General Manager - Wallingford

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., 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.
  
  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