Business Director

Compass Group; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food services provider is looking for a Business Director to lead NHS Supply Chain operations. This role will involve managing a team of over 50, developing strategies to improve food services, and ensuring compliance with contract regulations. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience in complex environments and a strong background in healthcare. This position offers the chance to significantly influence food procurement and service quality across the NHS.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Business Director or Operations Director in a complex environment.
• Demonstrable experience developing and executing business strategy.
• Strong knowledge of Healthcare or Public Sector.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute NHSSC contract strategy and annual Business Plans.
• Lead and inspire a diverse team of 50+ colleagues.
• Oversee financial performance and key business initiatives.
• Act as primary senior relationship owner for NHSSC and NHS Trusts.
• Represent Foodbuy and NHSSC at industry events.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Stakeholder management

Operational excellence

Negotiation skills

Job description

Business Director - NHS Supply Chain (Foodbuy)
Location: Mobile

Foodbuy is proud to partner with NHS Supply Chain: Food (NHSSC) in delivering one of the most high-profile, complex, and impactful food procurement contracts in the UK. We are now looking for an exceptional Business Director to lead this critical operation and shape the future of food services across the NHS.

About the Role

As the Business Director for NHSSC, you will hold overall responsibility for all operational, financial and strategic performance of the NHSSC contract. This includes leadership of a 50+ strong, multi-disciplinary team spanning Procurement, Account Management, Customer Experience, Marketing, Culinary & Dietetics, Operations, Data, Finance and Project Management.

This role is central to driving category growth, savings performance, exceptional service delivery, and continuous improvement across NHS Trusts and the School Fruit & Veg Scheme.

You will be a key senior leader within Foodbuy, accountable for building strategy, managing high-level stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of the annual NHSSC Business Plan.

What You'll Be Doing

• Setting and executing the NHSSC contract strategy and annual Business Plans
• Leading and inspiring a diverse team of 50+ colleagues, creating a high‑performing, collaborative culture
• Overseeing financial performance, investment planning and key business initiatives
• Acting as the primary senior relationship owner for NHSSC, NHS Trusts and wider healthcare stakeholders
• Representing Foodbuy and NHSSC at industry events, forums and strategic meetings
• Providing clear strategic guidance to the Foodbuy Executive Team
• Ensuring contract compliance, risk management and industry‑leading delivery
• Solving complex operational challenges with pace, creativity and resilience

About You

We're looking for a dynamic senior leader who can combine operational excellence with strategic vision. You will bring:

• Proven experience as a Business Director, Operations Director or senior leader in a complex environment
• Demonstrable experience developing and executing business strategy
• Strong knowledge of the Healthcare or Public Sector (ideally both)
• Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead large, multi‑functional teams and drive performance
• Experience navigating large‑scale negotiations
• A resilient, motivated leader who thrives under pressure
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to bring people together to deliver exceptional results

Why Join Foodbuy?

This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK's most important food contracts, impacting millions of patients, families and NHS colleagues. You'll work with purpose, influence national outcomes, and join a business committed to innovation, sustainability and high‑quality service.