At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate retail food and beverage strategies at Excel London.
- Company: Join Levy UK, part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000 plus benefits and a commitment to sustainability.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
- Why this job: Shape legendary experiences in hospitality at iconic venues across the UK and Europe.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior leadership within hospitality or retail, with a focus on growth.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality. In the UK and Ireland, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events.
Our ambition is continued growth across the UK and continental Europe. At the core of what we do is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating bespoke legendary experiences at our venues. Beyond the plate, we are valued by our clients as visionary venue partners, providing a range of partnership lead solutions that enhance the experience of fans and guests within the venues that we operate.
Focused on ‘doing the right thing’ for our people and the planet, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We have a commitment to significantly reducing our carbon impact, are official partners of Paralympics GB, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living or London Living Wage.
Role Purpose: Levy UK is the food and drink partner for Excel London, managing and operating all food and beverage activity throughout the venues retail and franchise operation. We are seeking an exceptional Retail Franchise Director to shape, lead and deliver the retail food and beverage strategy, driving premium, branded and franchised concepts that elevate the guest experience and maximise commercial performance.
This is a high-profile, senior leadership role requiring a dynamic, innovative and people-focused leader with a strong track record in premium food and beverage operations, large-scale logistics and stakeholder partnership management. The successful candidate will be instrumental in evolving the retail offer, challenging the status quo, and delivering sustainable growth in revenue, margin and reputation across one of the UK’s most important event destinations.
As a member of the Excel London Hospitality (ELH) Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic development and effective management of the organisation alongside fellow SLT members and Excel stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Leadership: Lead and deliver the retail and franchise strategy, driving innovation, growth and operational excellence. Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives. Inspire, develop and align teams around clear goals, performance and continuous improvement.
- Retail & Franchise Performance: Drive sales growth, profitability and commercial performance across retail and franchise operations. Lead franchisee relationships, ensuring strong engagement, accountability and business success. Identify opportunities through data, insight and market trends to support growth and informed decision-making.
- Operations & Brand Excellence: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience, food quality and service standards. Maintain brand consistency, compliance and audit standards across both self-operated and franchise locations. Ensure operational readiness, health & safety compliance and sustainability commitments are achieved.
- People & Culture: Foster a high-performance, values-led culture that develops talent and leadership capability. Coach and support senior leaders, promoting collaboration, accountability and succession planning.
- Financial & Commercial Accountability: Hold full P&L responsibility, delivering budget, forecast and financial performance targets. Manage costs effectively while driving revenue growth, margin improvement and long-term commercial success.
Person Specification: Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience within a quality-driven franchise hospitality, food, beverage or retail business. Proven track record of driving growth and performance. Commercially astute, data-driven and skilled at translating insight into action. Inspirational people leader with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills. Proven ability to lead change, maintain brand standards and deliver results in complex, fast-paced environments.
Retail Franchise Director - Excel London employer: Chartwells Independent
Levy UK&I, part of Compass Group, is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. As the food and drink partner for Excel London, we offer our employees unparalleled opportunities for growth and development within a dynamic environment, all while delivering legendary experiences at one of the UK's premier event venues. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and competitive compensation, including the Real Living Wage, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Franchise Director - Excel London
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 Retail Franchise Director - Excel London
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
