Commercial Development Director

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented sales professional to lead the sales and retention of stadia, concession and universities across the UK. In this role, you will be responsible for seeking new tendering opportunities and work closely with our Operations, Marketing, Finance and Legal teams to ensure these tenders convert into secured contracts to sustain the growth of our business.
This role is national, therefore the ideal candidate can be based anywhere in the UK. We have offices in London, Glasgow and Macclesfield which you can make use of. A full UK driving licence is essential for this position.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will be responsible for developing a sales strategy and managing a pipeline of new business opportunities, tender process and converting into new contracts to achieve the sales target for each year.

• Developing a sales strategy and managing the team focused on delivering successful growth
• Proactively building and maintaining client relationships, anticipating their needs and be excellent in selling the capabilities and strengths of Elior UK in the most positive way
• Ensuring that we retain all our existing contracts across a geographical location
• Proactively network, attend key industry events and research all invitations to tender
• Develop knowledge of innovation across the sector and develop sound commercial proposals
• Work with our finance and operational teams to respond accordingly in a timely manner
• Leading the sales process from creating first appointments to closing the sale
• Ensure sales process is followed to engage with key stakeholders to develop the bid for sign off
• Assisting our operators in planning and delivering effective mobilisation of contracts, co ordinating with relevant support functions and ensuring our new clients are happy at every stage of the mobilisation process
• Lead of the retention of key contracts when required, assisting operators in process, bid submission and presentations, co ordinating with relevant support functions
• Managing your own activity on a weekly basis to ensure you develop a pipeline of business opportunities to support the achievement of your sales target for the year
• Using your strong commercial acumen and understanding of financial models to build and present a successful tender submission to proposed clients
• Using your confidence in presenting to multiple stakeholders and be able to articulate our key USPs in order to maximise our chances of winning with prospective client
• Submitting weekly reports to our Head of Sales and Sector Managing Director to demonstrate your activities and pipeline with time frames for all confirmed business tenders coming online to ensure we are on track to achieve our financial goals for the year

Working pattern: Full time

What can you bring?

• Have a strong understanding of the Stadia market or contract catering sector and the latest trends that will deliver a winning proposal in these markets
• Be able to work closely with our Operational and Finance teams and all support functions to write compelling bids and win new business
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills
• Ability to think creatively and excellent writing skills to deliver compelling solutions
• Understanding of the tender process with experience in managing multiple tenders at any one time to ensure each is delivered within the timeframes
• Experience in securing contracts within the Stadia sector
• Strong presentation skills with and ability to manage and coach the team to deliver engaging and inspiring presentations
• Experience in achieving sales targets
• Strong commercial acumen and closing skills
• Excellent ability to maintain and build strong relationships
• Demonstrable experience in working through the tendering process to win new business

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That's why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here's what's waiting for you:

• Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
• Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn't run on a 9-5 schedule.
• Plenty of Time to Unwind - generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
• Leave for life's important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
• Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
• Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
• Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
• Drive in Style - Enjoy a company car or car allowance.

One small thing- we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.

We're a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day.

And here's the best part - 87% of our team say they're proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you're listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you're passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!

At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren't just policies, they're who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we're dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we're happy to help!

Ready to join us? Hit 'Apply Now' and let's chat!