Director of Catering and Hospitality (Contract Director)

Job Introduction

As Contract Director you will provide strategic direction in the delivery of catering, hospitality and event services across the prestigious Woldingham School estate, an Independent School in the Surrey countryside. This is an exceptional leadership role and one which will allow you to strategically execute a high-quality offering in an environment focussed on best in class service.

The opportunity will suit an experienced catering and hospitality specialist and provide a valuable opportunity to showcase senior leadership skills, build long term client relationships and develop within a growing business.

Role Responsibility

• Oversee the strategic planning and execution of core student catering, hospitality & events
• Provide innovative consultation and expertise on offer development across catering, hospitality and event services (including a calendar of weddings)
• Develop the business strategy in line with current and emerging client needs.
• Lead, engage and develop the team to ensure we deliver a 5 star service
• Foster long term profitable relationships with the client, driving the current business and developing future opportunities
• Become a recognised leader within the Independents by Sodexo business and respected specialist in specific market sectors and by specific clients
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement of people, systems and processes.
• Support the marketing team in identifying opportunities with other clients to maximise profit and growth.

The Ideal Candidate

• Track record of leadership success in a similar role in a large single site or multi-site role , overseeing the delivery of catering and hospitality services
• Subject matter expertise in high quality hospitality services
• Exceptional leaderships skills and able to manage complex and multiple stakeholder relationships
• Proven experience of developing profitable relationships
• Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times
• Strong communication, high influencing and negotiation skills
• Full P&L performance management
• Passion for food and people
   

Package Description

As part of our commitment to improving the quality of life for our employees, Sodexo offers a Flexible Benefits Scheme, allowing you to tailor a reward package to suit your needs but includes a technology scheme, private dental insurance, travel insurance, gym membership, Gourmet card, private medical insurance and the ability to purchase or sell annual leave. We also have a Sodexo Discount scheme, which offers employees and their friends and family the opportunity to benefit from over 1,200 discounts from top retailers both online and in-store.

Role grade H2 with client bonus and flexible benefits

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to further engage ex-forces personnel and reservists.  Those applying for roles with us who meet the essential criteria advertised under the ‘ideal candidate’ on the vacancy advertised are guaranteed to progress within the selection process.