At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-profile contract, managing teams and driving performance across multiple sites.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group, delivering vital services across Defence and Energy sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym discounts, career development, and healthcare benefits for you and your family.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing large contracts and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced, commercially driven operations leader to take full accountability for a high‑profile, multi‑site contract within our SFM portfolio. This senior role carries responsibility for circa £5.3m annual revenue, with 10 direct reports and overall people accountability for approximately 110 colleagues. You will lead performance, financial delivery, safety, and growth across the contract, building strong client relationships and developing high‑performing teams. With full ownership of operational outcomes, you’ll play a key role in driving continuous improvement, supporting business growth, and shaping the future of our SFM services.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver all contractual, operational, and HSE requirements in line with client and business standards
- Own full P&L responsibility, achieving or exceeding financial targets
- Identify and deliver growth opportunities to increase contract value and retention
- Lead and develop high‑performing teams, with a strong focus on capability and engagement
- Optimise labour, resources, and licences to meet contractual demand efficiently
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and delivery
- Monitor KPIs, driving continuous improvement across performance and service
- Ensure subcontractor, client, and company policy compliance
- Support new contract mobilisations and the ongoing development of the SFM proposition
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven senior operational leader with strong commercial and financial acumen
- Experience managing large, complex contracts or regions (£3m+ value)
- Customer‑focused, results‑driven, and comfortable operating in cost‑sensitive environments
- Strong communicator with experience leading change through teams
- Flexible, resilient, and aligned to business values and objectives
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Facilities Management experience, including soft services and/or waste
- Catering or hospitality management experience
- FM qualification (IWFM) or working towards
What We Offer
Alongside a competitive package, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, lifestyle, and career, including:
- Free meals and onsite parking
- Contributory pension scheme and subsidised gym membership
- Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Digital GP access and healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
- Discounts across travel, retail, groceries, dining, and cinema tickets
- Cashback rewards and wellbeing, mindfulness, and fitness programmes
- All discounts and offers are shareable with friends and family
About Us
ESS is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, delivering critical support services across Defence, Government, and Energy sectors. We operate across 250+ UK sites, including military bases, secure environments, and onshore and offshore energy facilities. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to deliver outstanding service in complex and high‑profile environments. Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. We celebrate diversity and believe our differences make us stronger.
Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon employer: Recruit4Mum
At ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Contract Manager role in Brecon. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, which includes free meals, onsite parking, and career development opportunities through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes. With a strong focus on inclusivity and support, we empower our teams to thrive in a dynamic work environment while delivering outstanding service across critical sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon at Recruit4Mum!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Recruit4Mum or be willing to refer you for that Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Recruit4Mum who’s on the lookout for their next Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon role at Recruit4Mum!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager – Full Time – Brecon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Recruit4Mum. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Recruit4Mum. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!