Group General Manager - Defence Operations

ESS Defence, Compass Group UK & Ireland

Location: East Midlands 
Salary: Up to £57,000 Per Annum 
Multi-site operational role with regular travel across locations

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Group General Manager to lead a diverse and high-profile Defence portfolio spanning PWG, Kendrew Barracks, St George's Barracks, and Remount Barracks.

This senior leadership position carries full accountability for a complex, multi-service operation with annual revenues of approximately £6 million, direct leadership of four senior managers, and overall responsibility for a workforce of 150+ colleagues.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across our complete Soft FM Portfolio, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, strong financial performance, and outstanding compliance standards across all locations.

This is an opportunity for a highly capable operator who thrives in demanding environments, enjoys leading through people, and can balance commercial performance with exceptional service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of senior managers to deliver operational excellence across multiple Defence sites.
• Take full ownership of a £6m P&L, ensuring financial targets are achieved or exceeded.
• Drive commercial performance through effective labour management, cost control, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Oversee Catering, Cleaning, Hospitality, Functions and Events operations across the portfolio.
• Build strong relationships with military stakeholders, client representatives, and internal ESS leadership teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all contractual, compliance, Health & Safety, and food safety obligations are consistently met.
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs, customer satisfaction scores, and people metrics.
• Lead business improvement initiatives and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and long-term capability building across the management team.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a proven senior operator who can confidently lead large-scale, multi-service operations and build high-performing teams.

Essential Experience

• Significant leadership experience within contract catering, facilities management, hospitality, retail, defence, or support services environments.
• Demonstrable experience managing large, complex operations with multi-site responsibility.
• Previous accountability for P&L performance of £5m+.
• Experience leading senior operational managers and large frontline teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent financial understanding.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and build long-term client relationships.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
• Strong organisational and planning capability.
• Full UK driving licence.

Success in the Selection Process

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding.
• A clear leadership philosophy and ability to adapt leadership styles to different situations.
• Experience managing change and driving operational performance.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• A track record of improving service delivery, engagement, and financial results.

Why Join ESS Defence?

At ESS, we support the people who serve our country by delivering exceptional catering, hospitality and support services across the Defence estate.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a significant Defence portfolio while working alongside experienced operational leaders and military stakeholders. You'll have the autonomy to shape performance, develop talented teams, and make a genuine impact across multiple sites.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive package, we offer:

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Company car allowance
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Digital GP access and healthcare support for you and your immediate family
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts across retail, travel, hospitality, leisure and entertainment
• Cashback rewards and wellbeing programmes
• Free meals and parking where available
• A variety of learning and development opportunities across Compass Group UK & Ireland

About ESS

ESS is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, providing market-leading food and support services across Defence, Government and Energy sectors. Operating in some of the UK's most unique and demanding environments, we are committed to delivering outstanding service, developing our people, and creating opportunities for growth and career progression.

If you're a strategic, commercially focused operational leader ready to take ownership of a significant Defence portfolio, we'd love to hear from you.