Senior F&B Lead – NEC – Exhibitions – Birmingham
We are Levy – a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet. Trusted by some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events – including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and Excel London – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision. Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show‑stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities. We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.
Role Purpose
The Senior Food & Beverage Lead at Levy is a hands‑on, primarily retail‑focused leadership role responsible for delivering high‑quality food and beverage operations across exhibition halls. While the core focus is retail, the role also provides occasional support within other departments in line with event requirements. Reporting to the Retail F&B Operations Manager, this position plays a key role in the successful delivery of events, with direct responsibility for managing retail operations across one or more exhibition halls. This includes leading teams on the ground, driving sales performance, and ensuring smooth execution throughout the event lifecycle. The Senior Food & Beverage Lead will also support and deputise for the Retail F&B Operations Manager when required, taking ownership of operational decision‑making and overall performance. A central aspect of the role is leading and supporting Food & Beverage Leads to deliver excellent service in line with event needs. Responsibilities include hands‑on management of retail outlets, overseeing customer service standards, managing stock and sales, and ensuring full compliance with all licensing regulations, including the responsible sale of alcohol. In addition to operational delivery, the role champions Levy’s CARE values, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and collaboration. By creating a positive, high‑performing environment, the Senior Food & Beverage Lead enables teams to succeed and ensures every guest experience is efficient, professional, and memorable. Overall, this role is critical to driving retail performance while supporting broader hospitality operations, ensuring consistently high standards across all event spaces.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective leadership to a team of staff members, including training, coaching, and supervision to ensure high performance and productivity.
- Set clear expectations and objectives for team members and monitor their progress.
- Ensure events are executed within agreed financial targets, including effective labour management, revenue generation, waste minimisation, stock control, and oversight of controllable costs.
- Proactively identify and maximise revenue opportunities to drive sales.
- Oversee the smooth operation of food and drink services, ensuring that all tasks are carried out efficiently and in accordance with event instructions.
- Ensure all delivery of food and drink meets Levy standards and expectations.
- Maintain a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences to all visitors and guests.
- Lead by example in providing friendly, professional, and efficient service, addressing any customer concerns or inquiries promptly and effectively.
- Manage the sale and service of food, beverages, and merchandise, ensuring accuracy in transactions and compliance with relevant regulations, especially alcohol regulations.
- 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, ensuring the safety and well‑being of staff, customers, and visitors at all times. Conduct regular inspections and safety walks to identify and address potential hazards.
- Monitor team performance and conduct regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and coaching to support individual development and improvement.
- Recognise outstanding performance to motivate team members and enhance morale to your direct line manager.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies, including food safety, hygiene, and alcohol licensing.
- Stay abreast of any changes or updates to regulations and implement necessary adjustments.
- 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 the overall quality of service and customer satisfaction.
Person Specification
- Experience: Previous experience leading a diverse team within a fast‑paced environment. Desirable experience in retail, hospitality, or events and a proven record of delivering exceptional customer service.
- Leadership: Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate and inspire team members. Experience delegating tasks and managing staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to liaise effectively with team members, clients, and guests, providing clear instructions and feedback.
- Customer Focus: Genuine passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences, with a customer‑centric approach and responsiveness to customer needs.
- Flexibility: Highly adaptable and able to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment; willing to work across different departments and business streams as required.
- Teamwork: Collaborative mindset; encourages teamwork and cooperation to achieve common goals.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to maintain high standards of quality and presentation.
- Initiative: Proactive and self‑motivated, able to take initiative and problem‑solve in challenging situations with resilience and composure.
- Compliance: Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, especially food, drink, and alcohol licensing, and a commitment to health and safety protocols.
- Values: Shares and embodies Levy’s values, demonstrating a positive attitude and enthusiasm for contributing to the success of the NEC and its events.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and full company benefits.
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Healthcare and wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave; 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave; a day off for your baby’s first birthday; enhanced family leave.
- Perks and discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts; 20% off Nuffield Health; 10% off PureGym memberships.
- Financial wellbeing: 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‑opportunity 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.
