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- Tasks: Lead and innovate hospitality and retail services on vibrant university campuses.
- Company: Falmouth Exeter Plus, a dynamic service partner for two leading universities.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 28 days holiday, life assurance, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Shape campus experiences and make a lasting impact on student life.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in hospitality or retail with strategic vision and operational expertise.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic and operational leader ready to make a significant impact? You will oversee and shape the future of catering, retail, and front-of-house services across our dynamic university campuses. This newly created, full-time, permanent role reflects the importance of enhancing the campus experience for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Falmouth Exeter Plus is the service delivery partner of Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, delivering shared services and facilities for both partners in Cornwall underpinned by close collaboration with The Students Union.
With direct responsibility for a substantial budget (up to £4.6 million) and leading a team of professionals, you will develop and deliver a visionary strategy that aligns with the needs of our partners. Your leadership will foster vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable campus environments while maintaining financial viability and operational excellence.
We’re looking for an experienced leader who thrives at both strategic and operational levels. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from higher education or the public sector, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional service in hospitality, retail, or similar industries. You’ll already be operating at a senior level and possess the ability to lead teams through innovation and change.
Key qualities we’re seeking include:
- Proven ability to design and implement transformational service change, ensuring innovative and sustainable improvements.
- Significant experience managing retail outlets, food venues, and catering operations.
- A strong strategic vision complemented by a results-driven mindset.
- The ability to collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders and influence at all levels.
- Expertise in business improvement with the ability to lead and implement strategic change initiatives.
- Proficiency in financial planning and managing substantial budgets.
- A commitment to fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and service excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to lead in a collaborative and innovative environment, shaping the way hospitality and retail services enrich campus life for years to come. This senior post is offered on a 37.5 hour a week, full time, permanent contract.
If you are looking to have an informal discussion about the vacancy ahead of applying, please email recruitment@fxplus.ac.uk. The closing date for the position is Tuesday 14 April 2026.
As an employer of choice we can offer the successful candidate for this role a range of benefits, including:
- Employer Pension Contribution up to 10%.
- 28 days + 8 days bank holiday.
- Life Assurance.
- Subsidised Sports Centre Membership (Gym & Fitness Classes).
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay.
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Tusker).
- Salary Sacrifice Cycle Scheme.
- Salary Sacrifice Home & Tech Scheme.
- Vivup Lifestyle Discounts.
Alongside these benefits we offer a first class working environment across our campuses with all the facilities you would expect from working across two leading Universities. Falmouth Exeter Plus welcomes and encourages job applications from people of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those under-represented and/or marginalised, as it is important we have a diverse range of candidates to consider.
Head of Hospitality and Retail in Penryn employer: Falmouth Exeter Plus
Contact Detail:
Falmouth Exeter Plus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hospitality and Retail in Penryn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality and retail sectors, especially those linked to higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in campus hospitality and retail. Show us you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the unique needs of students and staff in a university setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Hospitality and Retail in Penryn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in hospitality and retail. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Hospitality and Retail, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strategic vision and operational expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive change. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed budgets and implemented service improvements. We love seeing real-life impacts!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who can foster a vibrant and inclusive environment, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for enhancing campus life and your commitment to sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Falmouth Exeter Plus
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of hospitality and retail management within a university setting. Familiarise yourself with Falmouth Exeter Plus's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams through change. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your ability to foster collaboration and innovation. This is crucial for a position that requires managing a substantial budget and leading a diverse team.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since you'll be responsible for a significant budget, be ready to talk about your experience with financial planning and budget management. Bring examples of how you've optimised resources or improved financial performance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to maintain financial viability while enhancing service quality.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Sustainability
Falmouth Exeter Plus values inclusivity and sustainability, so come prepared with ideas on how to implement these principles in hospitality and retail services. Share any initiatives you've led that promote these values, as this will resonate well with their commitment to creating vibrant campus environments.