Cleaning Supervisor jobs in the United Kingdom

What you will actually do

• Allocate tasks by priority (touchpoints, washrooms, floors, waste, deep clean rotations).
• Run quality checks: spot checks, structured audits, photo evidence (if required by site).
• Control consumables: stock levels, dilution systems, issue logs, re-order timing.
• Lead the shift: briefings, attendance control, cover planning, handovers.
• Keep safety clean: correct PPE, safe chemical handling, and escalation of hazards.

Requirements (detailed, practical)

1. English CV (mandatory) + proven cleaning supervision or team-lead experience.
2. Audit mindset: you can measure standards, record issues, and close actions fast.
3. COSHH awareness: safe chemicals use, correct storage, and “no mixing” discipline.
4. People skills: coach performance, handle conflicts, keep pace without drama.
5. Reliability: punctuality, shift flexibility (early/late), and stable attendance.

Some sites require additional checks (for example, background/DBS for schools or healthcare environments). This depends on the employer and the location.

Gross pay (brutto) & what drives it

• Typical gross hourly range: £12.21–£16.84/hour depending on site, hours, and checks.
• Higher pay factors: multi-site cover, enhanced checks, night shifts, high-compliance sites.
• Lower pay factors: small part-time site scope, limited reporting, minimal client interaction.
• Expectation: you are paid for outcomes—cleanliness KPIs, stable coverage, and audit results.

Work reality: the first 30 days

The fastest way to win trust is to stabilise the basics: attendance, routines, consumables, and honest audits. Good supervisors fix root causes (missing tools, weak handovers, unclear zones) instead of repeating the same complaints.

• Week 1: map zones, standards, access rules, and risk points.
• Week 2: tighten routines and evidence (audits, close actions).
• Week 3–4: train gaps and protect reliability (cover plans).

What good looks like on a shift

A strong shift is not “busy”—it is controlled. Tasks are prioritised, touchpoints are protected, and issues are escalated early.

1. Briefing: zones, risks, chemicals, and time windows.
2. Visibility: you walk the site, not the office.
3. Audits: check, record, fix, verify.
4. Handover: clear notes so the next team does not restart from zero.

The hidden part of the job: documentation

Many UK sites expect traceability: what was cleaned, when, by whom, with which product, and what issues were found. Documentation protects both the client and the team when questions appear.

• Checklists and sign-offs (daily/weekly).
• Consumables logs and re-order thresholds.
• Incident and hazard reporting with actions.

UK work conditions (practical)

• Holiday: statutory paid leave is 5.6 weeks (bank holidays may be included by contract).
• Working time: some employers ask for a 48-hour opt-out for flexibility; this must be voluntary.
• Minimum pay rules: statutory minimum rates change annually (April updates).
• Access rules: site induction, ID checks, and security procedures are common.

This page is informational and does not replace employer policy. Always read the contract, site rules, and rota details before accepting.

Sponsorship note (set expectations correctly)

Cleaning Supervisor roles are usually filled locally. Sponsorship is typically uncommon and depends entirely on the employer’s licence, budget, and compliance.

• Best approach: apply if you already have UK work eligibility, or only where sponsorship is explicitly offered.
• CV strength matters: highlight audits, reporting discipline, and team control.
• Do not assume: “possible” is not a promise.

How to apply (simple and strict)

1. Build/Upload your English CV (required).
2. Include: team size, sites handled, audit method, chemical safety routines, and shift patterns.
3. We screen your profile against current UK demand and client requirements.
4. If matched, you may be asked for references or evidence of audit routines and outcomes.

Keyword fit: cleaning supervisor, cleaning team leader, site supervisor, facilities cleaning, audits, COSHH.