At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and drive commercial growth in hospitality across iconic venues.
- Company: Join a trusted leader in catering for major events and entertainment venues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days' leave, healthcare, and family support benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong focus on personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of guest experiences and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial strategy and exceptional communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
Up to £90000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
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.
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.
Role Overview
The Director of Strategy will be responsible for shaping and delivering the long-term strategic direction of Levy's catering and hospitality operation across the NEC Group portfolio. Working closely with the Operations Director, NEC Group stakeholders and Levy leadership, you will identify opportunities to drive commercial growth, operational excellence and innovation across conferences, exhibitions, live entertainment, retail and hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive long-term strategy across conference & events, exhibitions, live entertainment and retail operations.
- Identify new commercial opportunities, revenue streams and strategic partnerships to support business growth.
- Work collaboratively with Commercial, Operations, Culinary, Marketing and Finance teams to maximise venue utilisation and customer experience.
- Lead strategic planning across Levy's NEC Group operations, ensuring alignment with both Levy UK & Ireland and NEC Group objectives.
- Present strategic recommendations and business cases to senior leadership, supported by data-driven insight.
- Introduce meaningful KPIs and performance measures that support operational excellence.
- Champion technology and digital innovation to improve scheduling, resource planning and guest experience.
- Work closely with Facilities, IT and Commercial teams to ensure operational strategies remain scalable and future-focused.
- Commercial Growth & Revenue Development
- Develop and execute commercial growth strategies across exhibitions, conferences, hospitality and retail.
- Identify new business opportunities including partnerships, sponsorships, premium hospitality concepts and retail innovation.
- Monitor commercial performance against agreed KPIs and adjust strategy where required.
- Develop business cases for investment in new concepts, technology and operational improvements.
- Represent Levy at industry events, conferences and networking opportunities.
- Develop engagement plans that strengthen partnerships and encourage long-term collaboration.
- Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.
- Support succession planning and leadership development across the business.
- Lead by example, demonstrating Levy's values and creating a positive, inclusive working culture.
Requirements
- Proven experience developing and implementing successful commercial and operational strategies.
- Demonstrable success leading transformation, innovation and commercial growth initiatives.
- Commercially astute with experience of financial planning, business case development and revenue optimisation.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with confidence presenting to Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of guest experience, operational excellence, sustainability and digital innovation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
- Ability to balance long-term strategic planning with operational delivery.
- Excellent relationship builder with high emotional intelligence.
- Passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and long-term business value.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
- 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Bupa private medical.
- 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, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave.
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 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?
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong.
Planning Manager / Full time employer: Compass Uk & Ireland
As a Housekeeping Supervisor with us, you'll be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. Our commitment to investing in our employees means you'll have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Join us in Defence, where your efforts will directly impact the quality of service we provide, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager / Full time
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Planning Manager / Full time at Compass Uk & Ireland!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Compass Uk & Ireland or be willing to refer you for that Planning Manager / Full time position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Compass Uk & Ireland who’s on the lookout for their next Planning Manager / Full time star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Planning Manager / Full time role at Compass Uk & Ireland!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager / Full time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Compass Uk & Ireland. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Uk & Ireland
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Compass Uk & Ireland. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
