At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate food and beverage operations for exciting events at Utilita Arena.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the hospitality industry with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, discounts, and 23 days' annual leave.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume hospitality or event management is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 31995 - 31995 £ per year.
Salary: 31,995 per annum
Shift hours: Full Time
ROLE PURPOSE: The overall purpose of the role of an F&B Event Lead - Retail is to plan, coordinate and deliver retail food and beverage operations across Utilita Arena Birmingham and BP Pulse Live, ensuring events are executed safely, efficiently and profitably whilst delivering an outstanding guest experience. The role provides ownership of event planning, forecasting, labour deployment, commercial performance and operational delivery. The Event Lead is accountable for revenue, spend per head (SPH), revenue per available unit, labour productivity, guest satisfaction and compliance standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Event Forecasting & Commercial Planning
- Build detailed event forecasts using attendance projections, historical trading data, event type, audience demographics and customer behaviour trends.
- Forecast and manage event budgets, labour plans and stock requirements aligned to revenue expectations.
- Develop sales forecasts to achieve agreed revenue, SPH, revenue per available unit and profitability targets.
- Analyse event demographics to optimise outlet mix, staffing levels, product ranges and promotional opportunities.
- Review event performance against forecast and implement improvements to forecasting accuracy.
- Event Delivery & Operational Leadership
- Lead retail food and beverage operations during assigned events across both arenas.
- Act as the primary operational contact for retail delivery before, during and after events.
- Monitor trading performance throughout events and make real-time decisions to maximise revenue and guest satisfaction.
- Ensure all outlets are operationally ready, appropriately staffed and fully compliant prior to doors opening.
- Financial Performance & KPIs
- Deliver agreed commercial KPIs including revenue, SPH, revenue per available unit, labour percentage and profitability.
- Monitor outlet productivity and identify opportunities to increase sales and operational efficiency.
- Analyse event reports and provide recommendations to improve future results.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, inspire and support casual and permanent teams across both arenas.
- Support training, onboarding and development of Team Leaders, Supervisors and event-day teams.
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Guest Experience
- Champion exceptional guest experiences across all retail food and beverage operations.
- Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements to service standards.
- Resolve guest complaints effectively and professionally.
- Compliance, Safety & Standards
- Ensure all retail operations comply with food safety, health & safety, licensing and company policies.
- Maintain SOP standards across all assigned areas.
- Promote a strong safety culture and complete venue audits and compliance checks.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Experience & Knowledge
- Leadership or duty management experience in a high-volume hospitality, retail, stadium or arena environment.
- Experience managing large event operations and delivering through teams.
- Strong understanding of event forecasting, labour planning and budget management.
- Experience analysing sales performance, SPH and commercial reporting.
- Personal Licence holder desirable.
- Skills & Behaviours
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of revenue, SPH and profitability drivers.
- Excellent forecasting and analytical skills.
- Strong organisational and planning capability.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced Excel capability and reporting skills.
ACCOUNTABLE FOR:
- Event revenue performance
- Revenue per available unit performance
- Labour budget and productivity targets
- Retail operational readiness
- Guest experience standards
- Compliance with food safety and health & safety requirements
Benefits:
- Medicash - Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
- Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Health & Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)
- Travel discounts - Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
- Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
- Meals on duty
- Vodafone discounts
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 23 days + BH's and additional day off for your birthday
- 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during first year back
- Competitive and supportive family benefits
- Day off for baby's first birthday
- Holiday purchase scheme
- On-going training & development and career pathways
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued.
F&B Event Lead - Utilita Arena - Full Time - Birmingham employer: Compass Group
At Compass Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a full-time Food & Beverage Supervisor role at RAAF Amberley that combines leadership with a great work-life balance. Our supportive team culture fosters professional growth, with guaranteed pathways to management opportunities and a focus on employee development, all while providing high-quality service to the Defence community. Enjoy weekday-focused shifts, reduced hours during festive seasons, and a range of employee benefits that make working with us both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land F&B Event Lead - Utilita Arena - Full Time - Birmingham
✨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 Compass Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group 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 F&B Event Lead - Utilita Arena - Full Time - Birmingham
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 Compass Group 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 Compass Group
✨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!
