At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations across Defence sites, ensuring service excellence and compliance.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values your individuality and purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, mental health support, discounts, and a free gym.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and community involvement through volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills required.
40 Hours per week £47,000 - £49,000 plus Sodexo rewards and benefits. On site free gym.
We are seeking an experienced, highly resilient and dynamic General Manager to lead a large, multi-site Defence portfolio delivering a full range of soft FM services, with key operations based at RAF Benson within the Hestia South region. This is a senior leadership role requiring someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and can confidently manage scale, complexity, and change.
You will oversee day-to-day operational delivery across RAF Benson, ensuring contractual compliance, service excellence, strong financial performance, and consistently high client satisfaction. This role requires a visible, decisive leader who can unite and develop large, diverse teams, drive performance, embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and identify opportunities for growth across the contract.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage all operational activities across designated Defence sites.
- Ensure contractual obligations, service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs and compliance requirements are consistently achieved.
- Drive operational performance, service excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage budgets, labour costs and financial performance to achieve commercial objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and site partners.
- Lead, coach and develop department managers and operational teams.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety and legislative requirements.
- Support business growth opportunities and additional service offerings.
- Oversee audit readiness and ensure successful outcomes from internal and external audits.
- Act as Duty Manager and provide leadership support during weekends and holiday periods when required.
You will be an experienced operational leader with a strong background in facilities management or soft FM services and a proven ability to manage large-scale operations.
Essential Requirements- Previous management experience within the Facilities Management or Soft Services sector.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Experience managing employee performance, recruitment, training and development.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong financial and commercial awareness.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements.
- Ability to analyse operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
- Competent in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Ability to work independently while leading diverse teams.
- Experience working within a Defence or military environment.
- Previous experience in a similar General Manager role.
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent.
- Food Safety qualification equivalent to Level 3.
What we offer: Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
- Mental health & wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
- 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
- Discounts for you & family
- Financial tools & retirement plan
- Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
General Manager in Wallingford employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where you can thrive in your own way. As a General Manager at RAF Benson, you'll benefit from competitive remuneration, access to a free on-site gym, and a comprehensive range of rewards including mental health support and financial planning tools. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and employee growth, Sodexo provides a dynamic environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Wallingford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management sector, especially those with experience in Defence. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your leadership style. This will help you showcase how you can drive performance and service excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around managing large teams and operational challenges. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress with your experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Wallingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in facilities management and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and manage large teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed operations and improved service delivery in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your leadership approach. We want to see how you unite and develop diverse teams, so share any strategies you've used to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Sodexo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a General Manager in facilities management. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as managing operational activities and ensuring compliance with SLAs and KPIs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're the right fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led diverse teams or managed large-scale operations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve driven performance and fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing budgets or ensuring service excellence, and prepare structured responses that highlight your analytical skills and effective solutions.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within the Defence portfolio. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
