Account Director

Compass Group UK & Ireland; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

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Job Introduction

We are seeking an exceptional Account Director to lead a key contract based in Canary Wharf. Managing a £6m turnover, overseeing a team of 60 individuals, including 7 direct reports, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, client satisfaction, and commercial growth across a variety of foodservice offerings, including a café, restaurant, executive dining rooms and hospitality services.

As an Account Director, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to push the boundaries of culinary innovation and deliver high-quality, exciting experiences for our clients. Whether through new menu creations or exploring cutting-edge food technology, your passion for food will be at the forefront of everything you do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Lead and inspire a diverse team of 60 employees, managing 7 direct reports, focusing on performance, development, and skill-building.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for all clients, building strong partnerships, exceeding expectations, and ensuring long-term satisfaction.
• Sales & Commercial Growth: Identify and drive opportunities for commercial growth, maximising sales potential and effectively "up-selling" services to increase revenue.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the £6m turnover, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and cost control to meet and exceed financial targets.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee the daily operations of 3 Coffee bars, Staff Restaurant, Executive dining rooms, and Hospitality services, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality service and exceptional guest experiences.
• Innovation & Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Chef to drive culinary and technological innovation, introducing new concepts, trends, and techniques that will enhance the dining experience for clients and customers.
• Performance Reporting: Regularly analyse financial performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on key metrics to ensure the account meets its objectives.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience in managing large teams, within a high-quality catering and hospitality establishment, ideally with a multimillion turnover.
• Commercially Savvy: Strong financial acumen, able to manage a significant budget, maximise profit, and drive sales and growth.
• Client-Focused: A relationship-builder with a passion for exceeding client expectations and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial: You treat your account as your own business, using innovation and strategic thinking to grow and evolve the operation.
• Results-Oriented: Highly analytical, able to track performance, adjust strategies as needed, and consistently deliver on both financial and operational targets.
• Proactive Leadership: A self-motivated leader who takes initiative, drives change, and creates a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Able to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
• A True Foodie: A passion for food and exceptional dining experiences. You will work closely with the Executive Chef to push culinary boundaries, whether through new food concepts or integrating the latest food technologies to enhance the guest experience.

As Account Director, you will lead a team to deliver world-class service across all areas of the business, driving growth, operational excellence, and culinary innovation. If you are an experienced leader with a love for food and a drive to deliver outstanding customer experiences, we would love to hear from you!