At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations at Newcastle United, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and strong commercial performance.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live! at one of the world's iconic football clubs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in large-scale catering or hospitality environments required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Closing Date: 23/09/2026
Job Category: Catering Management
Job Introduction
At Sodexo Live!, we create exceptional moments, and at one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, hospitality plays a vital role in the fan experience. We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Catering Services Director to lead catering operations across Newcastle United Football Club. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee all food and beverage delivery across premium hospitality, retail, fan dining and event catering, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and strong commercial performance.
We are looking for a dynamic leader with experience in large-scale, high-volume catering or hospitality environments, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about delivering outstanding food, service and memorable experiences at scale, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do:
- Deliver agreed revenue, profitability, productivity and KPI targets through effective financial management, governance and growth of the Newcastle United account.
- Maintain a strong, trusted partnership with Newcastle United FC that drives client satisfaction, retention and long-term business development.
- Deliver exceptional food quality, service standards and hospitality experiences across all Newcastle United locations.
- Build a highly engaged, diverse and high-performing team through effective leadership, development, succession planning and accountability.
- Ensure all operations are delivered safely, legally and in accordance with contractual, operational and governance requirements.
What You Bring:
- Senior leadership experience within large hospitality, catering, sports, leisure or live-events environments.
- Proven experience leading complex multi-site operations.
- Significant experience in retail catering and premium hospitality.
- Strong P&L management and commercial experience.
- Experience leading large and diverse teams.
- Proven ability to manage senior client and stakeholder relationships.
- Experience delivering business plans, change programmes and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong understanding of food safety, Health & Safety, allergen management and licensing requirements.
- Experience within a high-profile customer-facing operation.
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, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- 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.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
About Sodexo
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day 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.
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're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
Catering Services Director in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees and the community, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and customer service excellence are at the forefront. With flexible hours, comprehensive benefits including the Blue Light Card, and opportunities for personal growth within the healthcare sector, working as a Subway Sandwich Artist at Royal Stoke Hospital allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Services Director in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 in Newcastle upon Tyne
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!
