At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire catering services at two prestigious independent schools.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a top UK contract caterer focused on innovative food services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, enhanced maternity leave, and discounts on brands you love.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on food education and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' culinary experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in catering, strong financial management, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Habs Boys and Habs Girls - two leading independent schools on a fabulous co-educational campus in Hertfordshire, WD6 - UK
Contract Type: 52 working weeks
Salary: £65 - 70,000 per annum
Why Join us?
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development through apprenticeships for all experience levels.
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Catering to lead the catering services at Habs' Girls and Habs' Boys. You will be responsible for strategic leadership, financial management, and the continuous development of exceptional food and hospitality offerings. This role requires strong commercial acumen, inspirational leadership, and a passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences.
Job Description Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategic plans for catering operations aligned with organisational goals.
- Lead and inspire multi-site teams, ensuring high standards of food quality, service, and hygiene.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance across all catering operations.
- Drive innovation in menu planning, sourcing, and sustainability initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, health and safety, and safeguarding policies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
- Champion staff development, training, and wellbeing.
- Accountability for following and championing allergen controls.
Qualifications Candidate Profile:
- Proven leadership experience in a senior catering or hospitality role, ideally in an independent or B&I environment.
- Strong financial management and budget control skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of current trends in food, nutrition, and sustainability.
Additional Information:
We pride ourselves on:
- People first - We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always - Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education - We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do - Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking - New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Director of Catering in Elstree employer: WSH Group
BaxterStorey is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members, offering a range of benefits including 28 days of holiday, enhanced maternity leave, and bespoke training opportunities. Located at Airbus Broughton, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and celebrates diversity, ensuring that every employee can thrive while delivering outstanding hospitality experiences. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your growth is valued and your contributions make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Catering in Elstree
✨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 WSH Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WSH Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to WSH Group 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 Director of Catering in Elstree
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 WSH Group 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 WSH Group
✨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!
