Job Description

General Manager - Barnstaple

44,914 per annum | Full-Time | Monday to Friday (occasional weekends)

Full UK Driving Licence Required

We're looking for an experienced

General Manager

to lead operations at our Defence site in Barnstaple. This is a full-time role (40 hours/week) managing multi-functional teams and ensuring exceptional service delivery across all contracted services.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and develop departmental managers and frontline teams Manage client and contractual relationships with a focus on compliance and safety Drive efficiency, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement Oversee financial performance, budgets, and service outputs Ensure full HSE compliance and staff training standards Build strong client relationships and support business retention and growth

About You:

Proven experience in contract catering or similar operational roles Strong leadership and team management skills Commercially astute with a track record of delivering results Excellent communicator, quality-driven, and process-focused IT literate and confident with MS Office tools

If you're passionate about operational excellence and ready to make an impact,

apply now

to join a leading Defence services provider.


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/0408/95443001/52586431/SU #Defence