Contract Director - Barnes

Gbs Uk; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom seeks a high-profile leader for its catering and hospitality vision. This role involves inspiring a team of over 40, ensuring outstanding food service for 1,500 pupils and staff. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, financial management, and the development of innovative food concepts. Exceptional communication skills and a passion for food are essential. Competitive benefits include a contributory pension scheme and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cashback rewards

Wellness classes

27 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Ability to balance long‑term vision and daily operational delivery.
• Experience managing substantial budgets.
• Genuine passion for food and service.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Resilience in a fast‑paced community setting.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop a diverse team to deliver outstanding service.
• Build a strategic relationship with school leadership.
• Achieve financial targets and ensure operational success.
• Collaborate on innovative food concepts for pupils.
• Recruit and mentor talented individuals.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and safety.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Financial acumen

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Job description

Overview

The Role is a high‑profile leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering the full catering and hospitality vision at one of the country’s most esteemed schools for boys. You’ll lead a diverse team of over 40 colleagues to deliver best‑in‑class service across breakfast, lunch, supper, grab‑and‑go, match teas, packed meals, and an extensive hospitality programme including formal dinners, parent events, celebrations, and academic gatherings.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership – Inspire and develop a team of managers to deliver an exceptional food and service experience aligned to St Paul's School’s culture and values.
• Client Partnership – Build a strong strategic relationship with school leadership, acting as a trusted partner in enhancing the food and hospitality offer for over 1,500 pupils and staff.
• Commercial Excellence – Achieve financial targets, identify opportunities for efficiency and growth, and ensure both operational and commercial success across the contract.
• Innovation & Engagement – Collaborate with culinary and marketing teams to design nutritious, engaging, and age‑appropriate food concepts; drive pupil voice and engagement through tasting sessions, focus groups, and student committees.
• People Development – Recruit, mentor, and develop talented individuals, building a robust succession plan and embedding a culture of pride, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence – Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, service, compliance, health & safety, and environmental practice, ensuring every service reflects the school’s high expectations.

About You

• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance long‑term vision and daily operational delivery.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing substantial budgets.
• A genuine passion for food, service, and creating memorable experiences.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, community‑focused setting.

Benefits

We recognise and reward the vital contribution you bring. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through structured 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 tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Share your discounts with family and friends
• 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!