Job Introduction
Strategic Account Director
Up to £85,000 per annum plus company bonus structure and benefits package
Candidate to be London based.
Introduction
This is far from an ordinary role. We’re talking about a fast-moving, constantly evolving portfolio where big-picture thinking meets meticulous operational delivery. It’s a mandate to lead transformation, elevate hospitality standards, and deliver soft services excellence across a complex, multi-site environment.
We’re seeking a strategic powerhouse. As Strategic Account Director, you’ll provide commercial and strategic leadership across a combined management account spanning London and UK locations. You’ll bring a hospitality-first mindset, operational credibility, and the ability to unify multiple service lines into one seamless client and customer journey.
Are you a leader who thrives on operational precision, instinctively spots growth opportunities, and drives performance with confidence, all while staying bold, strategic and brilliantly human?
Main Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across catering, hospitality, cleaning and facilities services, delivering an integrated and consistent model across all sites exceeding expectations, not just meeting them.
- Build and cultivate trusted executive-level relationships with senior client stakeholders through transparency, insight-led performance reporting and robust governance.
- Lead financial, performance and strategic review forums with clarity and authority, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
- Take full ownership of the P&L, commercially sharp, agile in approach, and always alert to risk and opportunity.
- Accelerate business growth and performance with pace and precision knowing when to pivot, when to drive momentum, and when to step in decisively.
- Champion culinary, workplace & total facility operational excellence consistently across portfolio
- Ensure rigorous contract discipline, driving compliance, governance and consistent operational excellence.
- Act as the primary senior liaison for key clients, building trusted, high-impact stakeholder relationships at every level.
- Inspire & lead the team to deliver consistent service & premium hospitality
- Partner with the People Business Partner to deliver a people strategy focused on engagement, capability, succession and long-term talent retention.
Person Specification
- Proven operational leadership, experienced in managing large, complex, multi-site contracts across catering and total facility management.
- A strong hospitality background with a genuine passion for food, service and customer experience.
- A strategic thinker who can operate at altitude while confidently diving into the detail when it matters most.
- Naturally innovative, with the drive and discipline to turn ideas into measurable impact.
- A leadership style that balances accountability with authenticity, creating high-performing, motivated teams.
- A committed people developer who coaches, challenges and inspires.
- Demonstrable success delivering commercial growth across multi-service portfolios.
- Full P&L ownership experience, underpinned by sound financial judgement and commercial rigour.
- Confident leading transformational change and building enduring, senior-level client partnerships.
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!