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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver exceptional food and hospitality experiences at a prestigious school.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the food service industry with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 27 days' leave, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary experience for over 1,500 pupils while making a meaningful impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in hospitality or education, with strong financial acumen.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
St Paul's School for Boys is one of the UK's most renowned independent schools, celebrated for its academic excellence, rich heritage, and commitment to developing well-rounded young men who contribute meaningfully to society. Set on a striking campus in the heart of London, the school blends centuries of tradition with a progressive and ambitious educational approach that prepares pupils for the modern world. Food and hospitality are an integral part of daily life at St Paul's—from providing fresh, nutritious meals for over 1,500 pupils and staff, to delivering hospitality experiences that enhance the school's reputation and community culture.
We are now seeking an outstanding Contract Director to lead this prestigious contract, driving operational excellence, culinary innovation, and a service experience that reflects the school's distinguished identity.
Why Join Us
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through structured 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 across a wide range of brands
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- Share your discounts with family and friends
- 27 days' annual leave + bank holidays
The Role
This is a high-profile leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering the full catering and hospitality vision at one of the country's most esteemed schools for boys. You'll lead a diverse team of over 40 colleagues to deliver best-in‑class service across breakfast, lunch, supper, grab‑and‑go, match teas, packed meals, and an extensive hospitality programme including formal dinners, parent events, celebrations, and academic gatherings.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Inspire and develop a team of managers to deliver an exceptional food and service experience aligned to St Paul's School's culture and values.
- Client Partnership: Build a strong strategic relationship with school leadership, acting as a trusted partner in enhancing the food and hospitality offer for over 1,500 pupils and staff.
- Commercial Excellence: Achieve financial targets, identify opportunities for efficiency and growth, and ensure both operational and commercial success across the contract.
- Innovation & Engagement: Collaborate with culinary and marketing teams to design nutritious, engaging, and age‑appropriate food concepts. Drive pupil voice and engagement through tasting sessions, focus groups, and student committees.
- People Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop talented individuals, building a robust succession plan and embedding a culture of pride, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Operational Excellence: Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, service, compliance, health & safety, and environmental practice, ensuring every service reflects the school's high expectations.
About You
You will bring proven experience leading large, complex teams across multiple sites or within a high‑profile single site, ideally within education, hospitality, or an equivalent environment. Commercially strong and operationally sharp, you will demonstrate:
- A strategic mindset with the ability to balance long‑term vision and daily operational delivery
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing substantial budgets
- A genuine passion for food, service, and creating memorable experiences
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, community‑focused setting
A Unique Opportunity
This is a rare chance to lead a flagship contract within one of the UK's most respected educational environments. By combining your commercial expertise with St Paul's School's mission, heritage, and forward‑thinking vision, you will play a central role in shaping a food and hospitality experience that supports the wellbeing, achievement, and daily life of every pupil.
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
Contract Director - Barnes in City of London employer: Chartwells - Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells - Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Director - Barnes in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and hospitality sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that highlight your leadership and operational skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your culinary passion! If you’ve got innovative ideas for food concepts or service enhancements, share them during interviews. This will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the dining experience at St Paul’s School.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Director - Barnes in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Contract Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and passion for food and hospitality, as these are key to impressing us.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven operational excellence or improved service experiences in previous roles. We love seeing real impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also fits into our culture. Share your passion for education and community engagement to connect with us on a deeper level.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at St Paul’s School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells - Independent
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research St Paul's School and understand its values and culture. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the school community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Contract Director, you'll be leading a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style, how you inspire others, and any innovative strategies you've implemented to enhance service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role requires strong financial management, be ready to discuss your experience with budgets and achieving financial targets. Bring specific examples of how you've identified opportunities for efficiency and growth in previous roles.
✨Engage with Culinary Innovation
Given the emphasis on culinary innovation, think about how you can contribute to creating engaging food concepts. Be prepared to share ideas or experiences related to menu development, student engagement, and how you've previously collaborated with culinary teams.
