, including use of tablets and smartphone apps.
• Strong customer-focused approach.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to problem-solve, take charge of situations, and handle the unexpected.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good time management and personal presentation.
• Commitment to personal development and learning new skills.
• Willingness to work hands-on as required.
• Valid driver's licence required.

A key member of the facilities team, the Cleaning Supervisor delivers area cleaning, team supervision, and schedule management to maintain a safe, hygienic, and well-presented environment. Collaborating across housekeeping, HR, and guest services, the role supports departmental objectives and ensures VIP visits and hospitality arrangements are coordinated to the required standard.

Functions

• Clean assigned areas to the required specification using correct techniques and equipment.
• Sanitize all areas.
• Work safely using correct warning signs, protective clothing, and safety equipment, and comply with site health and safety practices.
• Maintain all cleaning equipment and report defects in equipment, furniture, fittings, and appliances immediately.
• Ensure areas are properly secured when moving around the site and report any breaches of security.
• Collect cleaning materials as required and notify the relevant team when supplies are running low.
• Supervise and maintain an efficient cleaning team.
• Contribute to the supervision, training, and development of cleaning staff to support departmental objectives.
• Maintain good working relationships with all staff and motivate the team to achieve high standards.
• Update cleaning schedules and shifts for all cleaning staff.
• Oversee VIP and guest visits and coordinate hospitality arrangements for meetings and special occasions.
• Assist the HR department with administrative, maintenance, and visitor-related tasks as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience in a similar role.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and ability to prioritize work.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Organized, reliable, and hard-working.
• Team leadership abilities.
• English language proficiency required, with Arabic and Kurdish as advantageous additional languages.

Maintaining hygiene standards across a regulated healthcare setting depends on the Cleaning Supervisor, who builds a consistent cleaning service by supervising staff and subcontractors, implementing SHEQ standards, and supporting waste segregation training. Based within the cleaning services team, the role contributes to organizational compliance by assisting with the Cleaning Services Plan and preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports.

Accountabilities

• Supervise cleaning duties in accordance with the required standards, task descriptions, and cleaning schedules.
• Ensure cleaning services meet or exceed required practices and standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Assist with overseeing service staff and subcontractors.
• Assist with coordinating education and training activities related to the safe handling and segregation of waste and recyclables.
• Assist with developing, maintaining, and updating the Cleaning Services Plan.
• Ensure SHEQ standards are implemented and managed.
• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports.

Position Requirements

• Recognised cleaning qualification highly regarded.
• Experience in cleaning required.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment advantageous.
• Reliable with strong communication skills.
• Physical fitness to undertake the physical aspects of the role.

As the Cleaning Supervisor, this role leads and motivates a frontline team to deliver the best possible customer service across facilities management operations, covering performance monitoring, audit completion, and safety culture implementation. The FM team relies on this work to maintain uninterrupted service and contract compliance, particularly in the absence of the Contract Manager.

Activities

• Lead and motivate a team of staff to deliver the best possible customer service.
• Support the FM team in the absence of the Contract Manager.
• Monitor the performance of direct reports, conducting performance reviews and providing training and coaching where necessary.
• Ensure the completion of regular audits within customer areas.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining a safety-driven culture across the site.

Professional Experience

• Experience delivering facilities services required.
• Experience in leading and managing a team required.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent relationship management abilities at all levels.
• Be IT literate.

Cleaning Supervisor leads frontline staff across a facility, overseeing cleanliness standards, behaviour compliance, scheduling, and materials procurement to ensure a first-class service is maintained throughout. Success in the position means all staff are fully briefed on health and safety policies, work schedules are reviewed and timesheets completed, and cleaning activities are consistently monitored to the required standard.

Operational Focus

• Supervise all cleaning staff, focusing on standards of cleanliness and behaviour whilst on duty.
• Ensure a first-class cleaning service is delivered to all areas of the facility.
• Review work schedules and complete timesheets.
• Order cleaning materials as required.
• Monitor all cleaning activities.
• Ensure all staff are aware of health and safety policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Up-to-date DBS check required.
• Previous experience in a cleaning environment required.
• Previous experience managing a team required.
• Health and safety experience required.
• Ability to implement and adhere to standards and procedures.
• Good interpersonal skills.

The Cleaning Supervisor oversees daily cleaning operations, staff scheduling, and COSHH-compliant safe working practices, while supporting the guest safety team to maintain a secure and controlled environment. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the role produces accurate daily, weekly, and monthly checklist reports and ensures colour-coding systems and all health, safety, and fire regulations are followed by all staff.

