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- Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy for Chartwells and drive impactful projects.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a key player in the food service industry with Compass Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to influence national strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping sector-wide initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial roles and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on UK-wide projects and collaborate with senior executives.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Mobile / UK-wide
At Foodbuy, our partnership with Compass Group has never been more important. As we continue to tackle the challenges of inflation, sustainability, supply chain resilience and sector growth, we are committed to strengthening the way we collaborate with our Compass sectors — making it easier, faster and more effective to deliver great results together.
We’re now looking for an exceptional Commercial Director to lead the commercial agenda for Chartwells, our Education sector, and to play a pivotal role at the heart of the Foodbuy Compass Commercial Management team. This is a high-impact, senior leadership role suited to a confident commercial operator who thrives in complex environments, can influence at the highest levels, and is passionate about delivering meaningful value across large-scale operations.
What You’ll Be DoingAs Commercial Director, you will sit on the Chartwells Sector Executive Team, taking ownership of the commercial strategy and delivering against a jointly agreed plan that supports the sector’s short- and long-term priorities. You will:
- Lead the Joint Business Plan (JBP)
- Shape and deliver a joint commercial strategy aligned to sector priorities.
- Drive strategic and tactical commercial projects to completion.
- Champion innovation across food, retail and non-food categories.
- Support sector growth through commercial insight and initiatives.
- Deeply understand the sector operating model to identify commercial improvements.
- Drive product and vendor optimisation to enhance cost efficiency.
- Manage and maximise compliance to achieve agreed KPIs.
- Lead the data and insight agenda to support supply chain and cost improvements.
- Identify and deliver new purchasing income streams.
- Champion key Foodbuy commercial projects from design through to execution.
- Work closely with Finance to understand projected vs. actual inflation impacts.
- Identify opportunities to manage cost of goods and mitigate inflation.
- Ensure the right tools and collateral are available for effective client engagement.
- Lead cross-functional teams to deliver the full commercial plan.
- Strengthen sector understanding of Foodbuy’s value, capability and supply chain.
- Support key sector initiatives including major bids, mobilisations and operational projects.
- Maintain agility in crisis management scenarios and ensure business continuity.
- Represent the sector’s priorities within Foodbuy, ensuring clear alignment and collaboration.
You will also have the opportunity to lead UK-wide commercial projects where a coordinated approach across Compass delivers better results.
About YouYou’ll bring a combination of strong commercial capability, inspiring leadership and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. We’re looking for someone with:
- Proven senior experience in commercial, operational or supply chain environments.
- Strong decision-making skills and commercial acumen.
- A resilient, solutions-focused leadership style with the ability to navigate complexity.
- Experience influencing stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
- A track record of delivering cross-functional projects and business improvement.
- Excellent analytical ability, using data to shape outcomes and solve problems.
- Exceptional planning skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
- Passion for Quality
- Takes Responsibility
- Embraces Diversity
- Win Through Teamwork
- Shares Success
- A positive, proactive “Can Do” mindset
This role offers a unique opportunity to build your career at the centre of the Compass/Foodbuy commercial engine — influencing national strategy, shaping sector-wide impact, and driving meaningful outcomes.
It’s Ideal For:
- Compass operators seeking a new challenge and broader strategic exposure
- Compass central colleagues ready for the next step
- Exceptional candidates outside Compass looking to make an impact in a market-leading organisation
If you're a dynamic commercial leader who thrives in a fast-paced, stakeholder-rich environment — we’d love to hear from you.
Commercial Director employer: Foodbuy Group
Contact Detail:
Foodbuy Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director
✨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 job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. We want to see you shine and show how you can bring value to their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to communicate your experience and vision clearly. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that position!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial strategy and leadership, and show us how you can tackle the challenges mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: We want to see your impact! Include specific examples of how you've driven commercial success or led cross-functional projects in the past. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a positive, proactive mindset, so share your passion for quality and teamwork. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond your professional skills.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy Group
✨Know Your Commercial Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the commercial landscape of the education sector. Understand the current challenges like inflation and supply chain resilience that Foodbuy is facing. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their commercial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the behaviours they value, such as teamwork and responsibility. Share specific examples of how you've led cross-functional teams to success in complex environments, demonstrating your ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of past experiences where you navigated challenges, particularly in commercial or operational settings, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Foodbuy's values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially around quality and diversity. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who not only fits the role but also the company culture.
