Contract Manager - Independent Schools

Location: George Watson’s College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG

Full Time – 40 Hours per Week (5 over 7)

Salary: Up to £58,000 per annum + £1,300 Flexible Benefits Fund

Overview

Lead a flagship independent school partnership in one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious educational environments. We are looking for an inspiring senior operator and people leader to lead our multi‑service operation at George Watson’s College—a flagship independent school partnership where hospitality, dining, retail, events, and service excellence are central to the customer experience. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious hospitality or contract‑catering professional who thrives in fast‑paced environments and enjoys building high‑performing teams, strong client relationships, and commercially successful operations.

Leading a diverse multi‑service operation spanning hospitality, dining, retail, events, and support services, you’ll play a key leadership role in shaping the future of the partnership – driving standards, innovation, engagement, and operational performance across a large and dynamic environment. Joining during a significant mobilisation and development phase, you’ll have the opportunity to make a visible impact from day one, influencing service delivery, team culture, customer experience, and long‑term growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading a large, multi‑functional team across hospitality, catering, retail, and support services
• Driving a positive, high‑performance culture through strong leadership, coaching, and team development
• Building trusted relationships with senior school stakeholders and acting as a strategic operational partner
• Delivering exceptional dining, hospitality, and customer experiences for pupils, staff, parents, and guests
• Taking ownership of financial performance, including budgets, labour management, retail growth, and profitability
• Supporting and leading mobilisation activity to ensure a smooth and successful transition
• Identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery, increase engagement, and introduce innovative ideas across the operation
• Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, compliance, health & safety, and operational excellence
• Working collaboratively with the Cleaning Manager to deliver a seamless, integrated service across the campus

What We’re Looking For

We’d love to hear from candidates who bring:

• Senior leadership experience within contract catering, hospitality, hotels, or multi‑service environments
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving financial performance
• Experience leading large teams within fast‑paced customer‑focused operations
• A passion for hospitality, service excellence, and creating positive customer experiences
• The confidence to build strong client relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
• A proactive and solutions‑focused leadership style
• Experience within education or independent schools would be advantageous, but is not essential
• Mobilisation or transformational project experience would also be beneficial

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success will be measured by your ability to:

• Build a highly engaged, high‑performing team culture across the operation
• Deliver exceptional hospitality, dining, and retail experiences that enhance the reputation of the school partnership
• Develop strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across George Watson’s College
• Drive commercial performance through innovation, customer engagement, and retail growth
• Lead a successful mobilisation and create strong operational foundations for long‑term success
• Continuously improve service standards, team capability, and customer satisfaction across the operation
• Create an environment where people feel motivated, supported, and proud of the service they deliver

This role will suit a visible, hands‑on leader who enjoys creating high‑performing teams, building strong partnerships, and delivering operational excellence within a premium customer‑focused environment.

Why Join Sodexo?

At Sodexo, you’ll be part of something bigger – a business that values innovation, development, and people‑first leadership.

• Lead a prestigious and highly visible independent school partnership
• Shape the future of a growing multi‑service operation
• Work within a premium hospitality‑focused environment
• Develop your career within a global organisation with genuine progression opportunities
• Join a supportive and collaborative culture where your ideas and leadership can make a real impact

Alongside a competitive salary, we also offer a strong benefits package, development opportunities, and the chance to build a long‑term career with Sodexo.

Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).