The pandemic reinforced a message the sector had been advocating for years: cleaning is about well-being, health, prevention, and productivity. Today, however, this message has been refined. It’s no longer about showcasing cleaning teams in action, but about generating a sense of continuous care. In this context, the supervisor’s role is essential to guaranteeing this quality in a sector that employs more than half a million people in Spain. Currently, cleaning supervision has evolved from a purely technical role to a cross-functional one that impacts building health, team stability, and user satisfaction. This shift in focus also represents a cultural leap within organizations, which have had to reorder priorities to place perceived quality and user experience at the heart of the service.

From Operations to Management
Historically, the supervisory position was held by individuals with extensive experience and operational know-how. However, this paradigm is no longer sufficient. “The reality of the market and the sector demands that this profile be more integrated and flexible, understanding profitability, customer communication, and data analysis,” points out Jesús Martín, president of the National Federation of Cleaning Companies (AFELIN).

Monitoring and FM: a strategic alliance

This transformation responds to a market that demands professionals capable of combining technical knowledge, digital skills, soft skills, and a service-oriented approach. In companies like ILUNION, this profile also incorporates a clear social commitment. “The supervisor is not only responsible for ensuring service quality, but also a key figure in the employment integration of people with disabilities and other groups at risk of exclusion,” explains Raúl Soldado, Services Supervisor at ILUNION Cleaning and Environment. Thus, the role “has been redefined to be that of a mentor, guide, and facilitator,” he adds. This social dimension also requires the supervisor to develop additional skills in mentoring, guidance, and emotional support that were not part of the traditional role.