At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate catering operations at a prestigious independent school.
- Company: Join Lodestone House, part of the UK's leading foodservice organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of catering in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in catering or hospitality is essential.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 72000 £ per year.
Responsible To: Director of Operations / Regional Manager – Lodestone House
Location: Based at Brighton College, supporting Brighton College, Brighton College Prep Handcross and 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. 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.
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.
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 and Brighton College Prep Handcross catering and hospitality operation, ensuring delivery of a seamless, best-in-class service that reflects the College’s ambition, reputation and uncompromising standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Direction: set and drive the strategic direction for catering and hospitality across Brighton College.
- Operational Excellence: oversee all catering and hospitality operations across Brighton College and Brighton College Prep Handcross.
- Project Leadership & Change Management: lead major catering and hospitality projects including service redesign and process implementation.
- Financial Accountability & Commercial Performance: full accountability for contract financial performance.
- Data, Insight & Reporting: use data to drive decision-making and performance improvement.
- People Leadership & Organisation: ensure the operation is correctly structured with the right capability in the right roles.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: build trusted relationships with Brighton College senior leadership.
Working Pattern
This is a demanding senior leadership role within an extremely busy operation. While predominantly Monday to Friday, evening and weekend working will be required to support key operational and hospitality activity.
Why Join Lodestone House
This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the highest level within independent education catering. We believe in recognising and rewarding your contribution.
Benefits Include:
- Working for the UK’s leading foodservice organisation with global reach.
- The ability to shape and influence strategy within a flagship independent school account.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Career development through our Career 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 on a wide range of brands.
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
- Share your discounts with family and friends.
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience within catering, hospitality or foodservice.
- Proven financial and commercial accountability.
- Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills.
- Experience leading complex, high-profile operations.
- Highly organised, solution-focused and resilient.
Desirable:
- Independent education experience.
- Project or change management experience.
- Degree qualified or equivalent.
- Chef or operational food background.
Director Of Catering in Brighton employer: Lodestone House
Brighton College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead catering and hospitality operations within one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools. With a strong focus on employee growth through career development programmes, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to excellence, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and quality service. Enjoy competitive benefits including a contributory pension scheme, healthcare support, and exclusive discounts, all while contributing to a vibrant educational community in the heart of Brighton.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Of Catering in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry, especially those who have ties to Brighton College. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at events! Attend industry conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups related to catering and hospitality. It’s a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Brighton College’s values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their catering operations.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Of Catering in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Catering role. Highlight your senior leadership experience in catering and hospitality, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant financial and commercial accountability you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at Brighton College. Mention your strategic vision and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals in catering and hospitality.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex operations. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved service quality or financial performance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lodestone House
✨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 in the independent education sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Catering, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to build relationships with stakeholders and how you've managed complex operations while maintaining high service standards.
✨Be Financially Savvy
This role requires financial accountability, so brush up on your financial reporting and forecasting skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and how you can ensure the financial performance of the catering operation at Brighton College.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Sustainability
Brighton College values food quality, nutrition, and sustainability. Come armed with ideas on how to innovate their catering services while ensuring sustainability. Discuss any relevant projects you've led that focused on these areas, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.
