Looking for a career shift that offers both prestige and balance? We have an exciting opportunity for a Contract Director role that combines high-profile responsibilities with the flexibility you've been craving. You will join Sodexo and support one of the world’s most elite independent schools, Eton College and the 2012 Olympic rowing venue Dorney Lake. At Independents by Sodexo, we place pupils' health and well-being at the heart of everything we do. We create food that not only nourishes the body but also sharpens the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Our approach is founded on collaboration, driven by our rich heritage and cherished family values, which infuse our experienced team with a naturally entrepreneurial and agile spirit, all while maintaining unwavering consistency. You will have overarching responsibility for leading strategic business planning in agreement with line management and key school stakeholders to ensure this contract always maintains its “best in class” status.You will lead a diverse team of 70 Sodexo colleagues and client staff across Eton College and Dorney Lake in the delivery of a compelling, relevant and appropriately changing fresh food offer in multiple venues in both large and small numbers.To be successful in this role requires more than just managerial skills—it demands analytical acumen and a solid financial background. Attention to detail is non-negotiable, and the ability to cultivate and maintain client relationships is crucial. Thriving in this high-profile setting means confidently holding your ground while fostering connections and trust. Working pattern: The site is open 7 days a week therefore you will be working 5 days per week with a mixture of earlies, evening and weekends. If you're looking for varied and flexible working hours then this is the role for you. Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. This role 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. What you’ll do:Embed the Sodexo ways of working for the Catering team - Focus on Five, Management behaviors, Safety culture, Human Resource managementManage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets.Manage a team to increase the Client and Sodexo's revenue opportunities i.e. commercial opportunities particularly at the Lake , labour efficiency and generate the GOP within retail operations.Supply Chain Management - ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnershipsRecruit, induct and develop talented employees within the team and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.Exceptional management of Food Hygiene, Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation using the Sodexo Safety Management System.For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description What you bring:Essential10 years of experience in hospitality industry within a high quality, high volume, seven-day environment.Strong level of literacy and numeracyExceptional leaderships skills and able to manage complex and multiple stakeholder relationshipsGood communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team playerFlexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service timesStrong ability to increase individuals' effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and trainingExcellent time management and organisational skills Ability to set and maintain high standards consistently A love of great food and great peopleDesirableIntermediate Food Hygiene certificate IOSH Managing SafelyAbility to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approachesPC literateExperience in and/ or knowledge of Independent Schools/Contract Catering sector is EXTREMELY DESIRABLEExperience in events management and conferencingWhat we offer: Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer a competitive salary plus access to a range of benefits including: Performance-related bonusContributory pension scheme23 days holiday – rising to 26 after 3 yearsFlexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise across an array of benefits For more information on all the great benefits Sodexo offer to support you and your loved ones, check out the attached Benefits Guide at the bottom of this advert!
