At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client retention strategy and oversee partnership development for a positive food culture.
- Company: Impact Food Group, a fast-growing school food provider dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, free training, staff discounts, and monthly incentives.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to creating healthier food environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' food experiences while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in client retention strategies.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
At Impact Food Group, we’re more than just a school caterer. We’re on a mission to create a positive food culture and help more students enjoy healthier, better-quality food. Making a positive social impact is at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and improving — every way, every day.
We are one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.
Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.
Guided by our values of integrity, boldness, impact, humility, and community; you will help us shape a workplace and culture we can all be proud of.
The Role
The Director of Partnership Development leads IFG's client retention strategy and is responsible for protecting one of the company's most valuable assets—its existing partnerships. The annual target will be a 96% retention rate against companywide budget. This has been met annually for the past 7 years so is achievable.
Reporting to the Client Relationship Director, this role provides strategic leadership across all retention activity, ensuring IFG has the right people, plans, and resources. The Director will oversee the retention roadmap, lead cross-functional collaboration, and ensure IFG continues to achieve industry-leading retention performance.
What you’ll be Doing
- Strategic Leadership
- Own and develop IFG's annual Retention Strategy.
- Prioritise business risk through CRM analysis and contract planning.
- Allocate retention resource based on contract value, risk, and opportunity.
- Team Leadership
- Executive Partnership Development Chef (South)
- Partnership Development Chef (North)
- Partnership Bid Coordinator
- Client Retention
- Lead strategic support for major contract renewals.
- Work alongside Regional Operations Directors on retention plans (Conduct monthly retention review calls).
- Support key client presentations and extension negotiations.
- Budget Management
- Manage the annual Retention Refresh Budget, supporting ‘at risk’ partnerships.
- Allocate investment to maximise client impact and retention.
- Measure ROI from engagement initiatives and investment projects.
- CRM & Business Intelligence
- Own the integrity and development of the CRM retention platform.
- Monitor contract risk, extension opportunities, and client engagement.
- Produce reports and insights for the Executive Team.
- Business Leadership
- Present at National Conferences, Leadership Events, and Regional Meetings.
- Champion IFG values and promote a culture centred around Quality, Partnership, and Relationships.
What Success Looks Like
- Industry-leading contract retention.
- Increased contract extensions secured ahead of tender.
- Strong client satisfaction and engagement.
- Effective deployment of retention resources.
- High-performing, collaborative retention team.
- CRM recognised as the single source of truth for contract risk.
- Measurable return on retention investment.
What’s in It for You?
- The opportunity to build a career you can be proud of in a growing business.
- Access to a wide range of free training, qualifications, and development opportunities.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers.
- Pension scheme and other great company benefits.
- Monthly incentives and recognition for top performers.
If you’re looking for your next step and want to be part of an organisation that genuinely makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG will pay for.
We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Director of Partnership Development in Woking employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group is an excellent employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture in Woking, Surrey. With a focus on professional growth and development, we offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students across the UK. Join our team and enjoy a collaborative environment where your contributions are recognised and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Partnership Development in Woking
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Director of Partnership Development at Impact Food Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Impact Food Group or be willing to refer you for that Director of Partnership Development position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Impact Food Group who’s on the lookout for their next Director of Partnership Development star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Director of Partnership Development role at Impact Food Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Partnership Development in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Impact Food Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Impact Food Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
