Area Manager - Cleaning Service (EA Employees Only)

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBLE TO:        Cleaning Service Locality Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

The overall purpose of the role is to support Cleaning Service Locality Manager and Senior Cleaning Team in the delivery of a high quality cleaning service which provides value for money, supports the delivery of Departmental policy and is consistent and integrated in approach across all areas of the EA.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Line management responsibility for the supervision and direction of cleaning supervisors across a multi-site cleaning service. 

• Allocate work areas to cleaners and building/cleaning supervisors to ensure the delivery of a quality service. 

• Develop and implement schedules of work and cleaning practices to ensure optimum performance within each location.

• Monitor and review staffing levels in individual locations and report any changes.

• Participate in the recruitment and selection of permanent and temporary cleaning staff.

• Participate in absence reviews, disciplinary and grievance meetings as necessary.

• Consult and negotiate with trade unions, principals and location managers on issues relating to changes in terms and conditions of employment and variations to the cleaning service provision.

• Prepare and update induction documentation.

• Deliver induction training to all newly appointed Cleaning Service staff.

• Identify training needs based on the Service’s and the EA needs.

• Develop training materials and organise training courses for Cleaning Service staff.

• Organise and deliver training to cleaners, cleaning supervisors and building supervisors in accordance with the appropriate standards and Health and Safety legislation to ensure safe and efficient working practices.

• Evaluate training programmes and amend programmes as necessary.

• Determine appropriate performance standards and ensure that the Cleaning Service maintains a quality service based on the specification and service level agreements.

• Carry out continuous monitoring of the Cleaning Service standards within individual locations and assess individual work performance.

• Prepare inspection reports and consult with Cleaning Service staff, Principals and location managers to ensure optimum performance.

• Respond promptly to problems and agree appropriate remedial action with client and Cleaning Service employees as appropriate.

• Organise and carry out in-depth cleaning at locations as required in order to improve and sustain Cleaning Service quality standards. 

• Inform the Locality Manager and line managers on cleaning issues related to specification delivery. 

• Review and maintain the risk assessment portfolio for the Cleaning Service.

• Carry out surveys and classify all areas in order to determine cleaning hours and assessment of location requirements.

• Determine and assess needs in response to changes in the estates area and amend hours, work schedules and cleaning areas accordingly.

• Co-ordinate the maintenance/repair and delivery of cleaning machinery when necessary.

• Organise and co-ordinate the Cleaning Service in response to specific requests such as new school openings, additions to existing accommodation, DE inspections etc.

• Produce reports on operational issues for the Locality Manager as required.

• Provide cover for the Locality Manager as required.

• Undertake administrative duties associated with the post.

• Carry out, at an appropriate level, such other duties as required by the Locality Manager.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and always pay due regard for equality legislation.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. 

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.  Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.  Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.