Contract Director

Contract Director

Royal Tunbridge Wells Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
J

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a senior team across multiple catering sites and ensure operational excellence.
  • Company: Join a dynamic contract catering company focused on delivering outstanding food and service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-pressure environment while pursuing your passion for food.
  • Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations and strong leadership skills are essential.
  • Other info: This role is perfect for those who thrive on challenges and love great food.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We’re hiring a proven leader to take full ownership of a high-value, multi-site catering contract. If you’re commercially focused, passionate about food, and thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments, this is a standout opportunity to make your mark at a senior level. You’ll be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of busy operations, managing a senior team, and delivering outstanding service, client satisfaction, and financial performance. You’ll drive growth, lead change, and ensure operational excellence across all sites.

If you’re commercially minded, client-focused, and a true foodie at heart, this senior role puts you at the centre of strategic delivery, growth, and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities:
  • Lead and develop a senior team across multiple high-volume sites
  • Own the full P&L for a multi-million-pound contract, hitting financial and operational targets
  • Deliver consistently high standards in food, service, and client engagement
  • Build strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders at every level
  • Shape and implement commercial strategies to support business growth and retention
  • Use data and feedback to identify opportunities, improve performance, and drive innovation
  • Work closely with internal teams — including HR, marketing, and procurement — to align service delivery and business goals
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Must have:
  • Significant experience leading multi-site operations in the contract catering or foodservice sector
  • Strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to manage large-scale budgets
  • A strategic mindset combined with hands-on leadership — you lead by example
  • Excellent client management and communication skills
  • A track record of delivering high standards, business growth, and operational success
  • Experience leading change and embedding process improvements across complex teams
  • A genuine passion for great food, great service, and great people
Who You Are:

You’ve led from the front — managing teams, budgets, and large contracts. You’ve helped businesses grow and retain key clients by delivering exceptional results. You’re calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and always looking for ways to elevate performance. Most importantly, you bring the energy and leadership that gets teams behind a shared goal.

Contract Director employer: JR United Kingdom

As a leading player in the contract catering sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive environment that values their contributions. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only offers the chance to lead high-value operations but also to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional food and service experiences.
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Contact Detail:

JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Contract Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the contract catering industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others who have experience in multi-site operations. This can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Research StudySmarter's values and culture. Understanding our mission and how we operate will allow you to tailor your approach during interviews, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role but also for our team.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed large-scale budgets and led teams in high-pressure environments. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will showcase your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Contract Director role.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry trends and innovations in contract catering. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and opportunities in the sector will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can drive growth and operational excellence.

We think you need these skills to ace Contract Director

Leadership Skills
Commercial Acumen
Budget Management
Client Relationship Management
Strategic Thinking
Operational Excellence
Change Management
Performance Improvement
Team Development
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Data Analysis
Collaboration
Passion for Food and Service

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading multi-site operations, particularly in the contract catering or foodservice sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to manage large-scale budgets.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and service. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with the company's values and how you can contribute to their growth and operational excellence.

Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as successful projects you've led, improvements in client satisfaction, or financial targets you've met. This will help illustrate your capability to deliver high standards and drive innovation.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in managing teams and budgets, as well as your approach to client management and communication. Be ready to discuss how you've led change and improved processes in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in multi-site operations. Highlight your ability to manage large budgets and deliver results, as this role requires a proven track record in leadership.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Familiarise yourself with the financial aspects of the role, including P&L management. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped commercial strategies in the past and how you can apply that knowledge to drive growth in this position.

✨Emphasise Client Management Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience in building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Share examples of how you've ensured client satisfaction and engagement, as this is crucial for success in the role.

✨Express Your Passion for Food and Service

Let your enthusiasm for great food and exceptional service shine through during the interview. Discuss how this passion has influenced your work and how it aligns with the company's values and goals.

Contract Director
JR United Kingdom
J
  • Contract Director

    Royal Tunbridge Wells
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-26

  • J

    JR United Kingdom

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