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- Tasks: Lead and innovate hospitality services in a historic Oxford college.
- Company: Join New College, one of Oxford's oldest and most prestigious institutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape exceptional experiences while preserving rich traditions in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in hospitality or equivalent experience; strong leadership and management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
New College seeks to appoint a highly experienced Hospitality Director to shape and lead hospitality within one of Oxford's most historic colleges, delivering exceptional experiences in a unique academic setting. The Hospitality Director will be supported by Heads of Department including a Conference and Events Manager, Executive Chef, Head Butler, Front of House Manager and Bar Manager as well as two Hospitality Administrators.
The College, founded in 1379, is among the oldest and largest colleges of the University of Oxford. The colleges are independent, self-governing institutions that serve not only as academic bodies but also as social and residential communities for their students. New College is currently home to approximately 440 undergraduate and 350 graduate students, who collectively pursue a broad range of subjects offered by the University.
The Hospitality Director is a senior leadership appointment, requiring substantial experience in strategic management and a proven track record of overseeing complex hospitality operations. The role encompasses responsibility for all aspects of the College's hospitality provision, including formal dining, conference and events services, catering, and front-of-house delivery. The postholder will be accountable for maintaining exceptional service standards that uphold the College's heritage, while also driving innovation, operational efficiency, and commercial sustainability.
Main ResponsibilitiesThe Hospitality Director will provide strategic leadership and direction to a diverse, highly skilled team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous development. The role carries full financial accountability for the department, including rigorous budgetary management, the identification and optimisation of income-generating opportunities within the context of an Oxford college, and the assurance that all procurement activities are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Professional qualification to degree level in a relevant hospitality subject or equivalent worked experience.
- Significant senior management experience in hospitality, hotels, or institutional catering.
- Proven track record of delivering high-end events and dining experiences.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
Desirable
- Membership of a relevant professional association (CMI, MIH, CGC) etc.
- Experience within a collegiate university, heritage venue, or similar environment.
- Knowledge of Oxford college dining traditions and formal service.
- Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., hospitality management, catering, or business).
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker combined with a strong operational focus.
- Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to service quality.
- Ability to balance tradition with a forward-looking innovative approach.
- Calm under pressure, with well-developed problem-solving skills.
Benefits: 30 days annual leave, plus.
Hospitality Director in Oxford employer: New College Oxford
Contact Detail:
New College Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality Director in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in academic settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's history and its hospitality services. Show us that you understand their unique culture and how you can enhance it with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how your past experiences align with the college's goals. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospitality Director in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you dive into your application, make sure you’ve got a solid grasp of the role and its requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in hospitality management and any standout achievements that align with what New College is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every job. Customise yours to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Hospitality Director position. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for hospitality and how you can contribute to the unique environment at New College. Make it personal and engaging – we want to see your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready to submit your application, do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New College Oxford
✨Know Your Hospitality Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hospitality management, especially in a collegiate or heritage setting. Familiarise yourself with the unique dining traditions and service standards expected at an Oxford college, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams, driven innovation, or improved service quality. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can foster a culture of excellence within the team you'll be leading.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
Since the role involves full financial accountability, be ready to talk about your experience with budget management and income generation. Bring examples of how you've optimised resources or increased profitability in past roles, as this will highlight your commercial awareness.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Outstanding communication is crucial for this position. Prepare to articulate your vision for the hospitality department clearly and confidently. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as approachable and engaging.