Head of Operations

Head of Operations – Sodexo Live!

Job Description

• Job Title: Head of Operations
• Location: Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX
• Holiday Entitlement: 25 days + Public holidays
• Work Pattern: 40 Hours / working 5 out of 7 days
• Free parking and Hospitality box

About Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse is more than a venue; it’s a destination for extraordinary experiences. Each year, over half a million guests join us to celebrate moments of passion, elegance and tradition, brought to life by a team who care deeply about every detail.

With a heritage spanning more than 300 years, Ascot remains one of the world’s most prestigious racecourses. Yet our story continues to evolve. Guided by creativity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we are building a global lifestyle brand, rooted in world‑class horseracing.

Our Conference and Events business reflects that same spirit. From high‑profile conferences and large exhibitions to intimate dinners and luxury hospitality experiences, we deliver bespoke occasions that embody quality, sophistication and style.

Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Those who join us share our ambition to create moments that inspire, connect and live long in the memory.

Job Introduction

Step into the heart of world‑class hospitality and operational excellence at Ascot Racecourse – the crown jewel of British sporting and social tradition. As Head of Operations, you’ll be the driving force behind the seamless delivery of Sodexo Live!’s premium catering and event experiences across this globally celebrated venue. This is not just another operational role – it’s a rare opportunity to shape the future of large‑scale hospitality at an institution synonymous with prestige, performance, and precision.

Success in this role means delivering an operational performance worthy of Ascot’s world‑class reputation. You’ll lead a motivated, high‑performing team that consistently delivers flawless events, exceptional service, and memorable guest experiences. Every race day, corporate event, and hospitality moment will run seamlessly under your direction, reflecting precision, professionalism, and creativity in equal measure. Commercially, you’ll drive growth through smart strategy, innovation, and operational excellence – ensuring profitability without ever compromising on quality. Your leadership will strengthen the partnership between Sodexo Live! and Ascot, foster a culture of engagement and pride across your teams, and set new standards for excellence that others will look to emulate.

If you’re a commercially astute leader with the passion and drive to deliver operational brilliance on one of the UK’s most prestigious stages, this is where you belong.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high‑performing operations team to deliver world‑class hospitality and catering experiences across Ascot Racecourse.
• Drive operational excellence through strategic planning, robust financial management, and a relentless focus on service quality and innovation.
• Partner with the Catering Service Director and Ascot leadership to shape long‑term business strategy and deliver on ambitious commercial objectives.
• Oversee large‑scale event operations, logistics, and beverage management, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional guest experiences at every touchpoint.
• Champion continuous improvement in systems, processes, and people development to enhance efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with the client and key stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative partnership that drives mutual success.
• Uphold the highest standards of health, safety and food compliance, creating a culture of accountability and care across all operational areas.
• Lead innovation in food, service and event delivery – ensuring Ascot remains an industry benchmark for excellence and creativity in premium hospitality.

What You Bring

• Strong commercial background with responsibility for managing a complex venue P&L.
• A passionate interest in the catering industry – knowledge of current trends and interest in the hospitality sector.
• Demonstrable experience in a high‑volume hospitality and retail catering environment.
• A competent communicator and ability to present to colleagues, peers and clients.
• Evidence of being organised and possess excellent planning skills.
• Ability to motivate a team of mixed abilities and personalities.
• Experience of managing multiple events at any one time.
• Project management experience / knowledge.

What We Offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• A Death‑in‑Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
• Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.
• Competitive compensation.
• Full training and full protective uniform supplied.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and are committed to changing attitudes towards disability and ensuring disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.

About Sodexo Live!

At Sodexo Live!, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.