Head of Operations

Head of Operations – Sodexo Live!

• 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

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 horse racing.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…