Catering Services Director

Job Introduction

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.