At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and financial performance at a large university's catering services.
- Company: Aramark UK creates exceptional hospitality experiences across various industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £60,000 salary, generous leave, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years management experience in multi-campus settings; higher education or retail background preferred.
- Other info: We value diversity and support employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Aramark UK is recruiting an Account Director to lead continued success at a large multi-campus university in Hertfordshire. Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excellence in food & beverage? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, multi-campus environment where you can make a real impact? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
As an Account Director, you will oversee and manage operations at site level for sites where total turnover exceeds £4 million. Your strategic leadership will drive continual improvement and operational excellence, ensuring the highest standards of service and financial performance. You will have strong experience within a multi-site role, be innovative and have a keen eye for detail. You’ll be confident when managing client relationships, teams, and P&L.
About Aramark UK: At Aramark UK, we empower our people to create moments that matter through exceptional hospitality experiences. We serve more than a dozen industries with pride and passion, building community, connection and careers all around the world. You’ll be surrounded by some of the most innovative minds in the industry and powered by our shared mission to pursue what matters. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to do great things for our people, our partners and our communities. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions and enable your growth. Supported by committed leadership, you’ll be empowered to try new things and find solutions to tough problems.
What’s in it for you:
- A salary of £60,000, plus eligibility for bonus
- Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
- Life assurance
- Access to an employee benefit scheme that offers discounts across hundreds of retail and leisure providers
- Employee assistance programme, available for free 24/7
- Access to a network of trained mental health champions
- A plethora of opportunities to attend in-house events and try out the culinary genius of our teams
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the operational and financial performance of the university's catering services
- Implement strategic initiatives to drive business improvements
- Engage, market and communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders
- Collaborate with senior leadership to develop propositions for the higher education market
- Ensure compliance with all HR laws, hygiene, safety and food safety requirements
- Conduct regular client reviews and support new business and retention activities
- Lead contract negotiations and identify opportunities for growth
- Maintain and develop strong client relationships
- Demonstrate strong commercial acumen in creating and managing operating models
You’ll be set up for success if you have:
- A minimum of 3 years’ management experience in a complex multi-campus environment
- Previous experience in the Higher Education and/or retail industry
- A proven track record in delivering budgeted profit levels
- An ability to demonstrate leadership and success
If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.
At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey. We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team.
Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Account Director employer: Aramark International
Contact Detail:
Aramark International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Research Aramark UK thoroughly before your interview. Understand their values, mission, and recent initiatives in the food and beverage sector. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage multi-site operations. Highlight instances where you've driven improvements or successfully managed client relationships, as these are key aspects of the Account Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Aramark UK on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of the higher education market and its unique challenges. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement strategic initiatives tailored to this sector, showcasing your commercial acumen and innovative thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in multi-campus environments and showcases your leadership skills. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage operations and drive financial performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the food and beverage industry. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the Account Director role and express your enthusiasm for working at Aramark UK.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any significant achievements in your past roles, particularly those related to budget management, client relationships, and operational excellence. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in managing multi-site operations and your approach to client relationship management. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you have implemented in previous roles that led to successful outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark International
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a multi-campus environment, focusing on your strategic initiatives and the impact they had on operational excellence.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Aramark UK's operations, especially in the higher education sector. Be ready to discuss how you can drive business improvements and enhance client relationships based on your understanding of their specific needs.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since the role involves managing P&L, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and how you've achieved profit levels in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the interview.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Aramark UK values diversity and inclusion, so show that you align with their mission. Share your thoughts on creating inclusive environments and how you’ve fostered community and connection in your past roles.