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- Tasks: Lead and innovate catering services at one of the UK's top independent schools.
- Company: Brighton College, a prestigious institution known for excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences through exceptional food and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills 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 Food Services 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 Food Services in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering and hospitality industry, especially those connected to Brighton College. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous successes in catering operations and strategic leadership. Use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved service quality or driven financial performance. This will make you stand out when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or recruiters, be ready to articulate your vision for catering and hospitality at Brighton College. Make sure you can clearly explain how your experience aligns with their goals and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Brighton College community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Food Services in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your experience aligns with our needs. Highlighting relevant skills will make your application stand out!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! We love it when candidates tailor their applications to fit the role. Use keywords from the job description and showcase your achievements that relate directly to the Director of Catering position. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Avoid fluff – we want to know what makes you the best fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Catering Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the catering strategy of Brighton College. Understand their vision and how they align with operational excellence. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious goals and enhance their reputation for high-quality service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Food Services, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, or implemented strategic changes. Highlight your ability to inspire and guide others in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Financial Acumen
Financial accountability is key in this role. Brush up on your financial reporting skills and be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasted financial performance, and used data to drive decisions. Show them you can handle the financial complexities of a large-scale catering operation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in catering operations. Think about potential challenges you might face, such as managing dietary restrictions or ensuring service quality during peak times. Prepare structured responses that showcase your strategic thinking and operational planning abilities.