Director of Catering

Title: Director of Catering
Location: Cheltenham College, Cheltenham
Salary: £55,000 per annum + benefits!

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays

• 3 volunteering days

• 3 days' grandparent leave

• 24 weeks' enhanced maternity leave

• Bespoke training and development opportunities

• Pension and life insurance

• Discounts via our Perkbox app (high street shops, holidays, cinema)

• Wellbeing hub

• Access to the employee assistance programme

• Free meals while at work

• Career development opportunities

• HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels

We are delighted to be recruiting a Director of Catering to lead the food and hospitality services across Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Prep School, a prestigious co-educational independent school in the Cotswolds.

This is a five-over-seven operation, but it offers a very sustainable work-life balance - perfect for someone who understands the rhythm of school life and is committed to service excellence throughout the week. We're looking for someone hands-on and strategic who wants to understand the full picture of the operation and use that insight to help shape and grow the offering.

With a strong focus on fresh, seasonal, and modern food concepts, you'll be responsible for leading a talented team, setting a high bar for quality and innovation, and delivering exceptional, nutritious food that excites students, staff, and guests alike.

If you're ready to take a key leadership role in a vibrant and high-profile setting - and help shape the future of education catering we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Director of Catering to join our esteemed organisation in Cheltenham, United Kingdom. As the Director of Catering, you will lead our catering operations, ensuring exceptional culinary experiences for our clients while driving innovation and efficiency in our services.

• Oversee and manage all aspects of catering operations, including menu development, food preparation, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to create well-balanced, nutritious menus that cater to diverse dietary requirements and preferences.
• Prepare and manage the catering budget, ensuring cost-effective operations whilst maintaining high-quality standards.
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with clients, including school bursars, head teachers, and faculty members.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate catering staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and quality control protocols.
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement in menu offerings, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Analyse market trends and customer feedback to continuously enhance our catering services
• Collaborate with other departments to support overall organisational goals and objectives

• Proven experience as a senior Director of Catering or similar role in a high-volume, quality-focused environment
• Excellent leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage, train, and support a diverse team
• Strong financial acumen, including the ability to create and maintain budgets and drive commercial performance
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with a keen eye for detail
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and staff at all levels
• Profound knowledge of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and quality control protocols
• Expertise in menu development, catering to various dietary requirements and current culinary trends
• Proficiency in catering management software and Microsoft Office suite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make decisive actions in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in event planning and execution, particularly in corporate or educational settings
• Ability to adapt to challenges and opportunities with a solution-oriented perspective
• Relevant qualifications in culinary arts, hospitality management, or a related field (desirable)