Working in catering & hospitality: career paths and opportunities

Chef cooking at the Royal Academy of Arts

Working in the catering and hospitality sector offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. With a variety of roles available—from kitchen and culinary positions to front-of-house and management—there are numerous opportunities for career progression. The hospitality industry is known for its vibrant work environment and the chance to make a real impact on guest experiences.

Why choose a career in the catering and hospitality sector?

Working in catering & hospitality means joining a fast-paced, people-focused industry that’s constantly evolving. As part of the wider catering and hospitality sector, you’ll be contributing to a vital and growing field that plays a central role in global events, tourism, and business. Whether you're interested in culinary arts, guest services, or event operations, there’s a wide variety of roles available—each offering the chance to develop valuable skills and gain international exposure. 

With careers in hospitality offering competitive pay, exciting travel opportunities, and the chance to take part in major international events, it’s a sector where career progression is both achievable and rewarding. Depending on the role, you’ll find yourself immersed in dynamic environments where gained experience opens doors to new and diverse career opportunities across the catering industry and the broader hospitality industry.

Cook serving food at Royal Ascot

Working in catering and hospitality: exploring jobs opportunities

The catering and hospitality industry offers a wide range of job opportunities, each with its own unique set of responsibilities and career progression paths. Whether you are interested in culinary arts, customer service, or management, there is a role for you in this dynamic sector.

Kitchen and culinary roles: From chef to kitchen assistant

Kitchen and culinary roles are at the heart of the catering industry. From chefs who create exquisite dishes to kitchen assistants who support the culinary team, these roles are essential for delivering high-quality food experiences. Career progression in this area can lead to positions such as head chef or executive chef, depending on the role and gained experience.

Front-of-house positions: Customer service and dining excellence

Front-of-house positions focus on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a memorable dining experience for guests. Roles such as waitstaff, hosts, and bartenders are crucial in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Career opportunities in this area can lead to supervisory or managerial positions within the hospitality industry.

Catering management: Overseeing operations and service quality

Catering management roles involve overseeing the operations and ensuring the quality of service in catering establishments. Managers are responsible for coordinating staff, managing budgets, and maintaining high standards of food and service. This role offers significant career progression opportunities within the catering and hospitality sector.

Logistics & support roles: Behind-the-scenes of catering services

Logistics and support roles are vital for the smooth operation of catering services. These positions include roles such as inventory managersprocurement specialists, and maintenance staff. These behind-the-scenes roles ensure that everything runs efficiently and that guests receive the best possible service.

Event catering & hospitality: Working in high-profile venues

Event catering and hospitality roles involve working in high-profile venues such as stadiumsconference centres, and cultural sites. These positions require a high level of organisation and the ability to deliver exceptional service during large-scale events. Career opportunities in this area are diverse and can lead to roles in event planning and management.

Lancaster House event waitress holding food
Lancaster House waitress holding food

Where can you work in the catering and hospitality industry?

Working in the catering and hospitality industry offers a variety of work environments, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. From bustling stadiums to elegant hotels, there are numerous venues where you can build a rewarding career.

Stadiums and arenas: high-volume catering for live events

Working in stadiums and arenas involves providing high-volume catering services for live events. This fast-paced environment requires efficiency and the ability to handle large crowds. Roles in this setting can range from food preparation to customer service, offering a variety of career opportunities.

Conventions centres: Catering for conferences and business events

Convention centres host conferences and business events, requiring catering services that can accommodate large groups of attendees. Working in this environment involves delivering high-quality food and beverage services, often with a focus on professionalism and attention to detail.

Cultural and heritage sites: Enhancing visitor experience through food

Cultural and heritage sites offer unique opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through food. Catering roles in these venues involve creating menus that reflect the site's history and culture, providing guests with a memorable dining experience.

Business and corporate spaces: Catering for meetings and Corporate Dining

Catering in business and corporate spaces involves providing food and beverage services for meetings and corporate dining events. These roles require a high level of professionalism and the ability to cater to the specific needs of corporate clients.

Airports and travel hubs: Delivering quality dining on the go

Airports and travel hubs demand fast, high-quality food and beverage services that meet the needs of travellers on tight schedules. Working in catering and hospitality in these environments means delivering efficient, brand-aligned dining options—often in collaboration with renowned chefs and global food brands. It’s a fast-paced setting where attention to detail and speed of service are key.

Theme parks and attractions: Creating immersive food experiences

Theme parks and attractions offer a unique opportunity to design food and beverage services that enhance storytelling and guest immersion. Working in catering and hospitality here involves crafting themed menus and interactive dining experiences that align with the park’s identity, creating memorable moments for visitors of all ages.

Hotels and resorts: Luxury dining and guest satisfaction

Hotels and resorts are at the heart of the hospitality industry, offering refined dining and exceptional service. Roles in these venues focus on delivering high quality food and beverage,, personalised service, and a seamless guest experience. Working in catering and hospitality in this space means contributing to a venue’s reputation for excellence and guest loyalty.

Cook at the Portrait Gallery

SodexoLive! values: A people-centered approach to catering & hospitality

At Sodexo Live! We believe in a people-centred approach to catering and hospitality. Our values focus on delivering exceptional service, fostering a positive work environment, and promoting sustainability. We are committed to creating memorable experiences for our guests and providing our employees with opportunities for growth and development.

How to start your career in hospitality and catering at SodexoLive!?

Working in catering & hospitality at Sodexo Live! is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team. We offer a range of roles and career development programmes to help you succeed in the catering and hospitality industry.

The recruitment process: What to expect & how to prepare

Our recruitment process is designed to identify individuals who are passionate about the catering and hospitality sector. We look for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a desire to grow within the industry. Preparing for the recruitment process involves researching our company values, understanding the roles available, and showcasing your relevant skills and experience.

Finding the right role: Matching your skills to the industry

Finding the right role at Sodexo Live! involves matching your skills and interests to the opportunities available within the catering and hospitality sector. Whether you are interested in culinary artscustomer service, or management, we have a variety of roles that can help you build a successful career.

Training & career development: advancing in hospitality and catering

At Sodexo Live!, we are committed to providing our employees with the training and career development opportunities they need to succeed. Our programmes are designed to help you advance in the hospitality and catering industry, offering a range of courses and on-the-job training to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Apply now and join a passionate team! 

If you are ready to start your career in the catering and hospitality sector, apply now to join our passionate team at Sodexo Live! We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to be part of a company that values excellence and innovation.

 

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