Contract Manager - Independent Schools

About the role

Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.
Contract Manager Independent Schools
Location:
George Watsons College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG
Full Time 40 Hours per Week (5 over 7)
Salary: Up to £58,000 per annum + £1,300 Flexible Benefits Fund
Lead a flagship independent school partnership in one of Edinburghs most prestigious educational environments.
We are looking for an inspiring senior operator and people leader to lead our multi-service operation at George Watsons College - a flagship independent school partnership where hospitality, dining, retail, events, and service excellence are central to the customer experience.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious hospitality or contract catering professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys building high-performing teams, strong client relationships, and commercially successful operations.
Leading a diverse multi-service operation spanning hospitality, dining, retail, events, and support services, youll play a key leadership role in shaping the future of the partnership driving standards, innovation, engagement, and operational performance across a large and dynamic environment.
Joining during a significant mobilisation and development phase, youll have the opportunity to make a visible impact from day one, influencing service delivery, team culture, customer experience, and long-term growth.
What Youll Be Doing
Leading a large, multi-functional team across hospitality, catering, retail, and support services
Driving a positive, high-performance culture through strong leadership, coaching, and team development
Building trusted relationships with senior school stakeholders and acting as a strategic operational partner
Delivering exceptional dining, hospitality, and customer experiences for pupils, staff, parents, and guests
Taking ownership of financial performance, including budgets, labour management, retail growth, and profitability
Supporting and leading mobilisation activity to ensure a smooth and successful transition
Identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery, increase engagement, and introduce innovative ideas across the operation
Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, compliance, health & safety, and operational excellence
Working collaboratively with the Cleaning Manager to deliver a seamless, integrated service across the campus
What Were Looking For
Wed love to hear from candidates who bring:
Senior leadership experience within contract catering, hospitality, hotels, or multi-service environments
Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving financial performance
Experience leading large teams within fast-paced customer-focused operations
A passion for hospitality, service excellence, and creating positive customer experiences
The confidence to build strong client relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
A proactive and solutions-focused leadership style
Experience within education or independent schools would be advantageous, but is not essential
Mobilisation or transformational project experience would also be beneficial
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success will be measured by your ability to:
Build a highly engaged, high-performing team culture across the operation
Deliver exceptional hospitality, dining, and retail experiences that enhance the reputation of the school partnership
Develop strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across George Watsons College
Drive commercial performance through innovation, customer engagement, and retail growth
Lead a successful mobilisation and create strong operational foundations for long-term success
Continuously improve service standards, team capability, and customer satisfaction across the operation
Create an environment where people feel motivated, supported, and proud of the service they deliver
This role will suit a visible, hands-on leader who enjoys creating high-performing teams, building strong partnerships, and delivering operational excellence within a premium customer-focused environment.
Why Join Sodexo?
At Sodexo, youll be part of something bigger - joining a business that values innovation, development, and people-first leadership.
This role offers the opportunity to:
Lead a prestigious and highly visible independent school partnership
Shape the future of a growing multi-service operation
Work within a premium hospitality-focused environment
Develop your career within a global organisation with genuine progression opportunities
Join a supportive and collaborative culture where your ideas and leadership can make a real impact
Alongside a competitive salary, we also offer a strong benefits package, development opportunities, and the chance to build a long-term career with Sodexo.
Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. xwzovoh
Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)