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- Tasks: Lead operations and financial performance at Hartpury University, managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Aramark UK creates exceptional hospitality experiences across various industries, fostering community and connection.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, employee discounts, free parking, and delicious in-house events.
- Why this job: Join a supportive environment focused on growth, innovation, and making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years management experience in higher education and event management; leadership skills essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours required; commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Aramark UK is seeking an experienced Account Director to become a vital part of our team at Hartpury University and College, Gloucester – one of the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal science, business, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. This role reports directly to the Director of Operations and has 4 direct reports. As an Account Director, you will oversee and manage operations at site level and help to drive continuous improvement. This site runs many events throughout the year so we would love to meet applicants with event management experience. If you thrive in achieving operational excellence and want to join an exceptional environment, read on!
- This is a 5 over 7 position so you must be flexible / able to work weekends, as required.
- An Enhanced DBS will be required for this position.
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. No matter what you’re pursuing – a new challenge, a sense of belonging or just a great place to work – our focus is to help you reach your full potential and pursue what matters.
What’s in it for you:
- A competitive salary, plus eligibility for bonus
- Life assurance
- Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
- Access to a benefit platform – offering discounts and rewards
- Employee assistance programme, available for free 24/7
- FOOD! A plethora of opportunities to attend in-house events and try out the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)
- Free parking on-site
A day in the life of an Account Director:
- Lead the operational and financial performance of the site’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
You’ll be set up for success if you have:
- Minimum 3 years management experience in a higher education setting
- Experience with event management within a higher education setting
- Proven track record in delivering budgeted profit levels
- Ability to demonstrate leadership and success
- A full UK driving licence would be beneficial (not essential)
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
Familiarise yourself with Aramark UK's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to exceptional hospitality and community engagement will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your event management experience in conversations. Since the role involves overseeing events, be prepared to discuss specific examples of successful events you've managed, focusing on your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Aramark UK. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the Account Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss compliance and safety standards relevant to the catering industry. Given the importance of hygiene and safety in this role, demonstrating your knowledge and experience in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
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, especially in management and event coordination within a higher education setting. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they align with the role of Account Director.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of Aramark UK's mission and values, and explain how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the Account Director position.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing a team, emphasise your leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams, driven operational excellence, and achieved business improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Event Management Experience: Given the importance of event management in this role, detail any relevant experience you have in planning and executing events. Discuss the scale of the events, your specific responsibilities, and the outcomes to illustrate your capability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark International
✨Showcase Your Event Management Skills
Since the role requires event management experience, be prepared to discuss specific events you've managed. Highlight your role in planning, executing, and evaluating these events, and how they contributed to operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As an Account Director, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style, how you motivate others, and any challenges you've overcome.
✨Understand Aramark's Values
Familiarise yourself with Aramark UK's mission and values. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of creating exceptional hospitality experiences.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
The role involves overseeing financial performance. Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting and financial metrics relevant to catering services, and be ready to discuss how you've achieved budgeted profit levels in previous roles.
