Operations Director - Energy & Resources

• Job tile: Operations Director - Energy & Resources
• Work Pattern: 40hrs per week / 5 out of 7days
• Contract: Permanent

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with real breadth, autonomy and influence. This position leads a significant UK portfolio within our Energy & Resources business, combining strategic direction with hands-on operational leadership across a multi-site, multi-service environment.

You’ll be the trusted senior partner to key client stakeholders, setting the tone for performance, standards and culture, while navigating complex operational demands and high expectations. The role calls for a leader who can take ownership in critical moments, make clear decisions under pressure, and build strong, respectful relationships, both internally and with external partners.

We’re looking for someone who brings credibility from a regulated, high complexity setting and understands what it takes to deliver consistently through others: commercial judgement, strong governance, and a leadership style that balances challenge with collaboration. If you’re known for creating engaged, high-performing teams and driving sustainable outcomes across a broad operational footprint, this is a platform to make a meaningful impact.

What you'll do:

• Play your part in the collective responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in the delivery of the financial year business plan for the Government & Energy (Agencies) sub-segment and long term strategic objectives.
• Work with the COO in the leadership of safety performance, culture and behaviours in the sub-segment.
• Provide strong and competent leadership to the E&R portfolio within the business
• Represent and be accountable for the E&R contract portfolio at SLT creating strong and collaborative working relationships with cross sub-segment Contract Directors, Operations Board and contract leadership teams
• In collaboration with the SLT develop and implement the sub-segment strategy in full alignment with the UK&I regional strategy to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
• Contribute to the development of an ambitious vision for the sub-segment and Government & Energy segment, collaborating with peers across region and and/or other countries as appropriate to drive the business and create a “one-team” approach.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

What you bring:

• People-first leadership—coaches and develops teams, creates psychological safety, sets high standards, and builds succession pipelines.
• Senior leader in FM / workplace / property services with a track record delivering multi-site, multi-service operations (soft and/or hard FM; food/services experience a plus).
• Strategic and change-led mindset—able to set direction, develop the operating model/offer, and lead complex transformation that delivers measurable outcomes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen—confident owning performance levers (P&L, margin, cost control, productivity, cash) and building business propositions/solutions.
• Proven portfolio leadership—experienced in managing diverse contracts/services, driving innovation, improving performance, and evolving service delivery to meet client needs.
• Credible, engaging communicator—able to influence at senior level, present persuasively, and align cross-functional stakeholders around a shared plan.
• Exceptional client and stakeholder management—trusted advisor style, builds relationships quickly, navigates complexity with professionalism and confidence.
• Resilient and adaptable—comfortable with ambiguity, able to prioritise under pressure and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.

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.

Alongside an attractive salary, you’ll also have access to range of benefits, which include:

• Performance-related bonus
• Company car allowance
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Biennial health assessments
• A flexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise a range of benefits, including Private Medical Insurance (PMI), dental, gym memberships, retail / hospitality discounts, etc.
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) – increasing to 36 after 3 years of service

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today and become a driving force behind Sodexo's growth and success!

File Downloads

• HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf
• Operations Director ER - January 26_v0.1.docx