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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and build strong relationships with senior clients across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group, known for exceptional hospitality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Why this job: Drive transformation at scale and make a real impact in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for food and exceptional customer service.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values your unique talents and supports career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
About Restaurant Associates / Compass Group
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!
Benefits
Total package: £85,000 - £90,000 dependent on experience. This is not a traditional account leadership role. It is a mandate to lead transformation at scale. 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
Account Director in London employer: Compass Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Compass Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your desired field. This isn’t a job interview, but a chance to learn and make a good impression. Ask questions about their experiences and share your passion for the role – it could lead to job opportunities down the line!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your knowledge and skills relevant to the Account Director role. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on LinkedIn, or even starting a blog, showing your expertise can attract attention from recruiters and hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. It shows your genuine interest in the company and helps us see your application faster. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Account Director role. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership and commercial growth, as these are key aspects of what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven success in previous roles. We want to see your proven track record in building stakeholder confidence and leading transformation.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional achievements. Share your passion for food and exceptional customer experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it reaches the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group PLC
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully overseen budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your commercial judgement and financial discipline.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
This role requires building trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders. Before the interview, research the company’s key clients and their needs. Think about how you can align your experience with their expectations and be prepared to share how you've built confidence with executive-level stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll be leading transformation at scale, so it’s crucial to articulate your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you’ve led teams through change and innovation. Use specific examples that highlight your collaborative approach and ability to influence at the highest levels.
✨Passion for Hospitality
Demonstrating a genuine passion for food, service, and exceptional customer experiences is key. Be ready to talk about your interest in the hospitality industry and any innovative ideas you have that could enhance client engagement. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also truly invested in the role.