JLL supports the Whole You, personally and professionally.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology to our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry; and we support them through professional growth, flexibility, and personalized benefits to manage life in and outside of work. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades, and technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, we empower you to shape a brighter way forward so you can thrive professionally and personally.
UK Soft Services Lead - UK Portfolio
Position Overview
The UK Soft Services Lead serves as a strategic subject matter expert responsible for analysing, optimising, and standardising custodial operations across JLL's UK portfolio. This role focuses on productivity enhancement, performance gap analysis, and establishing best-in-class cleaning standards without direct staff management responsibilities. The position may require travel to European markets to support regional initiatives and knowledge transfer.
Key Responsibilities
UK Performance Analysis & Optimization
Conduct comprehensive productivity assessments across custodial operations throughout the UK
Analyse operational metrics, KPIs, and benchmarking data to identify performance gaps
Develop and implement productivity improvement strategies specific to UK market requirements
Create standardized measurement frameworks for UK custodial service delivery
Establish baseline performance standards and target improvement metrics for UK operations
UK Standards Development & Implementation
Design and maintain UK custodial service standards and operating procedures
Create detailed service level specifications and quality control protocols
Develop comprehensive training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for UK teams
Establish cleaning frequency matrices and task-time standards aligned with UK practices
Implement quality assurance frameworks and inspection protocols across UK properties
Gap Analysis & Strategic Assessment
Perform detailed gap analyses between current state and target performance levels across UK operations
Conduct root cause analysis of service delivery issues and operational inefficiencies
Assess technology adoption opportunities and digital transformation initiatives for UK market
Evaluate vendor performance and service delivery capabilities within UK supply chain
Identify cost optimization opportunities while maintaining service quality standards
Subject Matter Expertise & Consultation
Serve as primary technical advisor on all custodial and janitorial service matters for UK operations
Provide expert guidance on cleaning methodologies, equipment, and chemical selection
Advise on UK industry best practices, emerging technologies, and sustainability initiatives
Support UK business development efforts with technical expertise and service design
Collaborate with UK regional teams to implement standardized approaches
UK Program Management
Develop UK-specific custodial service frameworks and operational models
Create standardized reporting templates and performance dashboards for UK market
Establish best practice protocols tailored to UK regulatory and market requirements
Coordinate knowledge sharing across UK regions and property types
Support contract negotiations with technical specifications aligned to UK standards
European Support & Knowledge Transfer
Provide consultative support to European operations when required
Share UK best practices and learnings with European counterparts
Participate in European benchmarking and standards alignment initiatives
Support knowledge transfer and cross-regional collaboration projects
Assist with European market analysis and comparative studies as needed
Required Qualifications
Experience & Education
Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field
8+ years of experience in custodial/janitorial services management within the UK market
5+ years in performance analysis, operations optimization, or consulting roles
Strong understanding of UK commercial real estate and facilities management sector
Experience with UK regulatory requirements and industry standards
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of UK cleaning industry standards (BICSc), methodologies, and equipment
Understanding of productivity measurement and time-motion studies
Experience with performance benchmarking and gap analysis methodologies
Knowledge of UK sustainability practices and environmental regulations
Familiarity with UK facility management technologies and systems
Analytical & Strategic Skills
Advanced data analysis and statistical analysis capabilities
Proficiency in business intelligence tools and dashboard creation
Strong project management and process improvement expertise
Experience with change management and implementation strategies
Ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights
Communication & Collaboration
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Additional European language skills advantageous but not essential
Strong presentation and stakeholder management abilities
Experience working with diverse teams and cross-functional collaboration
Ability to influence without direct authority
Travel & Mobility
UK-based position with willingness to travel domestically (30-40% of time)
Occasional European travel as required (5-10% of time)
Valid passport and ability to work across European markets when needed
Full UK work authorisation required
Key Deliverables & Success Metrics
UK productivity improvement targets (15-25% efficiency gains)
Standardised UK service specifications and SOPs
Comprehensive gap analysis reports with actionable recommendations for UK operations
Performance benchmarking frameworks and KPI dashboards for UK market
Cost optimisation initiatives with measurable ROI across UK portfolio
Support documentation for European initiatives as required
Skills & Attributes
Strategic & Operational Excellence - Combines strategic thinking with strong operational focus and data-driven decision-making approach
Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Excellent written and verbal communication abilities that convey information professionally and clearly
Client Relationship Management - Strong competency in building client relationships and balancing JLL and customer interests effectively
Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking - Objective, analytical approach to problem-solving with ability to handle ambiguity and research solutions
Program & Project Management - Excellent planning, organisational skills, and employee experience program management expertise
Time Management & Prioritization - Effective multi-tasking abilities with strong organisational skills to meet tight deadlines in dynamic environments
Team Leadership & Collaboration - Matrix organisation leadership skills combined with teamwork, empathy, and maturity
Negotiation & Vendor Management - Strong negotiation capabilities and vendor relationship management skills
Customer Service Excellence - Customer service orientation with commitment to excellence and understanding of service delivery satisfaction
Adaptability & Energy - Calm yet energetic approach to challenges with technical competence and ability to manage multiple competing priorities
Working Conditions
UK office-based position with hybrid working arrangements
Regular travel to client sites and offices across the UK
Occasional European travel for collaborative projects and knowledge sharing
Flexible working arrangements to accommodate project requirements
Standard UK working hours with occasional flexibility for European collaboration
Package
UK travel allowance and comprehensive expense coverage
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Competitive UK benefits package including pension, healthcare, and life insurance
Professional development and certification support
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
This strategic UK-focused role offers the opportunity to drive excellence in soft service delivery across JLL's UK portfolio while contributing expertise to broader European initiatives when required
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the requirements below. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health.
About JLL -
We're JLL--a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of over 102,000 individuals around the world who help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. As a global Fortune 500 company, we also have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That's why we're committed to our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. We're using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities.
Our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are also fundamental to everything we do and we're honored to be recognized with awards for our success by organizations both globally and locally.
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where we all feel welcomed, valued and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are today and where we're headed in the future. And we know that unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation and succeed together.
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