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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative strategies and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in hospitality and food services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for innovation and customer service.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This is not a traditional account leadership role. It is a mandate to lead transformation at scale! We are seeking an exceptional Account Director to provide strategic leadership and commercial direction to an account across UK and Ireland. You will shape the long-term growth agenda, build deep stakeholder confidence and create the clarity, governance and assurance that enables leaders to deliver with confidence and ownership.
Main Responsibilities
- Build and sustain trusted, executive-level relationships with senior client stakeholders through clarity, transparency and consistent governance.
- Lead strategic governance, performance and future-planning forums with authority and assurance.
- Provide robust financial oversight, risk management and commercial discipline without operational involvement.
- Sponsor innovation initiatives that convert into measurable commercial and engagement outcomes.
- Position the account for long-term stability, growth and future change within the Compass UK & Ireland and global network.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Capability
- Proven senior leadership experience on a large, complex, multi-site contract or portfolio.
- Demonstrable success leading commercial growth strategies.
- Full P&L ownership with strong commercial judgement and financial discipline.
- Track record of building and sustaining high, stable executive-level stakeholder confidence.
- Passionate about food, service and exceptional customer experiences, with curiosity across innovation, ESG and technology.
- Credible, professional and confident, with the gravitas to influence at the highest level.
- Highly collaborative, team-focused and committed to working across Compass sectors locally and globally.
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:
- Free meals
- Free on-site gym
- 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
Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplaces as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations. Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Account Director employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how you align with their mission and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! A quick thank-you email after an interview can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the values and goals of the company. Show us that you get what we're about!
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and how they align with the role of Account Director.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about transformation and leadership. Use your application to demonstrate your experience in leading teams and driving growth. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Understand the Transformation Mandate
Make sure you grasp what it means to lead transformation at scale. Research the company’s current initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led change in previous roles.
✨Build Your Executive Presence
As an Account Director, you'll need to build trust with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as credible and professional.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves full P&L ownership, be prepared to discuss your financial management experience. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, driven commercial growth, and made strategic decisions based on financial data. This will demonstrate your strong commercial judgement.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires a highly collaborative approach. Think of instances where you've worked across teams or sectors to achieve a common goal. Be ready to share how you fostered teamwork and built relationships, as this will resonate well with the company's values.
