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 promotes a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free gym access, mental health support, and lifestyle rewards.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and a chance to thrive in a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 49000 £ per year.
- 40 Hours per week
- £47,000 - £49,000 plus Sodexo rewards and benefits
- On site free gym
- Job Introduction
We are seeking an experienced, highly resilient and dynamic General Services 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.
About You
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.
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.
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.
- 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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
General Services Manager in Wallingford employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leaders can thrive while managing facilities for a complex government estate. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to service excellence, Sodexo fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