Role Responsibilities

• Schedule team members and arrange cover during approved absences and holidays.
• Ensure all surfaces and features are cleaned and dusted according to standard.
• Empty and maintain all litter bins regularly.
• Wash and clean all WC areas.
• Comply with all health and safety, fire, COSHH regulations, and safe working practices, including the use of prescribed protective clothing and equipment.
• Undertake other environmental and housekeeping duties as requested.
• Support the guest safety team in providing a controlled, safe, and secure environment, monitoring and recording suspect and actual activities.
• Maintain accurate records and complete daily, weekly, and monthly checklist reports for distribution to relevant parties.
• Ensure colour coding systems are followed at all times by staff.

Background & Experience

• Valid First Aid at Work qualification, or willingness to complete training provided.
• Previous cleaning supervisory experience essential.
• Prior customer service experience required, with attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Proactive with initiative and ability to work within given timeframes.
• Adaptable to change and flexible with working hours.

Embedded within the contract cleaning operation, the Cleaning Supervisor oversees mobile and static team performance, contract compliance, procurement, and workforce management systems to ensure cleaning services are delivered to the required specification and timescales. Working closely with the Contracts Manager and HR, the role advances client satisfaction and service quality by building stakeholder relationships, recording training, and addressing staff performance issues.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Manage the core functions of contract cleaning and annual deep cleaning.
• Ensure contract compliance in line with the contract specification.
• Manage the performance and development of cleaning team leaders and operatives.
• Produce contractual reports against the contract specification.
• Manage all areas covered by the contract by formulating and implementing a clear cleaning programme, ensuring specification requirements are understood and maintained to the required standard.
• Manage mobile and static cleaning teams to ensure tasks are completed in line with the contract specification, to the required standard and timescales.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, including health and safety.
• Ensure equipment is used safely, maintained to the required standard, and repaired as needed.
• Regularly analyse stock and procure equipment and materials necessary to complete required cleaning tasks.
• Ensure procured products and services are of specified quality, safe, compliant, and from sustainable and traceable sources.
• Provide and record training in accordance with the organisation's training plan and needs.
• Develop and maintain workforce management systems and procedures to support smooth service delivery.
• Monitor and measure quality and standards on a regular basis and report on service provided.
• Prepare and continuously review and improve plans of work and cleaning schedules.
• Build professional relationships with key external stakeholders to ensure client satisfaction.
• Coach and motivate colleagues to deliver services in line with the contract specification and client values.
• Monitor staff performance and address any performance or behaviour issues in consultation with the Contracts Manager and HR.
• Manage HR-related tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience leading and motivating a team required.
• Ability to take appropriate and decisive managerial action after considering a range of options.
• Ability to remain calm, objective, and in control in stressful situations.
• Commercially aware, with a proactive approach to identifying cost-saving opportunities within contract boundaries.
• Flexible and responsive to both planned and ad hoc cleaning requirements.
• Strong collaborative working skills with management teams and colleagues.
• Receptive to change and new ideas, with a willingness to challenge established practices.
• Commitment to delivering customer satisfaction.

Reporting to the domestic supervisory management team, the Cleaning Supervisor coordinates day-to-day domestic service delivery to agreed operating standards, covering staff scheduling, KPI monitoring, stock management, and COSHH compliance for student residents and conference guests. Partnering with facilities colleagues and HR, the role strengthens service consistency by coaching domestic assistants, managing timesheets, and ensuring health and safety procedures, including manual handling and PPE requirements, are met.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Monitor domestic services standards and undertake corrective supervision and coaching of domestic assistants.
• Support work processes and contribute to the achievement of key performance indicators for domestic services.
• Liaise effectively with colleagues and teams to maintain a professional work environment.
• Assist in the day-to-day planning and delivery of domestic services to agreed operating standards, serving student residents and conference guests.
• Assist in planning staffing requirements on a day-to-day and periodic basis, accounting for fluctuations in business and leave cover.
• Ensure all domestic services are carried out to agreed operating standards through supportive supervision, while undertaking daily operational tasks alongside the team.
• Assist with the induction, training, and development of staff in line with agreed standards.
• Assist with staff performance management matters as required.
• Ensure staff maintain personal hygiene and professional appearance standards at all times.
• Ensure the safe use and maintenance of domestic equipment and materials to required hygiene and safety standards.
• Assist in monitoring and managing stock supplies, including chemical supplies and equipment.
• Monitor staff timesheets using agreed processes and systems.
• Assist with inputting and filtering maintenance requests using the building's maintenance system.
• Maintain confidentiality of information in line with data protection requirements.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures including COSHH, manual handling, and PPE requirements.

Education & Experience

• Experience working in a customer-facing domestic services environment required.
• Good understanding of health and safety issues, including risk assessments, COSHH, and manual handling.
• Experience working in a process-driven team environment with flexibility to support colleagues.
• Ability to supervise staff, coordinate work activities, and provide on-the-job training.
• Good organisational skills with ability to prioritise in a busy environment and meet strict deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Good computer skills with experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Good communication skills with the ability to deal with a wide range of people.
• Flexible and responsive to customer needs while maintaining confidentiality.