Account Director

Compass UK & Ireland; Send; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider is seeking an experienced Account Director to oversee operations at a prestigious venue in Send. This role requires a proven leader with a minimum of 3 years in senior catering management, strong financial acumen, and exemplary communication skills. Responsibilities include managing P&L, developing strategic plans, enhancing guest experiences, and leading a talented team to drive exceptional service delivery. A competitive salary and a robust benefits package are included.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital healthcare access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Free wellness classes

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years proven experience in a similar senior role.
• Experience in contract catering, hospitality, or venue management.
• Strong financial skills with a track record of achieving budgets.
• Inspirational leadership and excellent stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of multiple catering outlets.
• Handle P&L, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Implement strategic plans with RHS Wisley teams.
• Champion employee engagement and team development.
• Drive sales growth through innovative marketing.

Skills

Leadership skills

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Job Title : Account Director

Location : RHS Wisley

Salary : £75,000 - £80,000 DOE

Contract : Full-Time, Permanent, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Account Director of this vast, prestigious, multiple catering outlet venue, you will take on a key leadership role within the team to shape the strategy, deliver exceptional food and service as well as drive the commercial performance of the venue. As a newly won contract to the Restaurant Associates Venues team, we require a leader who is confident with implementing processes, comfortable with balancing strategic and commercial decision making and enjoys developing innovative approaches to move the venue forward.

In this role, you will be leading a talented team alongside working with senior partners, and you will embody the Restaurant Associates Venues values and cultures as well as implementing processes that will ensure this venue continues to be high performing whilst having guest experience at heart. This is a highly visible, client-facing leadership role where innovation, accountability, and collaboration are key.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations across the multiple catering outlets on site, consisting of restaurants, coffee shops, and event spaces

Take ownership of the full P&L, including forecasting, and financial reporting to internal senior stakeholders

Co-create and implement strategic plans with RHS Wisley and internal teams to ensure the guests experience the highest standard of food and beverage on offer

Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, and team development on site

Deliver and exceed standards in customer service, food quality, and compliance

Drive sales growth through creative marketing and events planning with an innovative approach to increase potential sales and market position

Act as the on-site cultural ambassador, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace

Inspire a team to embody the Restaurant Associates Venues culture and work with the senior operators on site to continue implementing this.

The Ideal Candidate

Minimum of 3+ years proven experience in a similar senior / regional role.

Proven experience in previous contract catering, hospitality and / or venue management roles.

Ideally worked in a similar environment - heritage / culture visitor attraction venue with multiple different food offering operations - grab & go, restaurants, events-based dining such as canapes and bowl food.

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 along with strong KPI management.

Passionate about food, service, and guest experience

Confident, client-facing, and calm under pressure

Able to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery

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

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!