Location
London Borough of Redbridge, Lynton House / flexible working available.
Hours
Permanent – Full Time
Salary
£63,690 per annum
About the Role
Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse and exciting east-London borough committed to transforming its communities and Council through innovative approaches and strong local engagement. As one of the fastest growing and third most diverse London boroughs, Redbridge offers excellent schools, affordable housing, quality open spaces and rapid transport connections into central London.
Redbridge Facilities Management delivers essential services across over 600 properties including schools, administrative buildings, corporate sites and community hubs. The Soft Services portfolio encompasses cleaning, grounds maintenance, waste management, security and pest control, ensuring all sites are safe, clean, welcoming and compliant.
We are seeking an experienced, solution-focused Soft FM Services Manager to lead this critical service area. You will be responsible for driving standards, managing budgets and teams, and delivering excellent service for residents, staff and visitors.
You will own the strategic and operational management of all soft services across the borough, leading a team of supervisors, directly employed staff and contracted providers. Your role will ensure consistent quality, value for money, compliance and continuous improvement. Collaboration with Housing, Education, Estates and Procurement teams will be key to align service delivery with council priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Soft Services team and contractors, setting standards, rotas, performance targets and development plans
- Oversee the service portfolio including cleaning, caretaking, grounds maintenance, waste/recycling management, pest control, window cleaning and site security
- Manage the combined budget, monitor spend, forecast, approve invoices and ensure best value
- Enforce SLAs, KPIs and service specifications through regular audits, inspections and spot-checks; ensure full compliance with health & safety, COSHH, environmental and public sector standards
- Procure, appoint, monitor and review external contractors; manage tender processes, performance reviews, contract renewals and resolve disputes or underperformance
- Develop standards, procedures and training; introduce sustainable practices, innovation and efficiency; support net-zero and clean-growth targets
- Engage with stakeholders including schools, tenants, staff, service heads and elected members; respond to feedback and complaints; deliver clear and timely updates
- Ensure business continuity during peak periods, staff absence, emergencies or special events; mobilise additional resources as required
Experience
Proven experience in managing soft facilities management services, including cleaning, grounds maintenance, waste management, security and pest control. Experience in budget management, contract procurement and supplier management is essential. Demonstrated ability to lead teams and contractors to deliver high standards and continuous improvement.
About you
Solution-focused and proactive with strong leadership and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities. Committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and sustainability within service delivery. Resilient and adaptable to support business continuity during emergencies or special events.
Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in facilities management, contract management or related disciplines are desirable. Evidence of continuous professional development and knowledge of health & safety, COSHH, environmental regulations and public sector standards is expected. Right to work in the UK is required.
