Facilities Manager (cleaning) 

ESS Defence & Government  

Compass Group UK & Ireland

Locations: London

About the Role

ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to take full operational ownership of a key client sites, ensuring exceptional service delivery across FM functions specifically Cleaning.

Reporting to the Contract Director, you will lead the end‑to‑end delivery of facilities management services-driving compliance, safety, operational excellence, and an outstanding workplace environment. This is a hands‑on, multi‑site leadership role with significant autonomy and client visibility.
 
To join our team at a prestigious government building in Whitehall, candidates must meet strict security requirements.
This role involves working in a highly sensitive environment, so successful applicants will need to undergo and pass enhanced security vetting.

To be eligible for this process, you must:

• Be a British citizen
• Have been a UK resident for at least the past 10 years
• Be willing to complete all stages of the vetting procedure

These checks are essential to ensure the integrity and security of our operations. If you meet these criteria and are prepared for the vetting process, we welcome your application.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary - We regularly benchmark our salaries to ensure they remain competitive.
• Career Growth Across Compass Group - Access development pathways across the UK & Europe, including management and operational programmes.
• Life Assurance - Financial protection for you and your family.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential wellbeing, financial and mental health support.
• Free Gym onsite
• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits - Including an online GP service and hospital plans.
• Retail & Lifestyle Discounts - Exclusive savings across a wide range of brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of integrated facilities management across a large Government Building, ensuring consistent high standards.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day management of soft FM services including cleaning, waste, and grounds.
• Ensure all PPMs, reactive tasks, and cleaning operations are completed within set SLA/KPI standards.
• Provide inspirational leadership, coaching, and support to multi‑site teams.
• Manage contractors, suppliers, and on-site partners, ensuring full compliance with H&S legislation, RAMS, and Compass standards.
• Use CAFM systems to monitor performance, update compliance data, and manage workflows.
• Conduct regular site inspections to maintain safety, statutory compliance, and operational excellence.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring services are delivered within agreed cost parameters.
• Produce monthly performance reports, KPIs, and improvement plans for the Account Director.
• Act as the senior point of contact for clients and stakeholders across all three sites, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all equipment, and facilities remain safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.
• Support emergency, unplanned, and scheduled maintenance activities, ensuring accurate documentation.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a FM management role
• Confident people manager with experience leading dispersed teams.
• Excellent knowledge of building compliance, statutory requirements, and H&S legislation.
• IOSH Managing Safely (essential).
• Strong IT capability, including MS Office and CAFM systems (SAP desirable).
• Exceptional communication, organisation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Customer‑focused mindset with a proactive, solutions‑driven approach.

Why Join ESS (Compass Group)

• Genuine ownership and autonomy in a critical operational sites.
• Opportunity to work within a critical, high‑profile environment supporting Defence & Government services.
• A supportive leadership structure, with clear objectives and strong opportunities for development.
• A competitive salary and benefits package within one of the UK's largest and most respected support services organisations.
• A role where your impact on safety, quality, compliance, and service excellence will be highly visible.