Director of Catering (Strategy & Operations)Brighton College & Brighton College Prep HandcrossJob Title: Director of Catering (Strategy & Operations) – Brighton College Group Responsible To: Director of Operations / Regional Manager– Lodestone HouseLocation: Based at Brighton College, supporting Brighton College, Brighton CollegePrep Handcross and any other associated Brighton College Schools as required.Work Level: Senior Leadership / Strategic Account LevelWorking Hours: 40 hours, 5 days over 7Salary: Up to £72,000Annual Leave Entitlement: 25 days Bank HolidaysContract: Permanent Role Context Lodestone House operates the catering and hospitality services at Brighton College,one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools and named School of theDecade. Brighton College continues to expand its operations both within the UK andinternationally and represents a complex, high-profile and fast-paced catering andhospitality environment.This newly created senior leadership role oversees all catering and hospitalityoperations and works in close partnership with the Head of Catering Operations(Brighton College). The role exists to provide strategic direction, operational structure,commercial grip and senior leadership across the Brighton College and BrightonCollege Prep Handcross catering and hospitality operation, with the potential forfurther growth in the future. Brighton College & Brighton College HandcrossBrighton College is one of the UK's most prestigious and forward-thinking independentschools and has been recognised nationally as School of the Decade. Founded in 1845,the College has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care,innovation and an unapologetically ambitious approach to education.The College educates pupils from ages 3 to 18 and operates as a large, dynamiccommunity, combining day and boarding provision. It has consistently ranked at thetop of national league tables and is widely regarded as a benchmark for best practiceacross the independent education sector.InternalBrighton College Prep Handcross educates pupils from nursery through to 13, with astrong emphasis on academic foundations, pastoral care and preparing pupils forprogression into senior independent education, including Brighton College.Catering and hospitality are viewed as core to the pupil and staff experience, not simplya support function. Food quality, service standards, nutrition, sustainability andoperational reliability are all critical to the College's daily life and reputation.The catering operation supports:A large day and boarding pupil population across multiple age groups in centralBrighton and a Prep boarding school, based in HandcrossHigh-volume daily breakfast, lunch and supper services with over 3,000 mealsserved per day across the group including customers with complex allergen andintolerance needsExtensive hospitality provision including:• Formal dinners and receptions• Sporting and cultural events• Parent, alumni and donor events• Conferences, summer schools and commercial lettings• A busy calendar of evening and weekend activityThe operation is characterised by:• High service expectations• A strong focus on food quality, nutrition and sustainability• Significant logistical complexity• A requirement for absolute reliability alongside innovation and evolution Overall Purpose of the RoleTo provide strategic, operational and commercial leadership across the BrightonCollege (which includes Brighton College and Brighton College Prep Handcross)catering and hospitality operation, ensuring delivery of a seamless, best-in-classservice that reflects the College's ambition, reputation and uncompromisingstandards.The role will set the strategic direction of catering and hospitality, lead and managecomplex catering projects, introduce and refine structure and process, support andenable the Head of Catering Operations to deliver day-to-day excellence, and be fullyaccountable for financial performance, and senior stakeholder reporting.Internal Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Direction.Set and drive the strategic direction for catering and hospitality across Brighton College.Translate Brighton College's vision and values into a clear catering and hospitality strategy.Act as a senior strategic advisor to Brighton College leadership.Ensure alignment between Brighton College expectations and Lodestone House / Compass Group frameworks.Operational ExcellenceOversee all catering and hospitality operations across Brighton College and Brighton College Prep Handcross.Introduce clarity, structure and rhythm into operational planning.Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, service and customer experience.Project Leadership & Change Management.Lead major catering and hospitality projects including service redesign, process implementation and offer evolution.Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, with minimal operational disruption and within the agreed budget.Establish clear project ownership, governance and delivery plans.Manage risk, dependencies and stakeholder expectations throughout delivery.Translate strategic intent into practical, deliverable outcomes.Financial Accountability & Commercial Performance.Full accountability for contract financial performance.Lead monthly financial reporting, forecasting and variance analysis with the support of the Catering Financial Manager.Prepare and present financial and operational proposals to Brighton College and internal leadership teams.Data, Insight & ReportingUse data to drive decision-making and performance improvementTranslate complex financial and operational data into meaningful insightEnsure clear, accurate and trusted reportingPeople Leadership & OrganisationEnsure the operation is correctly structured with the right capability in the right rolesCoach and support senior leaders including the Head of Catering Operations, Deputy Head of CateringBuild a culture of accountability, pride and continuous improvementClient & Stakeholder ManagementBuild trusted relationships with Brighton College senior leadershipAct as a senior ambassador for Lodestone House and Compass Group Health, Safety & ComplianceEnsure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and people policies Working PatternThis is a demanding senior leadership role within an extremely busy operation. Whilepredominantly Monday to Friday, evening and weekend working will be required tosupport key operational and hospitality activity. Why Join Lodestone HouseThis role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the highest level within independenteducation catering. We believe in recognising and rewarding your contribution. Ourcomprehensive benefits package includes (but is not limited to):Benefits include:Working for the UK's leading foodservice organisation with global reach.The ability to shape and influence strategy within a flagship independent school account.Contributory pension scheme.Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.Digital GP access and healthcare support for you and your immediate family.Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more.Grocery discounts with major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.Up to 44% off cinema ticketsCashback rewards on a wide range of brandsFree wellness, mindfulness and exercise classesShare your discounts with family and friends25 Days Annual Leave Bank HolidaysPerson SpecificationEssential:• Senior leadership experience within catering, hospitality or foodservice• Proven financial and commercial accountability• Strong stakeholder management and presentation skills• Experience leading complex, high-profile operations• Highly organised, solution-focused and resilientDesirable:• Independent education experience• Project or change management experience• Degree qualified or equivalent• Chef or operational food background