Role Purpose
Food & Beverage Lead is a hands-on, primarily retail-focused role that ensures the smooth operation and success of events at the venue. As the face of the designated area(s) within the venue, you play a crucial role in delivering exceptional customer experiences to all visitors.
The primary responsibility is to lead a team of staff in delivering food and drink services in accordance with event instructions. This includes serving customers and clients, managing sales, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, particularly regarding the sale and service of alcohol for those over 18 years old.
In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, the role embodies the CARE mantra, upholds key behaviours such as teamwork and collaboration, and fosters a positive work environment for staff. Ultimately, the Food & Beverage Lead delivers a seamless and memorable experience for every guest, driving retail performance while supporting broader hospitality operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective leadership to a team of staff members, including training, coaching, and supervision to ensure high performance and productivity levels.
- Set clear expectations and objectives for team members and monitor their progress accordingly.
- Oversee the smooth operation of food and drink services, ensuring that all tasks are carried out efficiently and in accordance with event instructions and Levy standards.
- Maintain a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences to all visitors and guests, leading by example in providing friendly, professional, and efficient service.
- Manage the sale and service of food, beverages and merchandise, ensuring accuracy in transactions and compliance with relevant regulations, particularly regarding alcohol sales.
- Monitor inventory levels and replenish supplies as needed to meet customer demand.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment among team members, encouraging open communication, teamwork and mutual support.
- Coordinate with other team leaders and departments to ensure seamless coordination and execution of tasks.
- Adhere to health and safety protocols, conduct regular inspections and safety walks to identify and address potential hazards or concerns.
- Monitor team performance and conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback and coaching to support individual development.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, licensing requirements and company policies, including food safety, hygiene standards and alcohol licensing.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency enhancements within the team and across operations.
- Actively contribute to the implementation of best practices and initiatives aimed at enhancing overall quality of service and customer satisfaction.
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a retail and/or hospitality or events-related role is desirable, with demonstrated experience in leading teams and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Strong leadership abilities, capacity to motivate and inspire team members, experience in delegating tasks and managing staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with ability to liaise effectively with team members, clients and guests.
- Customer-centric approach, genuine passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences, ability to anticipate and respond to customer needs promptly.
- Highly adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; willingness to work across different departments and business streams within the NEC campus.
- A collaborative mindset, ability to work effectively as part of a team, encourages teamwork and cooperation among team members.
- Meticulous attention to detail, capable of maintaining high standards of quality and presentation in service delivery, overseeing multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Proactive and self-motivated, problem-solving ability, demonstrates resilience and composure under pressure.
- Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, particularly regarding sale of food and drink and service of alcohol, ensures compliance with health and safety protocols, licensing requirements and company policies.
- Alignment with Levy values: shares and embodies the mission of Levy, commitment to excellence, teamwork and continuous improvement, positive attitude and enthusiasm for contributing to the success of the NEC and its events.
What you’ll get
- Competitive salary and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare and wellbeing: AvivaDigicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, 2 additional days after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks and discounts: Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
- Financial well-being: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive. Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us.
