The National Skills Academy for Hospitality has recently been approved by government to make changes in the volume and quality of training and education for the hospitality industry and is seeking a Chief Executive.

Chaired by Bob Cotton, chief executive of the BHA, the Skills Academy will be led by employers and will operate nationwide, recognising and establishing centres of excellence including new and innovative hotel and restaurant schools were learners can develop their skills and knowledge in a fully commercial setting.

The Academy will be established as a subsidiary of People 1st, the Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism. As chief executive, you will provide the vision, energy and impetus required to build capacity and capability.

Reporting to the Academy Board, you will lead and manage a team of regional managers to establish the Academy brand and increase membership of the network. You will establish and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders including sector employers, government agencies, learning providers and others. You will ensure delivery of the Academy’s business objectives, as outlined in its three year plan, including creating products and services to build sustainable income streams.

This is a challenging role and requires an exceptional individual. You will have an understanding of the hospitality industry and a sound grasp of what shapes employers’ skills requirements. You will understand the wider skills arena including the workings of governments funding, colleges and learning providers and the different government agencies engaged in the development and delivery of policy around skills.

You are also an accomplished networker and relationship building, an effective communicator and negotiator, and have the financial, planning and business acumen to lead a high profile start-up at the interface between the public and private sectors.

A job description and person specification for the role can be found at: www.people1st.co.uk/appointments and you can also download the Executive Summary of the Academy’s business plan at: www.people1st.co.uk

If this is the kind of challenge you’d relish, please send a comprehensive CV (including details of your current package and availability) along with a covering letter describing how you match the above specification to: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is 14 June 2008.