Operations Manager

Julius Rutherfoord & Co | London / South West London & Surrey

Job title: Operations Manager
Reports to: Divisional Director
Employment type: Full-time
Working pattern: 5 days per week
Location: Mobile – working across multiple client sites

About the role

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, we take pride in delivering exceptional cleaning services, building lasting client relationships and creating an environment where our people can thrive.

We’re looking for a proactive, commercially minded Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of client contracts, drive service excellence and develop high-performing teams.

This is a hands-on leadership role in which success comes from leading, coaching and organising people, not simply stepping in to resolve every operational issue yourself. You’ll take ownership of contract performance, build trusted client relationships, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with agreed standards.

We have opportunities across London and South West London & Surrey.

What you’ll be responsible for

People Leadership

• Recruit, onboard, develop and retain capable site teams, including coaching supervisors and managing performance.
• Set clear expectations around attendance, behaviour, appearance and service standards.
• Recognise good performance and address concerns fairly, promptly and constructively.
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous development.

Client & Contract Management

• Own day-to-day client relationships and take responsibility for contract performance.
• Lead regular client reviews, communicate progress and manage service issues through to resolution.
• Understand client needs, identify emerging risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Spot opportunities for service improvements, additional services and contract growth.

Service Delivery & Quality

• Maintain a visible presence across sites, using audits, client feedback and performance data to drive consistent standards.
• Ensure services meet agreed specifications, including staffing, working hours, periodic works, equipment and consumables.
• Promote compliance with health, safety, environmental, COSHH, security and company requirements.
• Champion our environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments across your contracts.

Commercial & Resource Management

• Manage labour hours, wage costs, consumables and resources within agreed budgets.
• Investigate cost variances and take early action to prevent recurring issues.
• Plan staffing and rotas to balance service quality, colleague needs and commercial performance.

Mobilisation & Continuous Improvement

• Support new business opportunities, mobilisations, retenders and significant contract changes.
• Develop practical staffing plans, identify operational risks and coordinate implementation.
• Stabilise new services quickly and use feedback to make improvements.
• Manage contract transitions professionally, maintaining relationships and supporting colleagues throughout the process.

What will make you successful?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Leads with confidence: Sets clear expectations, develops people and holds teams accountable while remaining fair and supportive.
• Communicates effectively: Builds trust with clients and colleagues, handles challenging conversations professionally and offers realistic solutions.
• Takes ownership: Follows issues through to resolution, identifies root causes and ensures improvements are sustained.
• Thinks proactively: Anticipates problems, challenges ineffective ways of working and brings forward ideas rather than waiting to be asked.
• Understands the commercial picture: Balances service quality, client retention, colleague engagement and profitability.
• Is highly organised: Manages competing priorities across multiple sites and knows when to make decisions independently or seek support.
• Is committed to high standards: Takes pride in safe, reliable service delivery and continuously looks for ways to improve.

Essential requirements

• Excellent English communication skills.
• A full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months.
• The ability to travel regularly between multiple client sites.
• Strong leadership, organisation, problem-solving and relationship-management skills.

Desirable: Portuguese or Spanish language skills.

Our values

Our values shape how we work and how we treat one another:

• We Put People First – creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow.
• We Own It – taking responsibility for our actions, decisions and results.
• We Take Pride – delivering high standards and quality service.
• We Keep Growing – learning, improving and creating new opportunities.
• We Do the Right Thing – acting with honesty, integrity and respect.

Why join Julius Rutherfoord & Co?

This is an opportunity to make a real impact, take ownership of a varied portfolio and help shape the performance of our contracts and teams. You’ll have the opportunity to develop people, strengthen client partnerships and contribute to the continued growth and success of our business.

Ready to take the next step in your career?

If you’re a confident, solutions-focused leader who enjoys developing people, improving services and delivering strong operational results, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to join Julius Rutherfoord & Co as our next Operations Manager.

Julius Rutherfoord is an equal opportunity employer

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company events
• Employee discount

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW8 3NS