HEAD OF CLEANING Strategy & Operational Excellence- NORTH AMERICA - RemoteAs Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence - North America, you will serve as the senior subject matter leader and champion for cleaning excellence across the organization.
You will lead the strategic direction, operational performance, quality, innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement of our cleaning services portfolio while partnering closely with Operations, Commercial, Sales, Solutions, Procurement, HSEQ, Technology, and client leadership.
You will also play a critical role in business growth-developing innovative cleaning solutions for new opportunities, supporting major bids and expansions, designing workforce strategies, and bringing compelling operational solutions to our clients.
Your mission:
build a scalable, innovative, data-driven cleaning platform that delivers outstanding experiences for our clients, customers, and frontline teams.WHAT YOU'LL LEADCleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence- Develop and execute the North America cleaning strategy aligned with ISS business and growth objectives.
- Establish standardized operating procedures, quality frameworks, productivity benchmarks, performance metrics, and best practices across the cleaning portfolio.
- Drive consistency and operational discipline while maintaining the flexibility required to meet unique client and industry needs.
- Lead operational transformation and continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance quality, productivity, safety, sustainability, and customer experience.
- Provide strategic oversight and expertise for complex mobilizations, transitions, new account launches, and high-profile operational challenges.
Financial & Commercial Performance- Take ownership of cleaning service financial performance, productivity initiatives, and margin improvement strategies.
- Develop sophisticated labor models and workforce strategies that balance service excellence, employee experience, productivity, and profitability.
- Analyze labor utilization, consumables, equipment investments, operating costs, and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Partner with Commercial, Sales, and Solutions teams on pricing strategies, financial modeling, staffing solutions, and new business opportunities.
Innovation, Technology & the Future of CleaningHelp redefine what cleaning services can be.Identify, evaluate, and scale emerging technologies including:- Smart cleaning platforms
- Robotics and automation
- IoT and connected equipment
- Sensor-based and demand-driven cleaning
- Workforce management technology
- Data analytics and performance dashboards
- Sustainable products, equipment, and methodologies
Develop compelling business cases for modernization investments and use data to drive smarter operational decisions.
Client Leadership- Serve as an executive sponsor and trusted advisor for key cleaning and integrated facilities management clients.
- Participate in executive business reviews, governance meetings, solution workshops, and strategic client discussions.
- Bring industry expertise, innovation, and thought leadership to client partnerships while ensuring service expectations and customer satisfaction targets are consistently achieved.
Quality, Safety & Compliance- Establish and maintain world-class cleaning quality standards across the North American portfolio.
- Lead quality assurance programs, operational audits, inspections, corrective action initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, CDC, client, regulatory, and ISS requirements.
- Provide governance and leadership around chemical programs, infection prevention, environmental standards, sustainability initiatives, and industry best practices.
People & Capability Development- Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing network of Cleaning Excellence Managers, Program Managers, Regional Leaders, and operational professionals.
- Create talent pipelines and succession strategies that strengthen cleaning expertise throughout the organization.
- Develop training, certification, coaching, and capability-building programs for operational leaders and frontline teams.
- Champion a culture centered on safety, accountability, inclusion, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Growth & Strategic Solutioning- Partner with Sales, Solutions, Operations, and Commercial teams on strategic pursuits and major growth opportunities.
- Support RFP development, staffing models, operational solutioning, bid presentations, client workshops, and site visits.
- Design innovative cleaning solutions that differentiate ISS in the marketplace while delivering measurable value for clients.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE Success in this role means creating a cleaning organization that is:
Safer. Smarter. More consistent. More innovative. More sustainable. More productive. You will help create an environment where operational excellence becomes repeatable, innovation becomes scalable, frontline teams have the tools and training to succeed, and clients recognize ISS as a trusted leader in cleaning solutions
WHAT YOU BRINGRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Facilities Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated experience leading large frontline workforces
- Strong financial, operational, strategic, and commercial acumen
- Experience managing major client relationships and contract governance
- Proven ability to lead transformation, standardization, and continuous improvement across complex operations
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree or MBA
- IFMA, ISSA, CFM, FMP, LEED, or related professional certifications
- Experience within integrated facilities management
- Experience supporting complex environments such as airports, healthcare, manufacturing, education, corporate workplaces, distribution centers, or large-scale commercial portfolios
- Experience implementing cleaning technology, automation, robotics, workforce management, or data-driven service models
THE LEADER WE'RE LOOKING FOR- You are a strategic thinker who can move seamlessly between the boardroom and the operation.
- You understand the realities of frontline service delivery while also seeing the larger opportunity to transform how cleaning services are designed and delivered.
You bring:Strategic Mindset • Customer Focus • Business Acumen • Change Leadership • Innovation • Operational Excellence • Executive Presence • Financial Stewardship • Collaboration • Influencing Skills • Accountability • Continuous Improvement Most importantly, you know how to turn strategy into execution-and bring people with you along the journey.
HSEQ Compliance: All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.
ISS offers full time employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program based on employment status. The annual salary range for this position is $240000.00 - $250000.00 . Final compensation will be determined based on experience and skills and may vary from the range listed above.
