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- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and inspire a talented team in the contract catering sector.
- Company: Dynamic, innovative business at the heart of London’s catering industry.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including discounts, wellness classes, and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a high-profile account while driving growth and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in contract catering and exceptional client relationship skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a diverse team and enjoy exclusive travel discounts.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Join a high turnover operation at the heart of London’s contract catering sector! We’re seeking an experienced, commercially driven EMEA Account Director to lead a high-profile client partnership and inspire a large talented team. As the strategic lead for one of our corporate sites, you’ll champion operational excellence, elevate the customer experience, and drive continuous growth across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an exciting account within a dynamic, innovative, and people-focused business.
Main Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Lead the end-to-end strategic direction of a successful site, ensuring delivery of exceptional service standards and alignment with client objectives across the EMEA region.
- Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary senior point of contact for the client, nurturing a strong partnership, anticipating needs, and proactively driving value, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee daily catering and hospitality operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance across all service lines.
- Team Leadership & Development: Inspire, coach, and develop a large team, cultivating a high-performance culture focused on engagement, accountability, and growth.
- Financial Management: Own the P&L for the site, managing budgets, forecasting, reporting, and driving commercial performance.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the contract catering industry.
- Strong track record of managing high-value, complex accounts.
- Exceptional client relationship skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and build trust at executive level.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams (100+ employees) across EMEA/global regions.
- Commercially astute, with strong financial acumen.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate client needs into innovative, value-adding solutions.
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits.
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more.
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more.
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster.
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands.
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.
Account Director - EMEA in London employer: Restaurant Associates
Contact Detail:
Restaurant Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director - EMEA in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience and how it relates to the Account Director role – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director - EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Account Director role. Highlight your experience in managing high-value accounts and leading large teams, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your strategic thinking and client relationship skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about the contract catering industry and how you can elevate our client partnerships. Be sure to mention any innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you inspire and develop your team. Share your leadership philosophy and any successful strategies you've used to cultivate a high-performance culture. This will help us see how you fit into our people-focused business.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Account Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to P&L management and be ready to discuss how you've driven commercial performance in previous roles. This shows you understand the business side of things.
✨Client-Centric Mindset
Prepare to talk about your experience in client relationship management. Think of specific examples where you've nurtured partnerships and anticipated client needs. Highlight how you’ve added value and driven innovation for clients in the past.
✨Lead with Examples
You’ll be leading a large team, so come armed with stories that showcase your leadership style. Discuss how you've inspired and developed teams, especially in high-pressure environments. This will help illustrate your ability to cultivate a high-performance culture.
✨Strategic Thinking Showcase
Be ready to discuss how you translate client needs into actionable strategies. Prepare a few examples of how you've approached complex challenges and turned them into innovative solutions. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and problem-solving skills.
