At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury hospitality operations and deliver unforgettable guest experiences at Ascot Racecourse.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live! at one of the UK's most prestigious sporting venues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% bonus, free race day tickets, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant P&L responsibility and potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a fast-paced environment and shape premium hospitality experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in large venues and luxury service standards, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sodexo Live! is looking for an exceptional Head of Hospitality to lead our premium hospitality and conference operations at the world-renowned Ascot Racecourse. This is a high-profile leadership role at one of the UK’s most prestigious sporting and events venues. You will oversee a large-scale, luxury hospitality operation, including up to 30 fine dining restaurants, 215 private boxes, a casual management team, and P&L responsibility in excess of £19 million.
As Head of Hospitality, you will be responsible for delivering world-class food and beverage experiences across race days, conferences, private events and premium guest areas. Working closely with Sodexo Live!, Ascot Racecourse Ltd and key stakeholders, you will ensure every operation is commercially successful, beautifully executed and consistently aligned with the standards expected of a luxury venue. You will lead from the front, bringing energy, structure and innovation to a complex, high-volume environment.
This role would suit someone with experience in large venues, racecourses, stadia, hotels, luxury hospitality, premium events or high-end food and beverage operations.
What you’ll do
- You will lead the hospitality and conference teams to deliver outstanding service, commercial performance and operational excellence across the venue.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Maximising profitability across hospitality and conference operations while maintaining exceptional guest standards
- Leading the planning, set-up, delivery and breakdown of events in line with operational standards and procedures
- Managing food and beverage operations across fine dining restaurants, private boxes and premium hospitality areas
- Building strong relationships with Ascot Racecourse Ltd, guest services, internal teams and external stakeholders
- Driving innovation, market trends and best practice across the hospitality operation
- Recruiting, training, developing and motivating a large casual and permanent workforce
- Managing budgets, costs, KPIs and P&L performance
- Supporting menu development, cellar management and premium wine service
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, health and safety and operational procedures
- Handling guest feedback and resolving issues quickly and professionally
- Developing Assistant Managers and future hospitality leaders within the team
- Ensuring the venue is fully operationally ready for race days, conferences and major events
What you’ll bring
We are looking for a confident and commercially focused hospitality leader with experience delivering premium service in a large, complex environment. You will bring:
- Significant operational experience in hospitality, events, venues, hotels, racecourses, stadia or luxury food and beverage
- Experience managing large teams in high-volume environments
- A strong understanding of luxury service standards and guest experience
- Commercial awareness, including budget control, cost management and P&L responsibility
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to prioritise, problem-solve and remain calm under pressure
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to motivate and develop teams
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- Strong literacy and numeracy skills
Desirable qualifications include IOSH, CIEH Level 3 or previous experience in major events.
What we offer
In return, you will receive a competitive package and the opportunity to play a key role at one of the most iconic racecourses in the world. Benefits include:
- Competitive Salary
- 10% bonus opportunity
- Time back in lieu for race days worked
- Free race day tickets
- The opportunity to lead a flagship Sodexo Live! hospitality operation
- Career development within a global organisation
This is a fantastic opportunity for a hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced, premium environment and wants to deliver unforgettable guest experiences at scale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hospitality 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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 Hospitality 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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
