At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the catering and hospitality experience at the iconic Ascot Racecourse.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live!, a leader in prestigious hospitality operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape experiences, and work in a world-renowned venue.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team and create unforgettable moments for guests.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on guest experiences at one of the UK's most celebrated events.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in high-end hospitality and strong financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Catering Services Director - Ascot Racecourse Catering Services Director Ascot Racecourse - Sodexo Live!
Lead one of the most prestigious hospitality and catering operations in the world.
Some opportunities simply don't come around very often - This is one of them.
Sodexo Live! is searching for an exceptional Catering Services Director to lead the food, beverage and hospitality experience at the iconic Ascot Racecourse - home to Royal Ascot, one of the world's most celebrated sporting and social events.
This is not just another venue leadership role.
This is the opportunity to shape and elevate a multimillion pound hospitality business, lead a team of industry-leading professionals, influence the experience of hundreds of thousands of guests every year, and create unforgettable moments at one of the UK's most prestigious venues.
We're looking for a visionary leader.
A commercial powerhouse.
A hospitality obsessive.
Someone who thrives on innovation, drives operational excellence, inspires high-performing teams and constantly asks, "what's next?" The Opportunity As Catering Services Director, you will have ultimate responsibility for the strategic, operational and commercial success of the catering and hospitality operation at Ascot Racecourse.
From Royal Ascot to major external events, you'll oversee every aspect of the guest experience while leading a diverse team of specialists across operations, culinary, finance, HR, planning and event delivery.
You'll work at the heart of a world-renowned venue where excellence isn't an aspiration, it's the expectation.
This role requires someone who can seamlessly balance vision and execution, ensuring every guest experience is exceptional whilst delivering outstanding commercial results.
What You'll Be Responsible For Creating World-Class Guest Experiences Continuously evolving the Ascot hospitality and F&B proposition Driving innovation across premium hospitality, retail, beverage and fine dining experiences Ensuring every touchpoint exceeds guest expectations Keeping Ascot at the forefront of the live events and hospitality industry Leading a Complex, High-Profile Business Owning the performance of a Multimillion pound operation Delivering financial targets, profitability and sustainable growth Developing and delivering strategic business plans Identifying new commercial opportunities and revenue streams Inspiring Exceptional Teams Leading an established senior leadership team and an onsite workforce of approximately 60 colleagues Driving engagement, performance and succession planning Creating a culture where people thrive and deliver their best work Leading through visibility, coaching and influence Building Influential Partnerships Acting as the senior Sodexo Live! representative on site Building trusted relationships with Ascot Racecourse stakeholders Working collaboratively to deliver strategic objectives Acting as an ambassador for both the Sodexo Live! and Ascot brands Who We're Looking For This role demands a rare combination of commercial acumen, operational expertise and inspirational leadership.
You'll likely come from a senior leadership position within high-end hospitality, stadia, racing, resorts, premium venues, luxury hotels or live entertainment.
Most importantly, you'll bring the ambition and vision to redefine what's possible.
You'll have; Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-service hospitality or catering operations Significant P&L responsibility and a track record of delivering commercial success Strong food and beverage expertise within premium or distinguished environments Experience leading large, complex and diverse teams Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills Strong financial, strategic and analytical capability A passion for creating memorable guest experiences A relentless focus on continuous improvement and innovation Why This Role?
Very few hospitality leadership positions offer this combination of: An iconic global venue A world-famous flagship event in Royal Ascot Significant commercial responsibility The ability to influence and shape guest experiences at scale A platform to leave a lasting legacy This is a role for someone who wants to operate at the very highest level of hospitality and live events.
Someone who is energised by challenge.
Someone who sees opportunity where others see complexity.
Someone ready to lead one of the UK's most prestigious catering and hospitality operations.
Ready to set the standard for world-class hospitality?
Join Sodexo Live! at Ascot Racecourse and help create extraordinary experiences that guests will remember for a lifetime.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Services Director - Ascot Racecourse
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo 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 Catering Services Director - Ascot Racecourse
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 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
✨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!
