Regional Service Manager

Middlesbrough, Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, Teesside, Sunderland and Berwick, this is a senior operational leadership role with responsibility for service delivery, financial performance, compliance, client relationships, and people leadership across a geographically dispersed region. You will act as the key operational interface between Sodexo, MOJ stakeholders, and onsite teams, ensuring cleaning services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with contractual requirements, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and agreed performance standards. You will play a vital role in driving operational excellence, maximising contract performance, developing high-performing teams, and delivering continuous improvement across the region. Whatyou'll do:

• Lead the operational delivery of cleaning and support services across multiple MOJ sites within the North East region.
• Take full accountability for regional service performance, including operational delivery, financial management, compliance, client relationships, and people leadership.
• Drive operational and financial performance, ensuring contracts achieve agreed budgets, KPIs, SLAs, and service standards.
• Manage regional P&L performance, including budget control, labour management, cost optimisation, forecasting, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with MOJ stakeholders, clients, agents, and internal teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences and support contract retention.
• Lead, coach, motivate, and develop site management teams and frontline colleagues, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, Sodexo policies, Health & Safety legislation, COSHH requirements, risk assessments, and audit standards.
• Monitor cleaning performance through regular site visits, service reviews, audits, management information, and performance reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve service quality, productivity, processes, and operational efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Manage regional risks, maintain business continuity plans, and implement actions to mitigate operational challenges.
• Ensure effective management of suppliers, resources, equipment, and systems to support consistent service delivery.
• Support business development activity by identifying opportunities to enhance services, increase value, and strengthen client partnerships.
• Promote Sodexo values and act as an ambassador for service excellence, brand standards, and positive client relationships.
  
  Full UK Driving Licence (must be over 25 for insurance purposes).
• Proven operational management experience within a multi-site cleaning, facilities management, or complex service environment.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams and managing operational delivery across multiple locations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing and motivating teams.
• Sound knowledge of cleaning operations, service delivery standards, and industry best practice.
• Strong understanding of COSHH regulations, safe systems of work, risk assessments, and compliance requirements.
• Commercially astute with the ability to interpret financial information, manage budgets, and improve contract performance.
• Experience managing client relationships and engaging effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and changing demands.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Self-motivated, resilient, and able to work independently while contributing to wider business objectives., IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Experience working within Ministry of Justice, Government, Defence, Facilities Management, or outsourced service contracts.
• Knowledge of security-conscious environments and compliance requirements associated with custodial or government facilities.
• Experience managing service delivery within complex contracts with defined SLAs, KPIs, and performance measures.
• Experience balancing client expectations, contractual requirements, and operational delivery within a regulated environment.
  
  Workingwith Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of somethinggreater. You'll belong in a company and team that values youfor you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everydayactions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day