Key Account Director

Key Account Director

Contract: Education

Location: Newcastle, NE4 7SA

Hours of Work: 40

Contract Type: Permanent

Our client, a leading provider of facilities services in the UK, is seeking a Key Account Director to lead the successful delivery of complex, high-value facilities management contracts across a diverse multi-site portfolio.

Based in Newcastle, with oversight of sites in Carlisle, Lewisham, Suffolk and Kidderminster, you will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, client satisfaction and sustainable commercial growth across contracts with a combined value of up to £50 million.

Reporting to the Key Account Portfolio Director or Managing Director, this role will play a pivotal role in optimising contract performance, identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, and strengthening long-term client partnerships.

Adopting a people-first approach, you will work closely with clients, colleagues and suppliers to deliver measurable outcomes, enhance service delivery and support the long-term success and retention of key accounts.

Job Description

The Key Account Director will be responsible for leading the delivery of integrated facilities management services across a complex portfolio of sites. The role requires a strategic and commercially focused leader who can drive operational excellence while maintaining strong client relationships.

This position offers the opportunity to influence service delivery, develop high-performing teams, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth, ensuring long-term contract success and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage large, complex facilities management contracts across one or multiple sites, with a combined contract value of up to £50 million.
• Ensure contract deliverables, KPIs and SLAs are consistently met or exceeded.
• Lead the delivery of facilities services, including cleaning, maintenance and security, in line with contractual and legal obligations.
• Build and maintain strategic client relationships, aligning service delivery with client objectives and business goals.
• Take financial responsibility for accounts, including budget control, forecasting, cost management and P&L performance.
• Lead, develop and empower large, diverse operational teams, including managers, supervisors and frontline employees.
• Identify and implement opportunities for innovation, efficiency, service development and commercial growth.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, promoting a safety-first culture across all operations.

Person Specification

• Strong technical facilities management background, including experience managing hard FM services and a good understanding of M&E operations.
• Working knowledge of soft FM services and integrated facilities management environments.
• Proven experience leading complex, high-value contracts within facilities management or a related service industry.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to operate strategically in fast-paced and evolving environments.
• Demonstrable experience leading large, diverse teams and developing operational leaders.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation, contractual obligations, SLAs and KPIs.
• Experience building and maintaining strategic relationships with senior client stakeholders.
• Strong financial management capability, including P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting and margin improvement.