External Cleaning Operative

About the Company

Anchor Group Services highlights a nationwide range of roles and focuses on employee support, development, and retention. The company points to benefits such as an employee assistance programme, pay access through Wagestream, dedicated management support, and learning opportunities through Anchor Academy.

Role Summary

This position is for an External Cleaning Operative based at Port Solent in Portsmouth. The work is practical, hands-on, and outdoors-focused, supporting the upkeep, safety, and presentation of a busy shopping and leisure location. The role suits someone who is dependable, comfortable with manual tasks, and confident working both independently and as part of a wider team.

Working Pattern and Pay

The shift pattern is 4 on / 2 off, with working hours from 07:00 to 16:00 including a 30-minute unpaid break. The average weekly hours are 40. Pay is £13.45 per hour. The site location is Port Solent, The Boardwalk, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP, and the role reports to the Contract Manager. Because shifts begin at 7:00am, the candidate must be able to travel reliably to the site for early starts.

Key Duties

• Keep designated outdoor spaces clean and maintained according to the site’s cleaning standards.
• Ensure public-facing areas remain tidy, safe, and inviting for visitors.
• Collect, empty, and sort waste and recycling bins correctly.
• React quickly to spills, obstructions, and other hazards to protect visitors, tenants, and staff.
• Use specialist cleaning and waste equipment, including a scrubber dryer, kerb sweeper, gum removal machine, waste compactor, and cardboard baler.
• Complete basic cleaning and maintenance tasks on service roads when required.
• Offer courteous and helpful customer service to visitors, tenants, and other site users.
• Follow Health & Safety and COSHH procedures at all times.
• Support the wider site team whenever extra help is needed and contribute positively to team working.

What the Employer Wants

• A practical, reliable person with strong attention to detail.
• Comfort with physical work and an outdoor working environment in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to learn how to use cleaning and waste-handling machinery; training will be given.
• Good communication skills and a proactive, service-oriented attitude.
• Flexibility to provide cover when needed.
• Experience in cleaning, grounds maintenance, or facilities support is helpful but not required.
• Ability to commute to Port Solent (PO6 4TP) for shifts starting as early as 7:00am.

Training and Benefits

• Full training on specialist equipment and health and safety procedures.
• A visible role where the results of your work can be seen every day.
• Access to nationally recognised learning courses through Anchor Academy.
• Auto-enrolment pension, subject to minimum earnings thresholds.
• Stream pay access, allowing you to access earned wages early.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Uniform provided at no cost.
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling support.
• Hospital Saturday Fund.
• Reward and recognition awards.

Additional Information

Other job titles that may be used for this type of work include Outdoor Cleaner, Site Cleaning Operative, Grounds Cleaner, Waste & Cleaning Operative, Marina Cleaning Operative, and Cleaning and Waste Services Operative. The role may also suit candidates living within commuting distance of Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Hedge End, Chichester, Petersfield, and Winchester. Anchor Group Services states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on prohibited grounds.

Application Note

Applicants who are interested in the position are encouraged to submit their application for consideration.