Senior Operations Manager

Description and requirements

Skanska Building Services is at the forefront of facilities management, trusted by clients to deliver excellence every time. One of our flagship contracts is with the Ministry of Defence at a major base near Watford – a complex, high‑profile environment where we provide a full range of hard, soft, and technical FM services.

We’re now seeking a dynamic, visionary Soft Services Facilities Management leader to join us as Senior Operations Manager – a pivotal role ensuring that our support services run seamlessly and deliver maximum value for our client.

• Directly lead and inspire a team of 3 Managers, driving operational excellence across multiple soft services streams.
• Oversee outsourced contracts including catering, cleaning, grounds maintenance, and waste – ensuring world‑class service delivery.
• Partner closely with Hard Services leaders to deliver integrated FM solutions that meet contractual, statutory, and compliance requirements.
• Embed a culture of customer focus, safety, and continuous improvement, ensuring every team member understands their role in exceeding expectations.
• Implement robust quality and performance measures that set the benchmark for service delivery.
• Drive change initiatives that enhance efficiency, engagement, and innovation across the portfolio.

• A proven track record in senior operational leadership within FM Soft Services.
• Experience managing complex service environments (PFI, Defence, or Security sector exposure advantageous).
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust at every level.
• A commitment to health, safety, and employee wellbeing as non‑negotiables.
• Eligibility for MoD Security Clearance is mandatory to work on this site (UK citizenship and minimum 5 years UK residency required, with potential for DV clearance).
• Able to work onsite at HA6 3HP
  5 days per week.

At Skanska, we don’t just manage facilities – we shape environments where people thrive. You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking, values‑driven team, with the autonomy to make an impact and the support to grow your career within one of the UK’s leading FM providers.

If you’re ready to take on a high‑profile role where your leadership directly shapes the success of a major defence contract, we’d love to hear from you.

• 24/7 digital GP service for you and your family
• Financial wellbeing and employee assistance
• Professional development
• Enhanced family benefits (including maternity, paternity, dependants and parental bereavement leave)

This role requires a minimum level of security clearance and may also require a higher level of National Security Vetting. You should be aware that certain levels of clearance or specific projects and/or sites have UK residency requirements; and any dual or multiple nationalities must be declared. Any persons who do not fulfil these residency requirements may be unable to obtain the required level of clearance and would not be eligible to undertake this role.

We thrive through embracing differences as we know that diversity opens a rich potential for new ways of thinking, helping us to build successful and high‑performing teams. We call it The Skanska Way.

Where possible, we offer a range of flexible working options, and we would be happy to discuss this at the application stage if this is something you’d like to explore.

We want you to feel confident and supported throughout every stage of our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to help you during your application, please contact us at  or call  – Option 5 & 1.

We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as the closing date may be subject to change.

If this role would be of interest, please click apply and join our team of 27,000 problem solvers and creative thinkers, where knowledge is our greatest creation. We share, listen and support your success – every step of the way.