At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the beverage operation for iconic events at Ascot Racecourse.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live!, a leader in hospitality and events.
- Benefits: Up to £53,000 salary, performance bonus, flexible benefits, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a prestigious environment with real ownership of operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale beverage operations and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 53000 £ per year.
Location: Ascot Racecourse, Royal Ascot, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX upto £53,000 per annum Salary + 10% performance Bonus and £1,300 Flexible benefit funds
- 40 Hours / 5 days out of 7days
- Site perks: Raceday tickets
- Job Introduction
- Take the Lead Behind an Iconic Beverage Operation
Behind every unforgettable occasion at Ascot Racecourse is an operation built on exceptional planning, precision and teamwork.
- Sodexo Live! is looking for an experienced
- Head of
- Beverage to take ownership of the beverage operation across
Royal Ascot , racedays, conferences, private functions and major external events.
This is a substantial, high-profile operation supporting up to 30 fine dining restaurants, 215 private boxes and 150 retail units.
You will oversee everything required to keep it performing at its best from purchasing, forecasting and stock security to labour planning, financial control and live event delivery.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will bring structure, commercial focus and strong leadership to a complex department where preparation matters, standards are uncompromising and no two events are the same.
What You'll Do
- Take ownership of beverage planning and operational readiness across racedays, Royal Ascot, conferences and external events.
- Lead purchasing, forecasting and inventory control, ensuring the right products are available without creating unnecessary stockholding or waste.
- Manage beverage cost of sales, labour expenditure and departmental budgets, investigating variances and taking timely corrective action.
- Oversee stock reconciliation, invoice processing and financial reporting, maintaining accurate and secure controls across the site.
- Lead, coach and develop the Cellar Managers and Stock Controller, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Work in partnership with Hospitality, Retail, Culinary, Finance, Commercial and Event Operations teams to deliver a coordinated event operation.
- Manage supplier performance, delivery schedules and product quality while building productive commercial relationships.
- Maintain high standards of licensing, food safety, equipment compliance and safe working practices throughout the department.
- Review performance following each event and translate operational feedback and financial data into practical improvement plans.
- Standardise processes and introduce new ideas that improve service consistency, efficiency and overall performance.
- For a full list of responsibilities please read the attached job description
What You Bring
- Significant experience managing beverage operations within a large-scale hospitality, stadia, events or contract catering environment.
- Proven experience leading operational teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing labour, budgets and stock.
- Excellent knowledge of beverage stock management and inventory systems.
- Strong financial and analytical skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Experience leading teams through operational change and continuous improvement.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly visible leadership style with a hands‑on approach to operational delivery.
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- Forklift license or experience managing mechanical handling operations.
- Knowledge of EPOS and stock management systems.
Why Join Sodexo Live!?
This is an opportunity to make your mark within one of the most prestigious sporting and events environments in the world.
You will have genuine ownership of a complex beverage operation, the support of an experienced multidisciplinary leadership team and the platform to introduce improvements that can be seen across some of the venue’s biggest occasions.
Alongside your role-specific package, you will have access to Sodexo’s wider benefits, wellbeing support, pension scheme, employee discounts and learning and development opportunities.
At Sodexo Live!, you will be part of a team that creates memorable experiences at extraordinary venues while building a career with a global organisation.
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Head of Beverage in Ascot employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Beverage in Ascot
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Beverage in Ascot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
