Account Director

Aramark NV; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider is seeking an Account Director to oversee operations for a large university in Hertfordshire. The successful candidate will manage multi-site catering services, ensuring operational excellence and enhancing campus life. This role requires a strategic leader with a proven track record in contract catering and experience in the higher education sector. The position also offers a competitive salary of up to £60,000, generous leave, and various benefits to promote staff wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee discount scheme

Mental health support

Culinary events access

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years management experience in a complex multi-campus environment.
• Previous experience in the HE or retail industry is preferred.
• Proven track record in delivering budgeted profit levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational and financial performance of the university's catering services.
• Implement strategic initiatives to drive business improvements.
• Engage, market, and communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop propositions for the higher education market.
• Ensure compliance with HR laws, hygiene, safety, and food safety requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Client relationship management

Strategic planning

Job description

Aramark UK is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Account Director to lead operations for a large, multi-campus University in Hertfordshire. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive success and deliver exceptional experiences for students and staff.

In this senior leadership role, you will balance operational excellence with commercial performance, ensuring our proposition enhances campus life. Acting as the primary point of contact for key university stakeholders, you’ll build strong relationships and deliver continual improvement in a complex, fast-paced environment.

We’re looking for a strategic leader with a proven track record in contract catering, ideally within the university or retail sector. You’ll bring experience managing multi-site operations, P&L accountability, and client relationships, combined with an innovative mindset and attention to detail.

If you’re passionate about operational excellence, commercial growth, and leading high-performing teams, this role offers the perfect platform to make an impact.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary of us to £60,000 dependant on experience
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance benefits
• Access to an employee benefit scheme that offers discounts across hundreds of retail and leisure providers
• Employee Assistance Programme and in-house Mental Health Champions
• FOOD! A plethora of opportunities to attend in-house events and try out the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

A day in the life of an Account Director:

• Lead the operational and financial performance of the university's catering services
• Implement strategic initiatives to drive business improvements
• Engage, market, and communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop propositions for the higher education market
• Ensure compliance with all HR laws, hygiene, safety, and food safety requirements
• Maintain strict adherence to Aramark policies and procedures
• Conduct regular client reviews and support new business and retention activities
• Lead contract negotiations and identify opportunities for growth
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen in creating and managing operating models

You'll be set up for success if you have:

• Minimum 3 years management experience in a complex multi campus environment.
• Previous experience in the HE and or retail industry
• Proven track record in delivering budgeted profit levels
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and success.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are also recognised as a Forces Friendly employer and hold the prestigious ERS Gold Award, reflecting our dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.