Cleaning Services Manager

Cleaning Services Manager

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Temporary Full-Time up to 4 years
• Various locations available with flexible working arrangements available
• Multiples roles available
• Salary: Clerk Grade 11/12 with salary ranging from $149,739 to $173,174 + super and annual leave loading
• Work with a supportive team to build something new and meaningful

Join our Cleaning Services Division as a Cleaning Services Manager and help define how we deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality services across NSW public schools.

About Cleaning Services

The NSW Government's reforms to public sector cleaning services entail the NSW Department of Education taking over management of the state's Whole-of-Government cleaning contracts from January 1, 2026.

A team has been established to deliver an enhanced Whole-of-Government cleaning contract for alignment and delivery of all program streams. Including Governance, ITD, Recruitment and Risk Management.

About the role

As the Cleaning Services Manager, you will lead the delivery and assurance of cleaning contracts across NSW, ensuring services meet contractual, departmental, and legislative standards. You will manage performance, oversee inspections and reviews, and provide operational advice to support consistent, high-quality service delivery.

You will also:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, schools, and stakeholders across the NSW government
• Analyse contract performance data and provide actionable insights for improvement
• Contribute to policies, systems, and processes that enhance service delivery and compliance
• Resolve complex or sensitive contract issues while influencing diverse stakeholders

This is a unique opportunity to influence a new division, manage sensitive contract matters, and shape operational practices from the ground up.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

You are an experienced and proactive leader with a strong background in contract management, service delivery, or operational compliance. You thrive on solving complex problems, managing competing priorities, and leading teams to achieve consistent, high-quality outcomes.

The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Experience leading teams in contract management, compliance monitoring, or service delivery
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence outcomes in complex or sensitive situations
• Proven ability to analyse performance data and provide clear, actionable insights
• Knowledge of WHS, industrial relations, and Modern Slavery obligations, with the ability to apply them in operational contexts
• A collaborative, solution-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence

Key Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated sound understanding of service contracts.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Department's Work, Health and Safety (WH&S) Policy
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

• Tertiary qualifications in Contract Management, Facilities Management, Building Services, or a related field and/or equivalent workplace experience.
• Current and valid Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

Targeted Questions

• How have you built constructive relationships with external providers, schools, or other stakeholders to deliver better outcomes? (300 words)
• Describe a time when you identified a risk or emerging issue. How did you respond and communicate it? (300 words)

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: Wednesday, 19 November at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Joanne Stanborough via email on

For recruitment related enquiries contact

For technical issues contact

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.