Key Account Director

ISS Facilities Services; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company in the UK seeks a Key Account Director to lead a prestigious catering contract with West Sussex County Council. The successful candidate will ensure operational excellence, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and drive the delivery of innovative catering solutions for over 160 schools. A strong catering background is desired, paired with excellent financial acumen and client relationship skills. This is a permanent position with flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience managing key suppliers and complex stakeholder networks.
• Must hold a valid UK driving licence and be willing to travel regionally.
• Education sector experience desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational delivery of catering solutions across the account.
• Develop and maintain the Account Development Plan with key stakeholders.
• Mobilise over 160 schools across West Sussex.
• Manage staffing levels and performance balance.
• Ensure services meet contractual requirements and operational processes.

Skills

Strong catering background

Financial and commercial acumen

Client relationship management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Key Account Director

Contract: Education

Location: Flexible (West Sussex based)

Hours of work: 40

Contract Type: Permanent

We are seeking a highly skilled Key Account Director to lead the delivery of a prestigious new catering contract with West Sussex County Council.

This is a high-profile role within one of the largest education catering contracts in the UK, offering an exciting opportunity to shape service delivery and client relationships in a growing sector.

Job Description

As the primary point of contact for the client, you will ensure strategic and operational excellence across the account.

The role requires strong leadership, proven mobilisation experience, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across a large portfolio of schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive operational delivery of catering solutions across the account.
• Develop and maintain the Account Development Plan with key stakeholders.
• Successfully mobilise over 160 schools across West Sussex.
• Establish and manage client interactions with a focus on service delivery.
• Manage staffing levels, competence development, and performance balance.
• Ensure services are delivered in line with contractual requirements and operational processes.
• Lead the development and implementation of the hybrid catering solution.
• Identify, map, and mitigate operational and commercial risks to optimise profitability.
• Analyse and consolidate monthly financial results, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Implement performance measurement systems and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications

• Strong catering background; education sector experience desirable but not essential.
• Proven track record in large-scale mobilisation and strategic delivery.
• Excellent financial and commercial acumen.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Experience managing key suppliers and complex stakeholder networks.
• Must hold a valid UK driving licence and be willing to travel regionally.

The Company

ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience.

Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, to help our customers achieve their purpose, whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families. ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people.

We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference. #ISSGreatPeople #ISSTalent #PeopleMakePlace

ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer.

ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.

We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme.

Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.

If you have any further queries regarding this role, please contact the Resourcing Team by emailing [e-mail]