Job Title
Head of Operations – Sodexo Live! at Ascot Racecourse
Location
Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX
Salary
Circa £75,000 plus 15% bonus
Holiday Entitlement
25 days + public holidays
Work Pattern
40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 days
Benefits
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, guided by creativity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Job Introduction
Step into the heart of world‑class hospitality and operational excellence at Ascot Racecourse. As Head of Operations, you’ll drive the seamless delivery of Sodexo Live!’s premium catering and event experiences across this globally celebrated venue, shaping the future of large‑scale hospitality at an institution synonymous with prestige, performance and precision.
Responsibilities
* 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.
Essential Qualifications
* 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 possessing excellent planning skills.
* Ability to motivate a team of mixed abilities and personalities.
* Multiple stakeholder management experience.
* Experience of managing multiple events at any one time.
Desirable
* Project management experience / knowledge.
What We Offer
* Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
* Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems.
* Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24‑hr virtual GP.
* The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7, 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.
Inclusive Employer
Sodexo is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. Employees are encouraged to join our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability Network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
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