Operations Manager

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Defence and Government Services is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee service lines at HMS Drake. This high-impact role involves managing a substantial contract and a large team, ensuring operational excellence while building strong client relationships. Successful candidates will demonstrate proven leadership skills, financial acumen, and a track record of delivering results.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access and wider healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Free wellness and mindfulness classes

Share discounts with friends and family

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Middle-Senior management roles with contract value over £2M.
• Experience leading large Support Service teams.
• Full UK Driving License required.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with company and legislative requirements.
• Manage financial targets and optimize budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Operational efficiency

Stakeholder management

Communication

Job description

Operations Manager - HMS Drake

Location: HMS Drake

Salary: £38,000 - £43,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday–Friday

Reports to: Contract Director

Direct Reports: 5 Direct Reports | Oversight of 52 Staff

Services: Hospitality, Catering & Bar

About The Role

We're looking for a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to lead operations at HMS Drake. This is a high-impact leadership role, overseeing service lines across Hospitality, Bar & Mess Functions. You'll manage key relationships with our customer—Naval personnel and Ministry of Defence stakeholders—while driving operational excellence and exceptional service delivery.

You’ll lead a team of 5 direct reports and oversee approximately 52 team members, ensuring consistent quality, compliance, and efficiency across all service areas. Managing a contract value in excess of £2M.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all company, client and legislative requirements
• Manage labour strategy and performance KPI's
• Achieve financial targets and optimize budgets
• Build strong client relationships
• Lead HS&E initiatives
• Oversee licences, continuity planning and emergency readiness
• Develop employee capability through training and leadership
• Ensure subcontractor compliance and governance standards
  
  
  

About You

• Proven leadership in Middle-Senior management roles (£2M + Contract value)
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Track record of delivering change and driving results
• Experience leading large Support Service teams
• Flexible, proactive and aligned to company values
• Full UK Driving License
  
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Lead meaningful change
• Deliver exceptional client outcomes
• Work with an engaged, professional team
  
  
  

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
  
  
  

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/0606/78322001/52743167/SU #Defence

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!