Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence

ISS•San Antonio, TX

1d•$240,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ISS is seeking a transformational Head of Cleaning Strategy & Operational Excellence – North America to define the strategy, elevate operational excellence, and shape the future of cleaning and janitorial services across our diverse North American portfolio. This is more than an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence how cleaning services are designed, delivered, measured, and continuously improved across some of the most complex workplace environments in North America. From corporate workplaces and manufacturing facilities to airports, healthcare environments, distribution centers, educational facilities, and other critical client locations, you will establish the standards, innovation roadmap, workforce strategies, and operational framework that drive exceptional performance. At ISS, People Make Places — and this role will help ensure those places are safer, cleaner, smarter, more sustainable, and better for everyone who experiences them. As 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Facilities Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline
10+ years of progressive leadership experience within cleaning services, facilities management, environmental services, workplace operations, or a related field
5+ years leading multi-site, regional, or national operations
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.