Deputy Account Director - UK

Medirest Signature; Luton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the catering sector is seeking a management professional to oversee client relations and national operations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in multi-unit catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional service. This role includes managing General Managers and leading projects to ensure top-quality delivery across services.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Car or Car Allowance

Career development programs

Digital GP access for family

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on grocery shopping

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Free wellness classes

Qualifications

• Experience in multi-unit contract catering or similar business is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to address complex issues with creativity.
• Proven leadership and managerial track record.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the national portfolio and client engagement.
• Manage and inspire General Managers to ensure quality service.
• Lead investment plans and projects focused on delivery.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Effective communication

Passion for food and hospitality

Leadership capabilities

Job description

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
• Car or Car Allowance
• 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

Being the key point of contact for the client and ensuring that quality and service standards are delivered across the national business. To manage, develop, and inspire the General Managers and their reports to deliver a seamless customer experience with a strong commercial return.The successful candidate must have a keen eye for detail and really understand what good looks like. Project management experience is also advantageous as the candidate will be leading on future investment plans and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseeing a national portfolio.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for the client, ensuring quality and service standards are maintained.
• Managing and inspiring General Managers and their teams to deliver seamless customer experiences with strong commercial outcomes.
• Leading future investment plans and projects, with a focus on delivery.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Multi-unit contract catering or catering business experience is essential.
• Ability to address complex business issues with creative problem-solving and timely strategy implementation.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to motivate and interact at all organisational levels.
• A strong passion for excellent food and hospitality.
• A proven track record as an innovative and financially responsible manager.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

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!