Many employers have their own cleaning or operations managers, who ensure that their premises are maintained to a high standard. There are also highly specialised firms who provide technical cleaning services to other companies, replacing their in-house team with an external group of specialists.  Known as contracted firms, these firms require sales  professionals (who have a technical knowledge and sales management skills).  They also require senior executives and operational managers to operate the business.  Some of these “contracted firms” provide more than just contracted cleaning services, e.g. catering or facilities management.  In some cases this creates promotional and career development opportunities. but cleaning is a highly specialised discipline and most professionals choose to remain and develop within the profession. 

Cleaners deal with hazardous chemicals every day and must have positive supervision and training to ensure they are able to carry out duties safely and effectively. This is known as cleaning or operations management.  Operations managers are required to have specific management skills plus a balance of customer care skills and in-depth knowledge of:

• First aid and safety
• Aseptic technique
• Cleaning tools
• Cleaning products
• Contamination control
• Green cleaning
• Hygiene
• Pollution
• Remediation
• Ritual purification
• Waste management

Cleaning - Operational Positions

Cleaning - Sales Positions

Cleaning - Senior Management Positions