Account Director

Compass Group; Guildford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group is seeking an inspiring Account Director to manage culinary operations at a prestigious venue in Surrey. This role emphasizes innovative leadership, financial management, and exceptional guest experience. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in hospitality and strong financial acumen. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Experience in managing P&L and budgets.
• Ability to foster employee engagement and team development.
• Passion for food and service.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across restaurants and events.
• Manage financial reporting and forecasting.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and food quality.

Skills

Proven experience in hospitality or venue management

Strong financial acumen

Excellent communication skills

Results-driven focus

Client-facing confidence

Job description

Overview

Account Director - RHS Wisley

Location: RHS Wisley, Surrey
Reports to: Head of Operations

5 days out of 7

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 DOE

We're seeking an experienced and inspiring Account Director to lead the catering and hospitality operations at RHS Wisley, a prestigious and high-footfall venue. You'll play a key role in shaping strategy, delivering exceptional food and service, and driving commercial performance across multiple outlets and event spaces.

This is a highly visible, client-facing leadership role where innovation, accountability, and collaboration are key. You'll lead a talented team, working closely with senior partners to influence the future direction of food and service within a nationally recognised venue!

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across restaurants, coffee shops, and events
• Own full P&L management, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Co-create and implement strategic plans with RHS Wisley and internal teams
• Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, and team development
• Deliver and exceed standards in customer service, food quality, and compliance
• Drive sales growth through creative marketing and events planning
• Act as the on-site cultural ambassador, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace

Person Specification

• Proven experience in hospitality or venue management
• Strong financial acumen and track record of delivering against budgets
• Inspirational leader with excellent communication and stakeholder skills
• Commercially savvy and results-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Passionate about food, service, and guest experience
• Confident, client-facing, and calm under pressure
• Able to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery

Benefits

• 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

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/0409/43818001/52760942/SU #RA Venues

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!