Account Director

Sodexo Group; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Account Director to lead teams and manage client relationships across various sites. This role is pivotal in ensuring exceptional service delivery while maintaining financial oversight and strategic planning. You will inspire your team to foster a culture of safety, diversity, and innovation, driving organic growth and enhancing client retention. If you have a passion for excellence in food services and a proven track record in managing high-performing teams, this is the opportunity for you. Join a company committed to creating unique experiences and making a difference in the industry.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing elite sports or stadia venues.
• Strong financial management and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite teams to deliver exceptional service and exceed client expectations.
• Drive performance to meet KPIs and manage contract profitability.

Skills

Financial Management

Client Relationship Management

Team Leadership

Sales Management

Compliance Knowledge

Cost Control

Strategic Business Planning

Problem Solving

Health and Safety Compliance

Education

Degree in Business Management or related field

Job description

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

1. Maximise Contract Profitability: Drive performance to meet and exceed KPIs, focusing on budget adherence and effective cost control.
2. Strategic Business Planning: Ensure each contract aligns with a strategic business plan that supports overall company objectives and consumer trends.

Team Leadership and Development

1. High Performing Teams: Lead and motivate a team to maintain performance standards while fostering a culture of positivity and collaboration.
2. Training and Compliance: Ensure all staff members are onboarded and trained per Sodexo Live! policies and procedures.

Customer Experience and Client Relationships

1. Outstanding Service Delivery: Manage and support onsite teams to consistently deliver amazing customer service and drive innovation.
2. 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

1. Sales Target Management: Oversee sales teams to achieve targets through pipeline development and effective conversion strategies.
2. Cost Control and Financial Metrics: Rigorously manage costs while ensuring that all operations meet financial performance expectations.

Health, Safety and Compliance

1. Safety Champion: Promote a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols and a Zero Harm Mindset across all sites.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Take responsibility for adherence to food safety, alcohol licensing, and cash/stock security standards.

Continuous Improvement and Recognition

1. Sustained Improvement Plans: Implement ongoing improvement strategies for site specific services and monitor client satisfaction levels.
2. Industry Recognition: Achieve formal recognition awards highlighting exceptional service delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement efforts.

What We’re Looking For:

1. Demonstrable experience of working across elite sports or stadia venues, delivering food services to an exceptional standard.
2. Experience in managing and developing senior client relationships.
3. Experience in managing and developing senior internal stakeholder relationships.
4. Extensive financial management skills.
5. Ability to work on own initiative, but also able to recognise when to escalate issues or requests for support.
6. Experience of leading, motivating, and managing a diverse team of stakeholders in a catering environment.
7. Experience of working in a fast paced, high pressured environment.
8. Ability to prioritise workloads, especially in the face of competing priorities.
9. Extensive industry knowledge including a detailed understanding of industry compliance requirements and legal requirements for operating high end public catering venues.
10. Experience of managing sales teams to a high standard.
11. 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.