- Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 (depending on experience)
-
Full-time 40 hours per week (annualised)
-
Permanent all year round contract
-
Start date: 01/01/2027 or ASAP (The successful candidate will benefit from a comprehensive handover with the current postholder, who remains in post until March 2027).
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of the leading independent co-educational day schools in the North of England, educating more than 2,000 pupils aged 2–18 across a vibrant and ambitious school community.
We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Catering & Hospitality to lead and develop all catering, hospitality and food service operations across the school. This is a significant operational leadership role with responsibility for delivering an exceptional food and hospitality experience for pupils, colleagues, parents and visitors.
Leading a team of approximately 29 colleagues across three kitchens and service areas, you will oversee a large and diverse catering operation serving between 2,000 and 3,000 meals each day. Alongside this, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality hospitality for a wide range of school events including productions, sporting fixtures, conferences, open events, parent functions and commercial lettings, ensuring every experience reflects the high standards and reputation of GSAL. It is essential that the postholder is able to work flexibly throughout the week and year and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, in order to respond to the operational needs of the school.
This role requires a visible, hands-on and strategically minded leader who combines excellent operational management with a passion for outstanding food, exceptional customer service and continuous improvement. You will take overall responsibility for the financial performance of the department, menu development, procurement, food safety, health and safety, allergen management, compliance and the leadership and development of a large catering and hospitality team.
The successful candidate will have significant leadership experience within a large-scale catering or hospitality environment, with a proven track record of managing high-volume operations, leading large teams and delivering excellent customer experiences. You will be commercially aware, highly organised and confident building positive relationships with colleagues, pupils, parents and external stakeholders. A commitment to innovation, high standards and creating a positive team culture will be essential.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of catering and hospitality at one of the UK's leading independent schools, making a significant contribution to the daily experience of our school community whilst supporting the school's wider commercial activities and long-term ambitions.
Why GSAL?
GSAL is a warm, friendly and values-led community where colleagues feel supported, trusted and encouraged to make a real difference.
Food and hospitality are at the heart of school life, and we are committed to providing an exceptional dining and hospitality experience that reflects the quality and ambition of our school.
We're proud to be:
The Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2026
Mental Health in Schools Award 2026
Investors in Diversity Silver Award 2026
North Independent School of the Year 2024
Independent School of the Decade 2021
Most of all, we're proud of the colleagues whose expertise, commitment and professionalism help create an outstanding experience for our pupils, families and visitors every day.
Benefits
We value our team and offer a generous package to support your wellbeing:
-
25 days annual leave + bank holidays + additional Christmas closure days (usually an extra 3 days)
-
Option to buy up to 10 additional annual leave days
-
Aviva pension with up to 10% employer contribution
-
Training and CPD, including 5+ INSET days
-
Free private GP appointments via Health Hero
-
Access to Perkbox (EAP), including counselling, legal and financial advice
-
Onsite gym, swimming pool and free fitness classes including boot camp, spin and Pilates
-
Beautiful 130-acre green site for walking and wellbeing
-
Free onsite parking
-
Great-value £2.40 colleague lunches plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate
-
Discounts through Perkbox, Blue Light Card, Discounts for Teachers and Extras
-
Generous leave of absence and family-friendly policies
-
Opportunities to contribute to wider school life, events and colleague initiatives
-
A great culture and supportive Senior Leadership Team
How to apply
If this role sounds like a good fit for you, we'd love to receive your application.
Please complete the online GSAL application form on our website. For any enquiries, contact [email protected]. Further information and the full job description and person specification can be found in the attached recruitment brochure.
Closing date: 9am Friday 11 September
Interview date: w/c 21 September (TBC)
