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 mental health support, discounts, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to thrive in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in facilities management are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
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, and have previous management experience within the Facilities Management or Soft Services sector.
Qualifications
- 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.
Desirable Requirements
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
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.
General Manager - Wallingford employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where you can thrive in a dynamic environment. With comprehensive benefits including mental health support, financial tools, and opportunities for personal development, working at RAF Benson allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in facilities management.
