At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise large FM contracts while building strong client relationships.
- Company: Join ISS, a world-leading workplace and facility management company.
- Benefits: Exciting career opportunities, inclusive culture, and commitment to personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on people and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing client experiences and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing high-value contracts and leading diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for a people-first leader who prioritises clients, colleagues, and suppliers to deliver measurable outcomes and long-term value. Reporting into the Key Account Portfolio Director or Managing Director, the KAD will play a pivotal role in optimising contract performance, embedding innovation and efficiency, and strengthening long-term client partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and manage large, complex FM contracts across single or multiple sites, with full accountability for delivery and performance.
- Ensure all contractual deliverables, KPIs, and SLAs are consistently met or exceeded.
- Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with senior client stakeholders, aligning service delivery with client objectives.
- Lead the delivery of all facilities services in line with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.
- Take full financial responsibility for the account, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L performance.
- Drive operational efficiency and profitability through smart resource planning and innovation.
- Lead, develop, and mentor operational managers and wider teams to build high-performing, engaged workforces.
- Identify and deliver opportunities for service enhancement, contract renewal, and commercial growth.
Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications
- Proven experience leading complex, high-value contracts, with responsibility for portfolios of up to £50m.
- Strong commercial acumen, including full P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting, and margin improvement.
- Experience managing multi-site operations in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
- Demonstrable success leading and developing large, diverse teams, including operational and supervisory employees.
- Strong understanding of contractual obligations, SLAs, and KPIs, with hands-on experience in performance monitoring and reporting.
- Robust knowledge of Health & Safety requirements, with the confidence to advise clients and ensure compliance across all operations.
- IOSH certification is desirable but not essential and can be obtained whilst in post.
The Company
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, we 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, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background. We are proud to be a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holder and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families. Through our Joint Forces Programme, we provide mentoring and support to members of the Armed Forces community and their spouses as they transition into civilian careers. 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.
Key Account Director (London based) employer: ISS
At ISS, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer, fostering a culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our London-based Key Account Director role offers not only competitive financial responsibility but also the opportunity to lead diverse teams in a dynamic environment, ensuring personal and professional growth. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and corporate responsibility, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive workplace that values every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Director (London based)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience with managing complex contracts and leading teams, as these are key for the Key Account Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 at ISS, where we truly value our people-first approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Director (London based)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Key Account Director role. Highlight your experience with complex contracts and managing large teams, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven operational efficiency or improved P&L performance in previous roles. We love seeing measurable outcomes!
Be Personable:Remember, we’re a people-first company! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for building strong client relationships and leading diverse teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with ISS!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Key Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management, budgeting, and forecasting skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved margins or managed costs in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role is all about strong client partnerships. Before the interview, research the company’s key clients and think about how you can align their objectives with your service delivery. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained strategic relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be leading diverse teams, so it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Think about how you've developed and mentored teams before. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for fostering engagement and high performance among your staff.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
With a focus on Health & Safety, make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would advise clients on these matters. If you have any certifications, mention them!