At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the School of Hospitality, focusing on student success and innovative teaching.
- Company: Join LCCA, a modern institution dedicated to empowering diverse learners.
- Benefits: Shape the future of education with a dynamic team and impactful outcomes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to inclusivity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while driving academic excellence.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree and significant experience in academic leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About LCCA
London College of Contemporary Art (LCCA) is a modern, student‑centred institution committed to widening participation and empowering learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic and professional ambitions. As part of Global University Systems – a large, international education provider – we are proud to be embedded within a global network that delivers high‑quality, accessible education at scale. Our programmes are future‑focused, combining applied learning with innovative, industry‑relevant curricula and state‑of‑the‑art delivery to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
The Role
As Academic Dean – School of Hospitality, you will provide strategic leadership of a high‑performing and evolving School, placing student experience and student success at the heart of all decision‑making. You will lead a diverse academic community across multiple disciplines and levels of study, operating within a fast‑paced, highly regulated environment. Using data‑driven decision‑making, you will deliver continuous improvements in academic quality, operational performance, and student outcomes, including continuation, completion, and progression. As a senior leader, you will contribute to the wider executive team, leading through complexity, driving transformation, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Delivery
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for the School, ensuring sustainability, scalability and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Translate strategy into clear and deliverable operational plans across the programme portfolio.
- Lead the School through growth, transformation and organisational change.
- Student Experience, Teaching & Pedagogy
- Place student experience at the centre of all strategic and operational decisions.
- Lead the development of inclusive, accessible, and high‑impact teaching and learning approaches suited to a widening participation student body.
- Drive improvements in engagement, retention, attainment, and progression, including targeted action to close awarding gaps.
- Ensure teaching practices are innovative, applied and aligned with employability outcomes.
- Data, Performance & Quality
- Take accountability for School performance against KPIs, using robust data analysis to inform decisions.
- Embed a culture of data literacy and evidence‑based improvement across academic teams.
- Oversee academic governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
- Leadership, People & Culture
- Lead, develop and inspire a diverse academic workforce, fostering an inclusive and high‑performance culture.
- Build leadership capability across Associate Deans and Course Directors to ensure consistent delivery.
- Manage performance effectively and support staff development in a complex environment.
- Partnerships & External Engagement
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, awarding bodies and industry.
- Represent the School and College externally to enhance profile, reputation and growth opportunities.
About You
Essential Qualifications & Skills
- Master’s degree or relevant professional qualifications.
- Recognised teaching qualification.
- Significant experience in senior academic leadership within higher education, in a widening participation context.
- Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in student outcomes and academic performance.
- Strong expertise in data‑driven performance management and strategic planning.
- Deep understanding of pedagogy within a widening participation context.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable
- Doctorate in a relevant discipline.
- Experience of partnership or franchise delivery models.
Experience
- Experience leading academic teams within complex and fast‑paced organisational environments.
- Track record of delivering improvements in continuation, completion, and student satisfaction.
- Strong knowledge of UK higher education regulatory and quality frameworks.
- Experience driving innovation in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Hospitality education within a growing, forward‑thinking institution. You will lead a dynamic School, influence strategy at senior level, and play a key role in delivering exceptional outcomes for a diverse and ambitious student community.
Our Approach
We are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of our student population, striving to increase representation across age, disability, gender identity and expression, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, and socio‑economic background. We are also committed to providing adjustments to those who may require support with the recruitment process.
Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK. We are not a licensed sponsor.
Academic Dean – School of Hospitality in London employer: London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA)
LCCA is an exceptional employer that prioritises student success and fosters a vibrant, inclusive work culture. As part of a large international education provider, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and the chance to lead transformative initiatives in hospitality education. Located in London, our institution offers a dynamic environment where innovative teaching practices thrive, ensuring that staff can make a meaningful impact on a diverse student body.
Contact Details:
London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academic Dean – School of Hospitality in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA). It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA)
Don't be shy about reaching out to London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Academic Dean – School of Hospitality in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA)
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
