Senior Account Manager

Gategroup; City Of London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global catering services provider in the UK is seeking a Senior Commercial Account Manager who will manage high-value customer relationships and drive commercial performance. You will lead contract negotiations, oversee account profitability, and utilize data to make informed decisions. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in account management within catering or hospitality, strong analytical skills, and the capability to communicate effectively at senior levels. This role offers the ability to make a significant impact in a competitive market.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in catering, hospitality, or aviation account management.
• Knowledge of P&L management and contract profitability.
• Ability to lead senior-level meetings.

Responsibilities

• Manage the governance of the relationship with the customer.
• Oversee customer profitability and cost approvals.
• Lead contract renewals with the Commercial Director.
• Validate customer invoices and forecasts.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Skills

End-to-end account management experience

Commercial acumen

Sales and business development

Strong presentation skills

Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Problem-solving

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Senior Commercial Account Manager

Own the relationship. Drive the performance. Shape the strategy.

We're looking for a commercially sharp, strategically minded Senior Commercial Account Manager to take ownership of a high-value customer account and become the trusted face of GateGroup.

What you’ll own:

You’re the key point person for everything related to your account. You’ll proactively manage the governance of the relationship leading monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews with sharp presentations that showcase operational performance, strategic developments, and commercial insights. You’ll be the bridge between what the customer needs and what the business delivers, navigating internal stakeholders across operations, finance, procurement, culinary, and compliance to make it happen.

Your day‑to‑day will include:

• Managing customer profitability by working closely with finance and operations planning & control.
• Ensuring menus and services are correctly costed, priced, and approved – including CPI, material, and labour adjustments.
• Leading customer contract renewals alongside the Commercial Director and executive team.
• Validating customer invoices, forecasts, and billing systems to eliminate errors and protect revenue.
• Managing customer audits with operations and compliance teams.
• Presenting menu changes, pricing submissions, and strategic initiatives to the customer.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation – challenging the status quo for the benefit of both customer and business.
• Proactively engaging with operational unit managers to activate business change and resolve service delivery issues.
• Using data to drive objective decision‑making across all aspects of the account.

You’ll report weekly to the Commercial Director on customer status, revenue outlook, and debt management. This role demands someone who’s confident with numbers, sharp with detail, and persuasive in front of senior audiences.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven end‑to‑end account management experience in catering, hospitality, or aviation.
• Commercial acumen with a solid understanding of P&L management and contract profitability.
• Sales and business development experience – you know how to grow relationships and spot opportunities.
• Strong presentation and leadership skills – you’re confident leading senior‑level meetings.
• Excellent IT skills across Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Degree level education or equivalent experience.
• Someone who thrives under pressure, travels comfortably (50% UK & I travel), and enjoys being in the thick of it.
• A problem‑solver who uses data, engages stakeholders, and gets things done.

Why this role matters:

You’ll have genuine ownership over a strategically important account, working directly with the Commercial Director and executive team. You’ll influence how we deliver for our customers, drive innovation, and ensure GateGroup remains the partner of choice in a competitive market.

This is a role for someone who wants visibility, responsibility, and the chance to make a real commercial impact.

Ready to take ownership of a high‑profile account and drive commercial success?