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- Tasks: Lead a prestigious catering contract and shape service delivery across schools.
- Company: Join ISS, a world-leading workplace management company with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Exciting career opportunities, inclusive culture, and commitment to professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education catering while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong catering background and experience in managing complex relationships.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Contract: Education
Location: Flexible (West Sussex based)
Hours of work: 40
Contract Type: Permanent
We are seeking a highly skilled Key Account Director to lead the delivery of a prestigious new catering contract with West Sussex County Council. This is a high-profile role within one of the largest education catering contracts in the UK, offering an exciting opportunity to shape service delivery and client relationships in a growing sector.
As the primary point of contact for the client, you will ensure strategic and operational excellence across the account. The role requires strong leadership, proven mobilisation experience, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across a large portfolio of schools.
Key Responsibilities:- Drive operational delivery of catering solutions across the account.
- Develop and maintain the Account Development Plan with key stakeholders.
- Successfully mobilise over 160 schools across West Sussex.
- Establish and manage client interactions with a focus on service delivery.
- Manage staffing levels, competence development, and performance balance.
- Ensure services are delivered in line with contractual requirements and operational processes.
- Lead the development and implementation of the hybrid catering solution.
- Identify, map, and mitigate operational and commercial risks to optimise profitability.
- Analyse and consolidate monthly financial results, ensuring accurate reporting.
- Implement performance measurement systems and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong catering background; education sector experience desirable but not essential.
- Proven track record in large-scale mobilisation and strategic delivery.
- Excellent financial and commercial acumen.
- Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Experience managing key suppliers and complex stakeholder networks.
- Must hold a valid UK driving licence and be willing to travel regionally.
ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience. Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, to help our customers achieve their purpose, whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families. ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people.
We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference.
ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.
We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government's Disability Confident scheme. Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.
If you have any further queries regarding this role, please contact the Resourcing Team by emailing resourcing.team@uk.issworld.com
Key Account Director in London employer: ISS Facilities Services
Contact Detail:
ISS Facilities Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and catering sectors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to client relationships and service delivery, so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in catering and account management makes you the perfect fit for the Key Account Director role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Director role. Highlight your experience in catering and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive operational excellence. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISS Facilities Services
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering knowledge, especially in the education sector. Understand the latest trends and challenges in school catering, as well as how to deliver exceptional service. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Since this role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong client relationships and manage expectations effectively.
✨Show Off Your Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial reporting and analysis. Prepare to explain how you've used financial data to drive decisions and improve service delivery. This is crucial for optimising profitability in a large-scale operation like this one.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills and operational excellence. Think through potential challenges you might face in mobilising over 160 schools and how you would address them. This will help you showcase your strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
