At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional services while managing client relationships and financial performance.
- Company: Sodexo Live! is a dynamic company focused on creating unique experiences in elite sports and catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, car allowance, and a flexible work location.
- Why this job: Join a culture of safety, diversity, and innovation while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite sports venues, financial management, and leading diverse teams is essential.
- Other info: We are a Disability Confident Leader employer, promoting inclusivity and opportunities for all.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Sodexo Live! is seeking an experienced Account Director to provide senior leadership and serve as our clients' primary point of contact across various sites. You will manage and inspire onsite teams to deliver exceptional services that exceed client expectations while ensuring rigorous financial oversight of operations and accountability for P and L results. We are committed to fostering a culture of safety, diversity, and inclusivity and encouraging innovation and growth. As a leader with integrity and transparency, you will drive opportunities for organic growth with existing clients and pursue new business avenues, embodying the values of Sodexo Live!
What You’ll Do:
- Contract Management and Profitability
- Maximise Contract Profitability: Drive performance to meet and exceed KPIs, focusing on budget adherence and effective cost control.
- Strategic Business Planning: Ensure each contract aligns with a strategic business plan that supports overall company objectives and consumer trends.
- Team Leadership and Development
- High Performing Teams: Lead and motivate a team to maintain performance standards while fostering a culture of positivity and collaboration.
- Training and Compliance: Ensure all staff members are onboarded and trained per Sodexo Live! policies and procedures.
- Customer Experience and Client Relationships
- Outstanding Service Delivery: Manage and support onsite teams to consistently deliver amazing customer service and drive innovation.
- Client Relations and Retention: Develop long term relationships using the ‘Clients for Life’ philosophy to enhance client retention and explore organic growth opportunities.
- Sales and Financial Accountability
- Sales Target Management: Oversee sales teams to achieve targets through pipeline development and effective conversion strategies.
- Cost Control and Financial Metrics: Rigorously manage costs while ensuring that all operations meet financial performance expectations.
- Health, Safety and Compliance
- Safety Champion: Promote a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols and a Zero Harm Mindset across all sites.
- Regulatory Compliance: Take responsibility for adherence to food safety, alcohol licensing, and cash/stock security standards.
- Continuous Improvement and Recognition
- Sustained Improvement Plans: Implement ongoing improvement strategies for site specific services and monitor client satisfaction levels.
- Industry Recognition: Achieve formal recognition awards highlighting exceptional service delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement efforts.
What We’re Looking For:
- Demonstrable experience of working across elite sports or stadia venues, delivering food services to an exceptional standard.
- Experience in managing and developing senior client relationships.
- Experience in managing and developing senior internal stakeholder relationships.
- Extensive financial management skills.
- Ability to work on own initiative, but also able to recognise when to escalate issues or requests for support.
- Experience of leading, motivating, and managing a diverse team of stakeholders in a catering environment.
- Experience of working in a fast paced, high pressured environment.
- Ability to prioritise workloads, especially in the face of competing priorities.
- Extensive industry knowledge including a detailed understanding of industry compliance requirements and legal requirements for operating high end public catering venues.
- Experience of managing sales teams to a high standard.
- Knowledge of industry best practice when it comes to areas such as Health and Safety, Employment Law and Contract governance.
We’re experience makers and food fanatics. Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring personality, your background, and your desire to delight others. In return, we’ll give you all you need to thrive because at Sodexo Live! We’re so much more. Be part of something greater.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Account Director employer: Sodexo Live!
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Live! Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the catering and events industry, especially those who have experience in elite sports or stadia venues. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Sodexo Live!'s values and culture. Understanding their commitment to safety, diversity, and inclusivity will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing that you are a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships and led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to drive performance and exceed KPIs, as these are crucial aspects of the Account Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in food services and customer experience within the catering industry. Being knowledgeable about industry best practices will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in account management, particularly in elite sports or stadia venues. Emphasise your financial management skills and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Sodexo Live!'s values and how your experience aligns with their goals. Mention specific examples of how you've driven performance and client relationships in previous roles.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to exceed KPIs and manage costs effectively. Use metrics to illustrate your success in previous positions.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Discuss your experience in leading diverse teams and fostering a positive work culture. Provide examples of how you've motivated teams to deliver exceptional service and achieve business objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Live!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Account Director, you'll be expected to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and develop others.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the emphasis on financial management in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with budget adherence, cost control, and achieving profitability. Bring specific metrics or results to illustrate your success.
✨Highlight Client Relationship Management
The role requires strong client relationship skills. Prepare to share stories about how you've built and maintained long-term client relationships, particularly in high-pressure environments like elite sports or stadia venues.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance Knowledge
With a focus on health and safety compliance, be prepared to discuss your understanding of industry regulations and how you've implemented safety protocols in previous roles. This will show your commitment to creating a safe working environment.