At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate catering operations at a prestigious independent school.
- Company: Join Lodestone House, part of the UK's leading foodservice organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of catering in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in catering or hospitality is essential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 72000 £ per year.
Brighton College & Brighton College Prep Handcross
Responsible To: Director of Operations / Regional Manager– Lodestone House
Location: Based at Brighton College, supporting Brighton College, Brighton College Prep Handcross and any other associated Brighton College Schools as required.
Work Level: Senior Leadership / Strategic Account Level
Working Hours: 40 hours, 5 days over 7
Salary: Up to £72,000
Annual Leave Entitlement: 25 days + Bank Holidays
Contract: Permanent
Role Context
Lodestone House operates the catering and hospitality services at Brighton College, one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools and named School of the Decade. Brighton College continues to expand its operations both within the UK and internationally and represents a complex, high‐profile and fast‐paced catering and hospitality environment.
This newly created senior leadership role oversees all catering and hospitality operations and works in close partnership with the Head of Catering Operations (Brighton College). The role exists to provide strategic direction, operational structure, commercial grip and senior leadership across the Brighton College and Brighton College Prep Handcross catering and hospitality operation, with the potential for further growth in the future.
Catering and hospitality are viewed as core to the pupil and staff experience, not simply a support function. Food quality, service standards, nutrition, sustainability and operational reliability are all critical to the College's daily life and reputation.
The catering operation supports:
- A large day and boarding pupil population across multiple age groups in central Brighton and a Prep boarding school, based in Handcross.
- High‐volume daily breakfast, lunch and supper services with over 3,000 meals served per day across the group including customers with complex allergen and intolerance needs.
- Extensive hospitality provision including formal dinners and receptions, sporting and cultural events, parent, alumni and donor events, conferences, summer schools and commercial lettings, and a busy calendar of evening and weekend activity.
The operation is characterised by:
- High service expectations
- A strong focus on food quality, nutrition and sustainability
- Significant logistical complexity
- A requirement for absolute reliability alongside innovation and evolution
Overall Purpose of the Role
To provide strategic, operational and commercial leadership across the Brighton College catering and hospitality operation, ensuring delivery of a seamless, best‐in‐class service that reflects the College's ambition, reputation and uncompromising standards. The role will set the strategic direction of catering and hospitality, lead and manage complex catering projects, introduce and refine structure and process, support and enable the Head of Catering Operations to deliver day‐to‐day excellence, and be fully accountable for financial performance, and senior stakeholder reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Direction: Set and drive the strategic direction for catering and hospitality across Brighton College. Translate Brighton College's vision and values into a clear catering and hospitality strategy. Act as a senior strategic advisor to Brighton College leadership. Ensure alignment between Brighton College expectations and Lodestone House / Compass Group frameworks.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee all catering and hospitality operations across Brighton College and Brighton College Prep Handcross. Introduce clarity, structure and rhythm into operational planning. Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, service and customer experience.
- Project Leadership & Change Management: Lead major catering and hospitality projects including service redesign, process implementation and offer evolution. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, with minimal operational disruption and within the agreed budget. Establish clear project ownership, governance and delivery plans. Manage risk, dependencies and stakeholder expectations throughout delivery. Translate strategic intent into practical, deliverable outcomes.
- Financial Accountability & Commercial Performance: Full accountability for contract financial performance. Lead monthly financial reporting, forecasting and variance analysis with the support of the Catering Financial Manager. Prepare and present financial and operational proposals to Brighton College and internal leadership teams.
- Data, Insight & Reporting: Use data to drive decision‐making and performance improvement. Translate complex financial and operational data into meaningful insight. Ensure clear, accurate and trusted reporting.
- People Leadership & Organisation: Ensure the operation is correctly structured with the right capability in the right roles. Coach and support senior leaders including the Head of Catering Operations, Deputy Head of Catering. Build a culture of accountability, pride and continuous improvement.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: Build trusted relationships with Brighton College senior leadership. Act as a senior ambassador for Lodestone House and Compass Group.
- Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and people policies.
Working Pattern
This is a demanding senior leadership role within an extremely busy operation. While predominantly Monday to Friday, evening and weekend working will be required to support key operational and hospitality activity.
Why Join Lodestone House
This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the highest level within independent education catering. We believe in recognising and rewarding your contribution. Our comprehensive benefits package includes (but is not limited to):
- Working for the UK's leading foodservice organisation with global reach.
- The ability to shape and influence strategy within a flagship independent school account.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
- Digital GP access and healthcare support for you and your immediate family.
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more.
- Grocery discounts with major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets.
- Cashback rewards on a wide range of brands.
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
- Share your discounts with family and friends.
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience within catering, hospitality or foodservice.
- Proven financial and commercial accountability.
- Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills.
- Experience leading complex, high‐profile operations.
- Highly organised, solution‐focused and resilient.
Desirable:
- Independent education experience.
- Project or change management experience.
- Degree qualified or equivalent.
- Chef or operational food background.
Director Of Catering NEW Lodestone House Posted today £72,000 per year Brighton Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Lodestone House offers an exceptional working environment at Brighton College, one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools, where you can lead and innovate in a dynamic catering and hospitality setting. With a strong focus on employee growth through comprehensive career development programmes, a generous benefits package including healthcare support and exclusive discounts, and a culture that values high standards and sustainability, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Of Catering NEW Lodestone House Posted today £72,000 per year Brighton Operations
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Of Catering NEW Lodestone House Posted today £72,000 per year Brighton Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
