Job Introduction Account Director – Independent Schools

Location: South Coast of England to the Midlands
Competitive Salary + Performance-Related Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Company Car Included
Full-Time, Year-Round Role (52 Weeks)

"Lead with Purpose. Drive Excellence. Make an Impact."

Are you a strategic, results-driven leader looking for your next challenge? Do you have a passion for food, education, and developing high-performing teams? If so, this is your opportunity to shape the future of independent school catering with a dynamic, industry-leading organisation.

At Sodexo, we are seeking an Account Director to lead a £20 million portfolio, overseeing circa 30 independent school contracts across the South Coast of England up to the Midlands. This is a key leadership role where you will provide strategic direction, drive operational excellence, and build strong client partnerships in a prestigious education environment.

We welcome diverse industry experience—what matters is your ability to motivate teams, manage P&L performance, and deliver exceptional service while ensuring a best-in-class dining experience for students and staff.

Your Impact & Responsibilities

As Account Director, you will:

Lead and develop operational teams across multiple contracts, ensuring consistent service excellence.Act as the primary client contact, building and maintaining long-term partnerships.Develop and nurture long-term client partnerships, understanding their specific needs and exceeding expectationsMaximise profitability through effective cost control, margin management, and operational efficiencies.Identify and drive revenue growth within the accounts, securing new business opportunities.Represent the company at key client events and corporate hospitality functions, working closely with the Managing Director when required.Inspire, mentor, motivate and develop Account and Business Managers, fostering a collaborative culture.Ensure compliance with all regulatory, safety, and quality standards.What You Bring

We’re looking for a driven and commercially minded leader who can balance strategy, people, and performance. You’ll need:

Proven success in a multi-site leadership role, driving strategic direction and business performance.Strong P&L management experience, with a focus on profitability and financial growth.Outstanding leadership and team development skills, with the ability to inspire and develop others.A strategic and solution-focused mindset, capable of leading change management process, driving company initiatives forward.Exceptional client relationship management skills, with a customer-first approach.Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.A background in a compliance-driven environment, ensuring high operational and safety standards.What We Offer

At Sodexo, we recognise and reward talent. In addition to a highly competitive salary, you’ll benefit from:

Performance-related annual bonusCompany carFlexible benefits fund of £1,300 per annumBiennial health assessmentsLife Assurance (1x annual salary)Contributory pension scheme (up to 6%)33 days holiday (increasing to 36 after 3 years)Ongoing training & career development opportunitiesFlexible & dynamic work environmentBuy & sell holiday schemeJoin Us & Make a Difference

At Sodexo, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively support candidates with disabilities through our interview scheme.

We are also dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults in regulated activities. This role requires appropriate screening, including past employer references and DBS/Disclosure Scotland checks.

Ready to take on this exciting leadership opportunity? Apply today and be part of something greater!

Attached documents Sodexo Benefits Reward Guide.pdf Apply