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- Tasks: Lead and innovate catering operations at one of the UK's top independent schools.
- Company: Brighton College, a prestigious institution known for academic excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of catering in a vibrant educational setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and hospitality management required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 72000 £ per year.
All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.
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.
Brighton College is one of the UK’s most prestigious and forward-thinking independent schools and has been recognised nationally as School of the Decade. Founded in 1845, the College has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care, innovation and an unapologetically ambitious approach to education. The College educates pupils from ages 3 to 18 and operates as a large, dynamic community, combining day and boarding provision. It has consistently ranked at the top of national league tables and is widely regarded as a benchmark for best practice across the independent education sector.
Brighton College Prep Handcross educates pupils from nursery through to 13+, with a strong emphasis on academic foundations, pastoral care and preparing pupils for progression into senior independent education, including Brighton College.
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.
Director of Apprenticeships in Brighton employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Apprenticeships in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with alumni from your school. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Apprenticeships in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Director of Catering. This will help you tailor your application to show us you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience in catering and hospitality. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements and leadership skills!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for catering and hospitality. Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Brighton College's values and mission. Understand their approach to catering and hospitality, especially how they prioritise food quality and sustainability. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their expectations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Apprenticeships, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your strategic thinking and operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges in catering operations, such as managing dietary restrictions or high-volume service demands, and prepare your strategies for addressing these issues effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of the catering services at Brighton College or how they measure success in their hospitality operations. This shows your genuine interest and strategic mindset.