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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and elevate hospitality standards across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in hospitality and facilities management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, and a supportive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven operational leadership in multi-site contracts and a passion for customer experience.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a culture that values your unique talents.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Up to 85,000 per annum plus company bonus structure and benefits package. Candidate to be London based.
This is far from an ordinary role. We’re talking about a fast-moving, constantly evolving portfolio where big-picture thinking meets meticulous operational delivery. It’s a mandate to lead transformation, elevate hospitality standards, and deliver soft services excellence across a complex, multi-site environment. We’re seeking a strategic powerhouse. As Strategic Account Director, you’ll provide commercial and strategic leadership across a combined management account spanning London and UK locations. You’ll bring a hospitality-first mindset, operational credibility, and the ability to unify multiple service lines into one seamless client and customer journey. Are you a leader who thrives on operational precision, instinctively spots growth opportunities, and drives performance with confidence, all while staying bold, strategic and brilliantly human?
Main Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across catering, hospitality, cleaning and facilities services, delivering an integrated and consistent model across all sites exceeding expectations, not just meeting them.
- Build and cultivate trusted executive-level relationships with senior client stakeholders through transparency, insight-led performance reporting and robust governance.
- Lead financial, performance and strategic review forums with clarity and authority, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
- Take full ownership of the P&L, commercially sharp, agile in approach, and always alert to risk and opportunity.
- Accelerate business growth and performance with pace and precision knowing when to pivot, when to drive momentum, and when to step in decisively.
- Champion culinary, workplace & total facility operational excellence consistently across portfolio.
- Ensure rigorous contract discipline, driving compliance, governance and consistent operational excellence.
- Act as the primary senior liaison for key clients, building trusted, high-impact stakeholder relationships at every level.
- Inspire & lead the team to deliver consistent service & premium hospitality.
- Partner with the People Business Partner to deliver a people strategy focused on engagement, capability, succession and long-term talent retention.
Person Specification
- Proven operational leadership, experienced in managing large, complex, multi-site contracts across catering and total facility management.
- A strong hospitality background with a genuine passion for food, service and customer experience.
- A strategic thinker who can operate at altitude while confidently diving into the detail when it matters most.
- Naturally innovative, with the drive and discipline to turn ideas into measurable impact.
- A leadership style that balances accountability with authenticity, creating high-performing, motivated teams.
- A committed people developer who coaches, challenges and inspires.
- Demonstrable success delivering commercial growth across multi-service portfolios.
- Full P&L ownership experience, underpinned by sound financial judgement and commercial rigour.
- Confident leading transformational change and building enduring, senior-level client partnerships.
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!
Strategic Account Director - National employer: ESS
Contact Detail:
ESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Director - National
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This way, we can show them how our skills align perfectly with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more we rehearse, the more confident we’ll be when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Director - National
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Side: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how you can operate at a high level while also diving into the details when necessary. Use examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead transformation and drive performance.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for hospitality and how it drives your work. This is your chance to connect with us on a human level, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in managing large, complex contracts and your success in delivering commercial growth. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of the hospitality industry, so be specific about your relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on P&L management and be ready to discuss how you've driven commercial growth in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've identified risks and opportunities in past contracts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a balance of accountability and authenticity. Prepare to share stories that highlight your leadership style, especially how you've inspired teams and built high-performing relationships. Think about times when you’ve coached or developed talent within your team.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you would build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. Show that you can align your strategic vision with their expectations and demonstrate a hospitality-first mindset.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to pivot and drive performance. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to explain how you'd handle operational challenges or lead transformational change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.