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- Tasks: Lead catering operations and deliver exceptional food and service at RHS Wisley.
- Company: Join a prestigious venue under Compass Group UK&I, known for brilliant hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food and service in a nationally recognised venue while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management, strong financial skills, and inspirational leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values your unique talents and promotes career growth.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Account Director
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Salary: £80,000 per annum (open to slight negotiation for the right candidate)
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Account Director of this vast, prestigious, multiple catering outlet venue, you will take on a key leadership role within the team to shape the strategy, deliver exceptional food and service as well as drive the commercial performance of the venue. As a newly won contract to the Restaurant Associates Venues team, we require a leader who is confident with implementing processes, comfortable with balancing strategic and commercial decision making and enjoys developing innovative approaches to move the venue forward.
In this role, you will be leading a talented team alongside working with senior partners, and you will embody the Restaurant Associates Venues values and cultures as well as implementing processes that will ensure this venue continues to be high performing whilst having guest experience at heart. This is a highly visible, client-facing leadership role where innovation, accountability, and collaboration are key.
What We Offer:
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Competitive pension contribution offer
- Comprehensive private medical + health care benefits
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Free staff meals whilst working on site
- A supportive, values-driven culture within cohesive teams
- Opportunities for growth and development within a national business
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector
Responsibilities:
- Lead day-to-day operations across the multiple catering outlets on site, consisting of restaurants, coffee shops, and event spaces
- Take ownership of the full P&L, including forecasting, and financial reporting to internal senior stakeholders
- Co-create and implement strategic plans with RHS Wisley and internal teams to ensure the guests experience the highest standard of food and beverage on offer
- Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, and team development on site
- Deliver and exceed standards in customer service, food quality, and compliance
- Drive sales growth through creative marketing and events planning with an innovative approach to increase potential sales and market position
- Act as the on-site cultural ambassador, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace
- Inspire a team to embody the Restaurant Associates Venues culture and work with the senior operators on site to continue implementing this.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum of 3+ years proven experience in a similar senior/regional role.
- Proven experience in previous contract catering, hospitality and/or venue management roles.
- Ideally worked in a similar environment – heritage/culture visitor attraction venue with multiple different food offering operations – grab & go, restaurants, events-based dining such as canapes and bowl food.
- Strong financial acumen and track record of delivering against budgets
- Inspirational leader with excellent communication and stakeholder skills
- Commercially savvy and results-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement along with strong KPI management.
- Passionate about food, service, and guest experience
- Confident, client-facing, and calm under pressure
- Able to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
About Us:
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York.
Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people. You can find a full list of our venues on our website.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.
Job Reference: com/0711/43818001/52760942/R/SU #RA Venues
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Account Director employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK 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 people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview or a casual chat, let your passion for food and service shine through. Share your ideas on how you’d enhance the guest experience at RHS Wisley – they’ll love your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Familiarise yourself with RHS Wisley’s operations and their unique offerings. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role when you speak to them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at Compass Group UK&I.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Account Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in hospitality and any relevant financial management skills to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for food and service, and explain how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading operations at RHS Wisley. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven sales growth or improved customer satisfaction in previous roles. We want to see the impact you've made!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples of how your financial strategies have driven growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires an inspirational leader. Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering a positive workplace culture. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to engage and develop teams, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Be Client-Focused
Since this is a client-facing role, it's crucial to convey your passion for guest experience. Prepare to discuss how you've previously enhanced customer service and food quality. Use specific examples to illustrate your commitment to exceeding client expectations.
✨Strategic Thinking is Key
The role involves co-creating strategic plans, so come equipped with ideas! Research RHS Wisley and think about innovative ways to enhance their catering and hospitality operations. Presenting fresh ideas will show your proactive approach and understanding of the venue's needs.
