Area Operations Manager

Company: Vardis Cleaning | Vardis Group

Location: Dublin & Greater Dublin Area (Primarily Site-Based)Job Type: Full-time, PermanentSalary: €45,000 per annum + Company Vehicle, Laptop, and PhoneAbout Vardis CleaningVardis Cleaning, part of the Vardis Group, provides top-tier professional cleaning and soft facilities services across commercial, retail, residential, and specialist environments.

We pride ourselves on maintaining exceptional standards, agility, and strong client relationships.The RoleWe are seeking a proactive, highly accountable, and visible Field-Based Operations / Area Manager to take ownership of our daily cleaning operations across Dublin.This role is designed for a true field leader who thrives on routine site presence rather than office administration. While heavy administrative routines (such as payroll processing, initial recruitment screening, employee documentation, and purchase order processing) sit with our dedicated administrative team, you remain fully accountable for providing accurate site information, managing site budgets, and ensuring operational excellence. You will resolve routine operational matters independently without needing constant intervention from senior management.Key Responsibilities1. Site Management & Quality ControlConduct regular site visits, inspections, and quality audits, prioritizing high-profile and problematic accounts.Utilize SafetyCulture daily to record inspections, findings, corrective actions, and photographic evidence.Ensure cleaning standards, site specifications, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contractual hours are consistently delivered.Proactively identify operational issues and process gaps in loco before they escalate into client complaints.Monitor equipment condition, track stock levels, and ensure immaculate site presentation.2. Staff Management & SupervisionMaintain daily communication with site supervisors and cleaning teams to ensure full accountability.Manage attendance, absenteeism, holiday cover, rostering, and overall staff performance.Ensure all Timegate records, hours, leave, and payroll changes are accurate and submitted to the administrator (Ana) strictly within payroll deadlines.Conduct hands-on site inductions, staff training, and ongoing competency checks.Address performance issues promptly; manage local compliance (PPE, chemical dilution, ISO standards) and escalate formal HR matters only when necessary.3. Client Management & Issue ResolutionAct as the primary, first point of contact for day-to-day operational matters.Acknowledge all client queries within two hours during standard working hours.Take full ownership of complaints from initial notification through to final resolution.Maintain regular, transparent communication with site contacts and provide updates on corrective actions.Escalate significant contractual, financial, or reputational risks to senior management promptly.4. New Contract MobilisationTake full operational responsibility for the mobilization of new contracts.Coordinate staffing, training, equipment, materials, site documentation, and commencement timelines to ensure sites are fully operational from day one.Provide immediate confirmation to administration and finance regarding contract commencement dates, staffing hours, and any operational modifications.5. Daily Reporting & AccountabilitySubmit a short, structured daily operational report covering sites visited/inspections completed, staffing shortages/cover arrangements, client complaints/actions taken, outstanding issues with named deadlines, equipment/supply failures, and any changes affecting payroll or requiring escalation.Maintain a weekly traffic-light report (Green/Amber/Red) across all sites to allow leadership to review exceptions and corrective deadlines rather than everyday details.Essential RequirementsExperience: 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience within commercial cleaning or multi-site soft facilities management.Software Skills: Hands-on experience with industry-standard digital systems like SafetyCulture and Timegate (or equivalent workforce management tools).Leadership Style: A naturally proactive "lead-by-example" manager who prefers field presence over desk work and takes absolute ownership of their allocated sites.Communication: Great interpersonal skills with the ability to meet a strict 2-hour client response window.Driver's License: A full, clean Irish/EU driving license is essential (a company vehicle is provided).Performance Expectations – First 90 DaysThe successful candidate will undergo structured reviews at 30, 60, and 90 days, where they must successfully demonstrate:Complete operational ownership of their allocated sites and strong relationships with clients and cleaning teams.Consistent site inspections via SafetyCulture yielding measurable quality improvements.Effective management of staffing, absenteeism, and tight budget control over site hours.Accurate, timely submission of daily reports and Timegate data without being chased.