Wates Group · 6 days ago
Strategic Account Director
Wates Group is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. They are seeking a Strategic Account Director to lead a flagship account in the science and technology sector, focusing on operational excellence and building high-value partnerships. The role involves strategic leadership, financial management, customer engagement, and people leadership across complex environments.
Construction
Responsibilities
Own and deliver the strategic account plan, aligned to the science & technology sector’s unique needs
Build a consistent, high‑quality FM delivery model that integrates the full Wates Smartspace and FM offering
Champion innovation, digital solutions and best‑practice FM methodologies suited to advanced technical environments
Full responsibility for P&L, budget setting, forecasting and margin performance
Identify commercial growth opportunities—additional services, project works, lifecycle upgrades and sustainability-driven initiatives
Manage contract performance, KPI compliance, supply chain delivery and risk registers
Be a visible, trusted advisor to client senior leaders—driving a partnership approach and exceptional customer satisfaction
Maintain strong relationships across labs, technical facilities and corporate environments
Lead proactive communication, governance, reporting and relationship development activities
Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing FM team across multiple disciplines
Drive a ‘One Team’ culture that reflects Wates’ values and the client’s operational environment
Own succession planning, talent development, engagement and capability building
Embed a strong safety culture, ensuring full compliance with statutory, quality, environmental and security standards
Champion Wates’ Zero Harm and SHEQ initiatives
Promote continuous improvement through transparent audit, governance and learning processes
Qualification
Required
Extensive FM leadership experience, ideally within science, technology, pharmaceutical, R&D or similarly complex, regulated environments
Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrable P&L ownership and financial improvement achievements
High‑level stakeholder management, with credibility at senior and executive levels
A deep understanding of technical FM operations, risk management and compliance
Evidence of leading multi‑disciplinary teams across dispersed sites
Proven innovation, resilience and customer‑centric focus
You will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage
Preferred
NEBOSH/IOSH, BIFM, HNC/HND or equivalent
Company
Wates Group
The Wates Group is one of the largest privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
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