General Manager
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1159297/158259
- Location: Wallingford
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £47,000-£49,000 Depending on experience + Sodexo rewards and benefits
- Closing date: 18 July 2026
About the role
- 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 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 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
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications
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KEY BENEFITS
-
Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Wallingford, United Kingdom, OX10 6AA
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