Cleaning Operative

Overview

Leeds City Council is recruiting Cleaning Operatives to help maintain safe, hygienic, and welcoming environments across a range of buildings in Leeds. This position is centred on delivering a reliable cleaning service that supports community wellbeing and the day-to-day running of public facilities.

The role is permanent and can be offered on either a term-time only arrangement (39 weeks each year) or a full-year basis. Working hours are variable, and there are opportunities across multiple locations in Leeds.

Leeds City Council is among the region’s largest employers, with more than 14,000 staff. The organisation aims to attract and grow people who reflect its values and ambitions.

What the role involves

You will help keep a wide variety of premises clean and safe, including schools, colleges and further education centres, day centres, multi-storey flats, maisonettes, sheltered housing complexes, public libraries, and any other building covered by the council’s cleaning contract.

Daily work may include cleaning all internal areas such as toilets and hygiene spaces, corridors, landings, staircases, entrances, craft rooms, woodwork, engineering and cookery halls, gyms, classrooms, offices, and halls. Some high-level cleaning is also part of the job. Full training, suitable equipment, and protective gear will be provided.

The role may also involve regular interaction with service users and customers, and you will be expected to work to agreed quality standards and operational schedules.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of mechanical cleaning tools such as suction cleaners, scrubber/buffers, hot water extraction machines, combined scrubber-driers, and wet suction machines.
• Use cleaning chemicals and materials in line with the recommended safe procedures.
• Clean all internal areas of buildings, including sanitary facilities, circulation areas, stairs, entrances, rooms, halls, offices, and specialist rooms.
• Carry out high-level cleaning, including washing walls, windows, and glass using the correct equipment.
• Deal with routine customer contact in a professional manner.
• Follow operational instructions, cleaning standards, and quality assurance schedules.
• Work cooperatively with the team and take direction from senior staff or supervisors.
• Wear the required protective clothing, including rubber gloves.
• With the appropriate training, protective clothing, and equipment, remove discarded syringes and needles while being alert to the risk of needle-stick injuries.
• Remain flexible and help with other services when needed, within the scope of the grade.
• Carry out any other duties that fall within the general intent of the post and match the job evaluation outcome.

Requirements

• No formal academic qualifications are needed.
• You must be prepared to work flexibly across different sites and areas.
• You should be comfortable using toxic or hazardous cleaning substances as part of general cleaning tasks.
• You need to work well in a team and follow instructions from area supervisors.
• You must be willing to work at short notice and cover different duties as needed.
• You should be ready to wear corporate clothing where required.
• You need the ability to use a variety of cleaning tools and equipment.
• You should be able to operate mechanised cleaning equipment such as buffers.
• You must show an understanding of Leeds City Council values, codes of conduct, and equality and diversity expectations.
• You should be committed to continuous improvement, training, development, and the council’s wider ambitions around health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, and zero carbon.
• You must follow health and safety responsibilities at all times and comply with council policies and procedures.
• You are expected to support inclusion, challenge discriminatory behaviour, and report concerns such as racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, or abuse.
• You need to be adaptable to change and able to assist other services when required within your grade.
• The council’s flexibility protocol will apply to this post.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of £22,366 pro rata.
• Annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with strong employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service needs allow.
• A clear route for career progression and ongoing professional development.
• Access to a variety of staff benefits designed to support wellbeing and help you stretch your money further.

How to apply

To request an application form, contact 0113 378 2337 and choose option 4, or email ResourcesCleaning@leeds.gov.uk.

Please review all details carefully and complete every section of the application form before submitting it. If you would like an informal discussion about the post, you can use the same contact details to reach the admin team.

Equal opportunity and right to work

Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds and cultures. The council especially encourages interest from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+ applicants, ethnically diverse communities, disabled people, and care-experienced candidates.

This position is based in the UK. Before starting work, candidates must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK, whether as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or through another suitable work visa.

If you do not already have the right to work in the UK, you should assess your own eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route before applying. Sponsorship usually requires pay at or above £41,700 per year, unless another qualifying criterion is met.