Area Operations Director - Defence (Soft FM)

We are seeking an experienced Area Operations Director to lead soft FM services across a portfolio of Ministry of Defence (MOD) establishments across the North of England. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across a complex multi-site portfolio delivering catering, retail, cleaning, accommodation support, and other soft FM services within a highly regulated defence environment. You will lead a team of contract and general managers, ensuring consistent service excellence, strong financial performance, compliance with MOD governance frameworks, and a culture focused on safety, operational discipline, and continuous improvement. As the senior operational leader across the region, you will also act as a key interface with MOD and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) stakeholders, ensuring strong partnerships, contract compliance, and delivery of agreed service outcome What you will do: Lead operational delivery across multiple MOD establishments, ensuring
consistent service standards across catering, retail, cleaning, and hospitality services. Provide leadership to a team of Contract Managers and General Managers, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence. Act as the senior operational interface with MOD and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) stakeholders, building trusted partnerships and ensuring contract delivery meets client expectations. Drive commercial performance across the portfolio, with accountability for revenue, labour productivity, food cost control, and gross profit delivery. Ensure full compliance with contract governance, health & safety requirements, regulatory standards, and audit frameworks across all locations. Lead performance reviews, governance meetings, and operational reporting, presenting confidently to senior leadership and client stakeholders. Identify opportunities for service innovation, operational improvement, and contract growth, supporting the long-term success
of the HESTIA contract. Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring best practice in health, safety, and wellbeing across the portfolio. Support mobilisation, service transformation and operational change initiatives where required.

Extensive experience leading large-scale multisite FM or hospitality operations, ideally within defence, government, or other regulated environments. Demonstrated ability to lead senior operational teams across complex portfolios. Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for P&L performance, financial reporting, and cost management. Experience managing client relationships at senior stakeholder level. Proven experience delivering operational improvement and service innovation. Understanding of compliance, governance, and audit processes within regulated contracts. Experience working within the MoD or Defence sector (highly desirable).

Competitive salary

Competitive salary + package Company car/ car allowance Hybrid working Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra Life assurance and pension scheme Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)