Head of Hospitality

A defining leadership opportunity at a proven cultural institution.

'Everything seemed to go so smoothly from the initial welcome, throughout the meal service and the tours of the house and exhibition. The food was superb and served to us by such lovely staff.' Guest review

The Sherborne is a fully operational and thriving cultural institution housed within a Grade I listed building in the heart of Sherborne. Over the past two years it has established an energetic and respected cultural programme around a series of diverse events, built a loyal and growing visitor base and delivered successful restaurant and café operations. It has already positioned itself as an important cultural presence within the South West.

This is not a start-up environment; it is an institution with momentum, reputation, and ambition.

With current annual hospitality revenues of £1.2m (FY2024/25) and significant capacity across multiple spaces, including a 72-cover restaurant, a dramatic pavilion-style café and events space seating 130, and further private rooms accommodating 18–200 guests, there is clear scope to grow revenue beyond £2m annually.

This appointment offers the opportunity to shape hospitality at the heart of a town and region on a clear upward cultural curve. It is about more than the quality of food and service; it is about the atmosphere, consistently excellent delivery and, above all, making every guest feel valued. You will play a central role in strengthening The Sherborne’s F&B offer in support of the Charity’s mission and vision as this major cultural venue continues to evolve.

This is a unique opportunity to build on a commercially successful, culturally integrated hospitality operation across:

• The Dining Room
• Private and Cultural Events
• Community Programming

While ensuring:

• Full financial ownership and disciplined reporting
• Robust KPI frameworks
• Workforce training and development
• Clear alignment between F&B and cultural programming

The Head of Hospitality will work in close collaboration with the Head of Events and the Head Chef. The Events team will lead sales and new client approaches, while the Head of Hospitality, in collaboration with the Head Chef, will ensure operational excellence and financial performance across all hospitality delivery.

The Sherborne is a cultural institution first. Hospitality must reflect and reinforce its artistic and historical identity.

The hospitality function is established and respected. The facilities are professionally equipped and capable of significant growth.

The opportunity now is to:

• Refine and elevate the café offer.
• Fully programme and maximise the dining room’s potential.
• Deepen the integration between exhibitions and dining experiences with imaginative events and attractions.
• Strengthen community links and regional partnerships.
• Deliver measurable revenue growth, improved gross margins and disciplined cost control, while increasing repeat visitation and strengthening event profitability.
• Position The Sherborne as a cultural dining destination within the region.

This is a leadership role focused on evolution, not inception.

• Lead front-of-house standards across restaurant, café, and private dining.
• Ensure consistency, warmth and professionalism in every guest interaction.
• Work closely with the Head Chef to align menu development with commercial and cultural objectives.
• Maintain exceptional standards of service, compliance, and presentation.
• Protect brand reputation.

• Develop and implement a three-year hospitality growth strategy (2026–2029).
• Ensure all F&B offerings are contextually aligned with exhibitions, talks and performances.
• Create exhibition-linked menus and curated dining experiences.
• Build strategic partnerships across the South West region.
• Increase annual turnover materially through improved asset utilisation, event programming and average spend per head.

The Head of Hospitality will hold complete responsibility for the hospitality P&L. This includes:

• Annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting.
• Monthly management…