Deputy General Manager- Aston Villa - Birmingham

Levy; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality firm in Birmingham seeks a Deputy General Manager to oversee food and beverage operations at Aston Villa. The role involves taking accountability for guest experience and leading a well-trained team to deliver exceptional service. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of senior management experience in food & beverage, strong leadership and communication skills, and an ability to drive business growth while ensuring operational excellence. Competitive salary up to £65k plus benefits.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

Wellbeing support

23 days annual leave

Discretionary bonus

Meals on duty

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience in food & beverage.
• Proven experience in managing large teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for guest experience and food delivery.
• Develop a strategic plan in collaboration with management.
• Monitor and improve operational standards and guest satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Guest Focus

Problem Solving

Job description

Deputy General Manager – Aston Villa – Birmingham

Full‑time up to £65k plus a 10% discretionary bonus and excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

It is all about taking full accountability for a great food and beverage experience, matching the client's ambition, brand specifications and standards.

We’re looking for a dynamic senior and inspirational hospitality professional with expertise in food and beverage delivery, a “people person” and “foodie”, rounded leadership skills and a focus on delivering consistency of quality and innovation to keep evolving the offering.

Responsible for developing and delivering an exceptional food and guest experience.

Critical to the success and reputation of the food and beverage operation is the leadership, selection, development, and retention of a well‑trained team, both fixed and variable members.

The Deputy General Manager will work closely with our client to qualify requirements and align with the venue’s brand vision, values, culture and processes to enable the development and delivery of the food and drink strategy, driving changes to continually evolve and improve guest experience.

Making Levy UK&I across the venue renowned for food and hospitality excellence, as befits its standing in the UK market.

Not a role for someone who wants to preserve the status quo, but if you have a passion for food and service, underpinned by evidence of the delivery of fresh ideas and operational excellence then you and the venue will shine.

You will work with the General Manager regarding commercial accountability, working with the Location Accountant to deliver accurate and timely forecasts and budgets, taking control of all operating costs, and continually analysing key performance data to identify opportunities for growth.

Working with support teams within the wider Levy UK&I family, you will focus on continuous development and improvement, enhancing the guest experience, and increasing the commercial benefit to all partners.

Levy UK&I

Levy is about elevating experiences. We are a leading global hospitality partner, designing and delivering unforgettable guest moments 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.

Deputy General Manager

The Deputy General Manager will be responsible for assisting the General Manager in overseeing all aspects of our catering services, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, service, and client satisfaction. The role will drive business growth, manage financial performance, and foster a positive working environment for the catering food and beverage teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: frequent liaison with client and General Manager to agree strategy, develop and monitor tactical plans.
• Structured Approach: ensure activities have a clear purpose and measurable outcomes; disciplined and pacey completion; review and application of lessons learned.
• External Landscape: keep abreast of competitor activity and market trends to evolve and maintain industry leadership.
• Projects: collaborate with client, Levy stakeholders and contractors to plan and deliver capex and innovation projects.
• Operational Leadership: ownership of day‑to‑day delivery of product quality and service standards to meet department targets and grow reputation.
• Hospitality: drive guest focus culture through deep knowledge of hospitality standards and client needs.
• Consistency: regular monitoring and development of departments to ensure food quality, presentation, staffing, and brand standards.
• Liaison with procurement, 3rd‑party suppliers and contractors to support quality and cost‑effective margins.
• Health & Safety: monitor and maintain policy and culture across the venue.
• Brand: operate and further develop high brand standards in each area.
• Communications: liaise with client representatives, team managers, and others to ensure clarity and expectations.

Guest Focus

• Champion guest‑focused culture, share and act on feedback.
• Lead H&S culture and compliance across the venue.
• Client Relationship Management: build and maintain strong relationships, plan and execute events, and address concerns promptly.
• People: structure and resourcing, appoint and lead permanent team, manage recruitment and short‑term staffing, develop culture, performance reviews, training plans, and recognition.
• Financial Management: accountable for costs and profitability, forecast budgets, control operating costs.

Sales & Business Development

• Drive growth by identifying and pursuing new catering opportunities; promote services; secure repeat business.
• Menu Planning & Development: product development, continuous innovation, diet compliance.
• Quality Assurance: enforce controls, inspections, hygiene, safety; continuous improvement.
• HSE: maintain safe environment, compliance, training, standards.

What We're Looking For

• Secure, confident leader, senior management experience (min. 5 years at F&B senior level).
• Ability to manage a mixed portfolio and lead large teams.
• Passion for people and food; structured yet flexible approach.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder influence; experience with client group.
• Previous P&L accountability and commercial acumen.
• Problem solving, resilience, willingness to work evenings and weekends.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
• 23 days annual leave, bank holidays, birthday off, holiday purchase scheme.
• Medical, dental, optical, therapy treatments (Aviva Digicare, Medicash).
• Mental health support (24/7 Employee Assistance Programme).
• Enhanced family leave (additional leave after maternity, baby’s first birthday).
• Shopping, entertainment, travel discounts; 20% off Nuffield Health, 10% off PureGym.
• Pension scheme, life assurance, preferred rates on finance products.
• Professional subscriptions, ongoing training, career pathways.
• Meals on duty.

Why Join Us?

• Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company.
• We celebrate individuality and inclusivity, welcoming all backgrounds.
• We build inclusive teams where everyone thrives.
• Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.