At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations across Defence sites, ensuring service excellence and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the Defence sector with a focus on operational leadership.
- Benefits: Enjoy mental health support, financial advice, and lifestyle rewards.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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. 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all operational activities across designated Defence sites.
- Ensure contractual obligations, 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
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
General Manager employer: Workingwith Sodexo
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a dynamic work environment at RAF Benson. As a General Manager, you will lead a diverse team in delivering exceptional service within the Defence sector, while benefiting from comprehensive support programmes, flexible working options, and opportunities for career advancement. Our culture fosters accountability and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a General Manager role. Personal recommendations can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations at RAF Benson. Understand their values and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and driven performance improvements. We want to see that you can unite diverse groups and foster a culture of accountability.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
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 fast-paced environment. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed operations and improved service excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since financial performance is key in this role, be sure to mention your experience with budgets and cost management. We want to see how you've driven commercial objectives and achieved strong financial results in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workingwith Sodexo
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Defence portfolio and the specific soft FM services involved. Research RAF Benson and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their operational needs and challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in high-pressure environments. Be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to talk about how you've managed budgets and achieved commercial objectives in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the General Manager position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built and maintained strong relationships with clients and stakeholders in the past. Prepare to share specific strategies you've used to ensure client satisfaction and compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
