Role Introduction

Eton College is seeking an experienced and dynamic Assistant Catering and Hospitality Director to lead the delivery of outstanding catering services across our boarding houses and associated facilities, including College Hall and TAP. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in one of the UK’s most prestigious educational institutions.

About the Role

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic development of catering services within the College’s 25 boarding houses. Working closely with the Catering and Hospitality Director and the wider senior catering team, you will ensure our pupils and staff enjoy a high-quality, customer-focused service that is efficient, compliant, and commercially aware.

From overseeing food service operations and health and safety compliance to managing staff, budgets, and events, this is a varied and rewarding position ideal for a capable leader with a passion for service excellence.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Lead the catering operations across all boarding houses, ensuring high standards in food quality, service, hygiene, and safety.
• Support the development and implementation of catering strategy.
• Manage, train, and motivate a large team of catering staff across multiple sites.
• Oversee budgets, food ordering, and financial reporting for boarding house catering.
• Deliver excellent hospitality for school events, formal dinners, and VIP functions.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders including House Masters, Dames, and the Provost’s Office to support College life.
• Drive continuous improvement based on student feedback and operational reviews

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

About You

We are looking for an experienced catering professional with:

• A strong background in multi-site catering or hospitality management.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing large teams.
• Excellent financial and administrative skills, including budgeting and reporting.
• The ability to balance operational delivery with strategic thinking.
• A calm, professional manner with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for delivering high standards in food, service, and customer care.

Desirable Qualifications:

• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Catering or Hospitality Management
• HND or Degree in Hospitality or a related field

Working Pattern

• Your working hours will be based on 8am to 5pm with 1 hour for lunch but this must be taken as purely indicative.  Due to the nature of the role, weekend and evening working will be required, particularly during term periods. 
• You will be working 52 weeks per year.
• You will be entitled to 30 days of holiday.

Why Join Eton?

At Eton College, you will join a dedicated and professional team delivering a crucial service in a unique and rewarding environment. We offer:

• A supportive, close-knit community
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Excellent facilities and resources
• A commitment to diversity, safeguarding, and staff wellbeing

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College