The Head of Food & Beverage will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality at Delapré Abbey, ensuring that our catering offer reflects the ambitions of the charity. This senior role leads on the vision, strategy, and delivery of all F&B operations across the site, driving quality, profitability, and innovation. Our food and beverage offer is central to the trusts mission, enhancing the visitor experience, driving income to support our charitable work, and creating opportunities for innovation in catering and events.
You will:
* Develop and deliver the long-term vision for catering at Delapré Abbey, aligning with our commercial and community goals.
* Lead the food and beverage strategy for the redevelopment of the Stables
* Expand our outdoor and parkland food and drink provision, developing pop-ups, seasonal offers, and mobile catering that maximise use of the Abbey's unique setting.
* Oversee the Abbey's existing catering outlets and events, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, profitable services.
* Build and nurture supplier, partner, and client relationships to create exciting, future-facing offers and expand commercial opportunities.
* Inspire and develop the F&B team, with a culture of creativity, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
* Oversee the day-to-day management of all F&B operations, including the Orangery Café, Hibiscus Fine Dining, weddings, private hire, and corporate catering.
* Maintain consistently high standards of service, presentation, and product across all outlets.
* Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, delivering profitability and value.
* Implement strong systems for stock, supply chain, and cost control.
* Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, licensing, and environmental regulations.
* Recruit, train, and retain staff to build a resilient and skilled workforce.
* Create opportunities for staff development, apprenticeships, and volunteering in hospitality.
* Embed sustainability in all F&B operations, reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and promoting healthy choices.
* Keep abreast of industry trends, visitor expectations, and innovation in heritage catering.
You will be a commercially-minded hospitality professional with a passion for food, drink, and service. You will bring:
* Proven experience in managing multi-outlet hospitality operations.
* Strong financial management skills, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets.
* A passion for developing talent and creating a supportive working environment.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* Creativity in menu development and service innovation.
* A strong understanding of health & safety, food hygiene, and licensing regulations.
* Experience in events catering is desirable.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £36,000.00-£38,000.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* Please explain why this role interests you?
* How many years managerial F&B experience do you have?
Work Location: In person