Head of Soft Facilities 

HMNB Clyde | £55k Per Annum + Benefits | ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace

Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for delivering exceptional Facilities Management services, leading large teams and driving commercial performance?

ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace is seeking a dynamic General Manager to lead the delivery of Soft Facilities Management services at HMNB Clyde, one of the UK's most significant Defence establishments.

In this high-profile leadership role, you'll have full responsibility for operational performance, client relationships, financial delivery and people leadership across a workforce of approximately 150 colleagues. Working closely with senior Royal Navy stakeholders, you'll drive service excellence, innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring outstanding customer experiences across the contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Soft FM services including Accommodation, Cleaning, Waste Management, Portering, Helpdesk and Front of House operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client stakeholders and Royal Navy leadership teams.
• Hold full P&L responsibility, ensuring financial targets, budgets and profitability objectives are achieved.
• Drive operational excellence, contract performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, develop and inspire a large multi-disciplinary team, creating a high-performance culture.
• Champion health, safety, compliance and governance across all service areas.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, service enhancements and contract growth.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

You'll ideally have:

• Significant experience in a General Manager, Account Manager, Contract Director, Head of Operations or similar senior leadership role.
• A strong background managing integrated Facilities Management services.
• Proven P&L management and commercial accountability experience.
• Experience leading large operational teams within a complex environment.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
• A track record of delivering operational excellence, customer satisfaction and business growth.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety, compliance and performance management.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience within Defence, Government, Marine, Aerospace or other secure environments.
• IOSH, NEBOSH, IWFM or equivalent professional qualifications.
• Experience managing large outsourced service contracts and transformation programmes.

Why Join ESS?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a critical Defence contract, influence strategic decision-making, and make a significant impact within one of Compass Group UK's largest and most prestigious sectors.

If you're an inspirational leader with a passion for operational excellence and customer service, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of Facilities Management at HMNB Clyde.

Meet Your Recruiter

Have a question before you apply? This opportunity is being managed by Connor

Connect with Connor on LinkedIn to learn more about the role, the team and life at Compass Group UK&I - Connor Chipman | LinkedIn