At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in food and drink education, shaping curriculum and commercial activities.
- Company: Plumpton College, a top provider of land, food, and environmental education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days leave, pension scheme, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on professional development and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of food and drink education and industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in food and drink, with strong communication and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Closing date: 11/05/2026
Assessment Centre: 18/05/2026
Plumpton College is a leading provider of land, food and environmental education in the UK, set within the inspiring landscape of the South Downs National Park. We deliver high-quality vocational and academic programmes from Entry Level through to Master's degrees across nineteen specialist subject areas, including agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, horticulture, equine studies, wine, food and drink, and environmental studies. Our work is guided by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive and Enterprising — which shape our culture, our expectations, and our commitment to educational excellence.
We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience. We are now seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking leader to take on the pivotal role of Director of Food and Drink. This newly created, senior and highly influential post offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction, growth and long‑term sustainability of one of the College’s most dynamic, industry‑facing and commercially engaged divisions.
As Director of Food and Drink, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across both curriculum delivery and commercial activity, ensuring our provision remains sector‑leading, future‑focused and closely aligned to industry needs. You will play a key role in shaping education and training for the food and drink sector at local, regional and national levels. You will also have oversight of key commercial enterprises, including the vineyard, winery, bakery and butchery operations, driving performance, innovation and engagement. In addition, you will identify and develop new areas of education provision and commercial opportunity, ensuring the division continues to grow, diversify and respond to emerging market.
In This Role, You Will:
- Set and deliver a clear three‑year strategic vision for Food and Drink, informed by labour market intelligence, sector trends and national priorities.
- Build and sustain strong partnerships with employers, industry bodies and key stakeholders, enhancing Plumpton College’s reputation as a centre of excellence.
- Lead, inspire and develop managers and teams, fostering a high‑performance culture and building leadership capability across the division.
- Ensure outstanding teaching, learning and assessment, championing innovation, learner engagement and high‑quality progression outcomes.
- Oversee curriculum and commercial activity, ensuring sustainable growth, effective use of specialist resources, and delivery against performance targets.
- Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement, using data, learner feedback and evaluation to maintain consistently high standards.
- Work strategically with Commercial, Marketing and operational teams to deliver high‑quality applied learner experiences and commercial outcomes.
- Contribute to wider College leadership, including governance, strategic development, recruitment and external engagement.
This is a strategic leadership role with significant scope to influence the future of food and drink education and skills development across the sector.
About You:
- Proven leadership and management experience, with the ability to inspire teams, develop managers and drive sustained improvement.
- A track record of leading change, raising standards and delivering strong learner outcomes and performance.
- Relevant academic or professional qualifications in Food and Drink or a related discipline, alongside teaching and/or assessing experience.
- Strong sector knowledge and industry insight within food and drink.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships and work collaboratively.
- Strategic thinking, strong organisational skills and a commitment to continuous professional development.
You’ll benefit from:
We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high‑quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment. New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported six‑month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in‑house Level 5 trained coaches. Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non‑discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis. Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Apply now to lead a flagship Food and Drink division and make a lasting impact on learners, industry and the wider sector.
Director of Food and Drink Curriculum in Lewes employer: onlyFE
Plumpton College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and innovation within the picturesque South Downs National Park. As a leader in land, food, and environmental education, we provide our staff with generous benefits, including a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to high-quality CPD opportunities, all while fostering an inclusive environment that champions wellbeing and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Food and Drink Curriculum in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the food and drink sector, the better your chances of landing that Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your achievements and vision for the Food and Drink curriculum. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your leadership style aligns with Plumpton College's values and mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Plumpton College community and contributing to its success.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Food and Drink Curriculum in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food and drink education shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about shaping the future of this sector and how that aligns with our values at Plumpton College.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant leadership and management experience in your application. We’re looking for someone who can inspire teams and drive improvement, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Be Strategic:In your written application, demonstrate your strategic thinking skills. Outline how you would set a clear vision for the Food and Drink division and how you plan to respond to industry trends and market needs.
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your application well. Don’t forget to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the food and drink sector, including current trends and challenges. Brush up on your knowledge about Plumpton College's offerings and how they align with industry needs. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to inspire and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, driven change, and improved outcomes. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the college's values of being professional, ambitious, and supportive.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Think about the strategic vision you would set for the Food and Drink division. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on curriculum development, partnerships with industry, and how to ensure high-quality learner experiences. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach and commitment to the college's mission.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the college. Ask about their future plans for the Food and Drink division, how they measure success, and what challenges they foresee. This will help you gauge if it's the right fit for you too.
