At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team and drive operational excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in hospitality and food services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts on travel and groceries.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values your unique talents and promotes career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality while making a real impact across Europe.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in managing large-scale accounts, especially in foodservice.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Account Director to lead a flagship site, operating within a blended service delivery model. Salary: £75,000 + dependent on experience. Based five days a week onsite in London, you will lead a high-performing team and play a key role within a wider global account structure. This is a senior leadership opportunity with international scope, being a key part of future mobilisation plans. You will be instrumental in shaping operational excellence, driving commercial performance, and delivering a premium client experience across multiple European locations.
Main Responsibilities
- Act as senior client lead, building strong executive-level relationships and maintaining a high-end professional presence.
- Drive operational excellence, process optimisation and performance standards.
- Oversee mobilisation and expansion plans, embedding best practice and consistency.
- Collaborate within a global account structure to align strategy, governance and delivery.
Person Requirements
- Proven senior leadership experience managing large-scale accounts.
- Prior foodservice sector experience is essential.
- Strong commercial acumen with ownership of P&L performance.
- High-end, polished and credible presence at board level.
- Experience working within complex, multi-location or international structures.
- Operationally rigorous, strategically minded and relentlessly client-focused.
Benefits
- 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 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: Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in the heart of London and Chertsey, where you can engage in high-impact sourcing projects and develop your commercial expertise. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from continuous growth opportunities and the chance to work with leading clients in the food procurement sector. Join us to be part of a team that values sustainability and delivers tangible results while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
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 Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd 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 Compass Group UK & Ireland Ltd
✨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!
