Soft Services Manager

🌟 Exciting Opportunity: Soft Services Manager

Location: Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Essex

Working Pattern: Full-time, 5 days out of 7 (includes duty management one weekend per month)

Lakeside is levelling up — and this is your chance to join the transformation. With £50m investment on the way, a brand-new leasing strategy, and bold ambitions to become a top 5 UK shopping destination, Lakeside is redefining retail and leisure in the UK.

As Soft Services Manager, you’ll lead the teams that shape the daily experience of over 20 million annual visitors.

🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading large multi-disciplinary teams across cleaning, security, waste, and customer-facing operations
• Ensuring first-class service delivery through contractors and in-house staff
• Driving innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement
• Managing budgets, KPIs, audits, and high-impact service contracts
• Acting as Silver Command in major incidents and ensuring all compliance measures are met
• Championing a “Best in Class” visitor experience from car park to centre court

🧩 What We’re Looking For:

• People-focused leaders from hospitality, retail or leisure sectors ready for something new
• Experience in soft services, FM, or guest-facing operations
• Strong communicator and motivator who thrives in fast-paced environments
• Operationally sharp with an eye for detail and team development
• Confident in compliance, incident response, and safety standards

🎯 Why Join Lakeside?

This is a unique opportunity to take on a brand-new role, shape the guest experience at one of the UK’s most iconic centres, and grow with a business committed to ambition, reinvention, and excellence.

🔧 Ready to lead the change at Lakeside?

Apply now and help shape the future of this super-regional retail & leisure destination.