Area Operating Director- Defence in Leeds

We are seeking an experienced Area Operations Director to lead soft FM services across a portfolio of Ministry of Defence (MOD) establishments across the North of England. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across a complex multi-site portfolio delivering catering, retail, cleaning, accommodation support, and other soft FM services within a highly regulated defence environment. You will lead a team of contract and general managers, ensuring consistent service excellence, strong financial performance, compliance with MOD governance frameworks, and a culture focused on safety, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.

As the senior operational leader across the region, you will also act as a key interface with MOD and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) stakeholders, ensuring strong partnerships, contract compliance, and delivery of agreed service outcomes.

What you will do:

• Lead operational delivery across multiple MOD establishments, ensuring consistent service standards across catering, retail, cleaning, and hospitality services.
• Provide leadership to a team of Contract Managers and General Managers, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.
• Act as the senior operational interface with MOD and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) stakeholders, building trusted partnerships and ensuring contract delivery meets client expectations.
• Drive commercial performance across the portfolio, with accountability for revenue, labour productivity, food cost control, and gross profit delivery.
• Ensure full compliance with contract governance, health & safety requirements, regulatory standards, and audit frameworks across all locations.
• Lead performance reviews, governance meetings, and operational reporting, presenting confidently to senior leadership and client stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for service innovation, operational improvement, and contract growth, supporting the long-term success of the HESTIA contract.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring best practice in health, safety, and wellbeing across the portfolio.
• Support mobilisation, service transformation and operational change initiatives where required.

What you will bring:

• Extensive experience leading large-scale multisite FM or hospitality operations, ideally within defence, government, or other regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead senior operational teams across complex portfolios.
• Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for P&L performance, financial reporting, and cost management.
• Experience managing client relationships at senior stakeholder level.
• Proven experience delivering operational improvement and service innovation.
• Understanding of compliance, governance, and audit processes within regulated contracts.
• Experience working within the MoD or Defence sector (highly desirable).

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Client satisfaction and contract performance.
• Financial performance and margin delivery.
• Employee engagement and leadership capability.
• Compliance and audit performance.
• Delivery of service improvement initiatives.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a major operational portfolio within one of the UK’s most significant government service contracts. You will play a key role in shaping operational performance, strengthening client relationships, and developing the next generation of leaders.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident and Forces Friendly employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey. We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team.