At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large healthcare contracts and drive operational excellence in Soft FM services.
- Company: Join Medirest, the UK's leading healthcare catering and Soft FM provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and career progression.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient experiences while shaping the future of healthcare.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in Soft FM contract management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Medirest, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking an exceptional Contract Director to lead the delivery of large, complex, multi-million-pound healthcare contracts across major NHS sites. This is a senior, high-profile leadership role with full accountability for commercial performance, operational excellence, stakeholder relationships, and long-term contract growth. You will be trusted to operate with autonomy, influence at board level, and drive best-in-class Soft Facilities Management services in a mission-critical healthcare environment.
The Role
As Contract Director, you will have full P&L responsibility for a diverse portfolio of Soft FM services including cleaning, catering, retail and support services, leading large on-site teams and partnering closely with NHS Trust leadership. This role is about more than delivery – it’s about strategy, innovation, and commercial leadership in one of the most complex and rewarding sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial & Financial Leadership
- Full ownership of multi-million-pound budgets, forecasting, and financial performance
- Drive profitability, cost control, and sustainable growth opportunities
- Lead contract negotiations, variations, and re-tenders
- Contract & Compliance Management
- Ensure consistent delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and regulatory standards
- Maintain full compliance across all Soft FM services within a healthcare environment
- Operational Excellence
- Set and maintain exceptional service standards across all service lines
- Champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement in patient-focused environments
- Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the senior strategic partner to NHS Trust executives
- Build long-term, trusted relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal leaders
- Leadership & Culture
- Lead, inspire, and develop large, multidisciplinary management teams
- Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and talent development
- Risk & Governance
- Proactively identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks
- Ensure a safe, secure, and resilient service for patients, staff, and visitors
About You
You are a commercially astute, confident leader with a proven track record managing large-scale Soft FM contracts, ideally within healthcare or similarly complex environments. You will bring:
- Significant senior-level experience in Healthcare Soft FM Contract Management
- Strong P&L ownership and commercial decision-making capability
- Experience leading large teams across multi-service operations
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- A customer-centric mindset with an understanding of NHS and healthcare challenges
- Strategic thinking combined with the ability to deliver operationally
What We Offer
We recognise senior talent with a highly competitive and attractive reward package, including:
- Competitive executive salary (commensurate with experience)
- Performance-related bonus
- Car allowance or executive travel benefits
- Contributory pension scheme
- Private healthcare & Digital GP access for you and your family
- Structured career progression within Compass Group UK&I
- Access to MyLearning and Career Pathways development programmes
- Extensive retail, travel, leisure, and lifestyle discounts
- Wellness support, mindfulness sessions, and wellbeing initiatives
- Benefits and offers you can share with family and friends
Why Medirest?
Medirest is the UK’s leading healthcare catering and Soft FM provider, trusted by NHS Trusts nationwide. As part of Compass Group, we offer scale, stability, and career opportunity, while making a real difference to patient and staff experiences every day. Diversity is Our Strength. Inclusion is Our Culture.
Contract Director NEW Medirest Posted today Competitive Derbyshire Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Medirest, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is an exceptional employer that offers a competitive salary and market-leading benefits for the Contract Director role in Derbyshire. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to structured career progression and development programmes, while working in a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to lead impactful healthcare services and make a meaningful difference in patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Director NEW Medirest Posted today Competitive Derbyshire Operations
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
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We think you need these skills to ace Contract Director NEW Medirest Posted today Competitive Derbyshire Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
