Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 diverse team committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
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 are looking for an experienced leader who thrives at both strategic and operational levels. Ideally, you will 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 will already be operating at a senior level and possess the ability to lead teams through innovation and change.
Key Qualities:
- 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.
Benefits:
- 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
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 UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hospitality and Retail in Penryn
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Falmouth Exeter Plus. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Vision
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to share your strategic vision for hospitality and retail. We want to hear how you plan to enhance the campus experience and drive innovation!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Falmouth Exeter Plus and its partners. Understand their values and challenges, and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in making an impact here.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
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 through change. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams and implemented service improvements in your previous roles. We love seeing real-life stories that reflect your leadership style!
Highlight Financial Acumen: Since this role involves managing a substantial budget, make sure to emphasise your financial planning skills. Talk about your experience with budget management and how you’ve ensured financial viability in past projects. We’re keen to know how you can keep our operations running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a seamless process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Falmouth Exeter Plus!
How to prepare for a job interview at FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY
✨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 making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams through change. Think about times when you’ve implemented service improvements or driven innovation. Be ready to discuss how you can foster inclusivity and sustainability in your approach to managing campus services.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since you'll be handling a substantial budget, brush up on your financial planning skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and how you've ensured financial viability in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to manage resources effectively while delivering exceptional service.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so think about how you've worked with senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've influenced decisions and built relationships across different levels. This will show that you can navigate the complexities of working within a university environment.