Contract Manager - Soft Facilities Management

Location: Brighton (covering Brighton, Crawley, Chichester & Horsham)
Salary+ Bonus + Company Vehicle
Contract: Permanent, Full Time

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Contract Manager to oversee the delivery of Soft Facilities Management services across a multi-site contract. This is a hands-on operational role responsible for ensuring cleaning, grounds maintenance and bulk waste collection services are delivered to a consistently high standard, on time and within budget.

The successful candidate will lead and support site-based teams, manage client relationships, ensure compliance with Health & Safety requirements and drive continuous service improvements across multiple locations.

This role would suit an experienced Facilities Manager, Contract Manager, Area Manager or Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing people, clients and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Ensure all services are delivered in line with contractual requirements and agreed KPIs.
• Conduct regular site audits, inspections and quality checks.
• Monitor service performance and implement improvements where required.
• Manage subcontractors and ensure compliance with company standards.
• Ensure excellent standards of cleaning, grounds maintenance and waste management are maintained across all sites.

Team Management

• Lead, motivate and develop operational teams across multiple locations.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding and training of new staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development.
• Plan rotas and staffing levels to ensure service continuity.
• Promote a positive culture focused on customer service and excellence.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, residents and stakeholders.
• Attend client meetings and provide regular performance updates.
• Manage complaints, service issues and escalations professionally and efficiently.
• Carry out estate inspections and engage with residents and local stakeholders.

Financial Management

• Manage contract budgets and control expenditure.
• Monitor financial performance and identify efficiencies.
• Ensure services are delivered within agreed budgets.
• Support reporting and forecasting activities.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety and environmental legislation.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Investigate incidents and ensure preventative measures are implemented.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the contract.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience managing cleaning and/or grounds maintenance contracts.
• Experience within the Facilities Management sector.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Experience managing multi-site operations.
• Budget management and commercial awareness.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification.
• Experience managing contracts valued at £1 million or more.
• Knowledge of social housing, public sector or property services environments.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Organised and able to prioritise a busy workload.
• Commercially aware and results-focused.
• Professional and customer-centric.
• Proactive problem-solver.
• Comfortable working independently across multiple sites.
• Passionate about delivering excellent service standards.

Benefits

• Company vehicle
• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced pension
• Life assurance
• Private medical insurance
• Additional annual leave
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Ongoing training and career development
• Supportive and inclusive working environment

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Facilities Management professional to join a growing organisation and take ownership of a high-profile contract, ensuring exceptional service delivery while developing and leading successful operational teams.