Head of Soft Services

Senior Leadership Role - Large Multi‑Site Operation

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Location: South Central Region

Are you an experienced Soft FM leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, people‑centred environment? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a large, complex operation delivering essential services across a multi‑site estate. You'll shape service performance, drive cultural excellence, and lead a substantial workforce delivering frontline support services.

The Role

As Head of Soft Services, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across a broad service portfolio, including:

* Cleaning & Domestic Services

* Catering

* Security

You'll lead a management team and a workforce of several hundred colleagues, ensuring safe, consistent and high‑quality service delivery. With a significant budget under your control, you'll be accountable for performance standards, resource planning, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead, motivate and develop operational teams to deliver high‑performing, customer‑focused Soft FM services

* Ensure all services operate efficiently, safely and in line with contractual, statutory and industry standards

* Oversee workforce planning, training, recruitment and people processes, fostering a positive, inclusive culture

* Implement and monitor KPIs, SLAs and audit regimes to support high service quality and improvement initiatives

* Drive service optimisation through effective use of systems, data insights, reporting and trend analysis

* Manage relationships with internal stakeholders, subcontractors and senior leadership

* Provide accurate financial oversight, including budget management, forecasting, billing and additional works

* Ensure compliance across H&S, quality, risk, and environmental requirements

* Support change programmes, innovation and modernisation of Soft FM delivery models

About You

You'll bring:

* Significant managerial experience within Soft FM across large or complex environments

* A proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and embed a positive performance culture

* Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills

* Knowledge of service quality frameworks and compliance requirements

* Experience working with KPIs, audit processes and CAFM or similar systems

* IOSH Managing Safely (essential); NEBOSH or advanced FM qualifications desirable

* Experience working in regulated or high‑profile operational settings

What's in It for You

* Senior leadership role with meaningful impact

* Opportunity to shape the direction and culture of a major Soft FM operation

* Supportive leadership and scope to drive innovation and improvement

* Competitive remuneration package and long‑term career progression prospects