Event Manager- International Convention Centre NEC

Compass Group UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Wellbeing support

23 days annual leave plus bankholidays

Life assurance

Meals on duty

Job summary

Levy UK & Ireland, in partnership with ICC, is seeking an experienced Food & Beverage Event Manager to lead and maximise revenue across the ICC venues. You will develop and execute the F&B strategy for events, drive sales, optimise operations, and inspire the team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

This full-time role requires strong commercial acumen, frontline leadership, and a track record in banqueting management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and executing commercial strategies driving revenue growth.
• Track record of elevating guest experience in fast-paced venues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in large-scale venues.
• Attention to detail and operational excellence.
• Hold or be willing to obtain a Personal Alcohol Licence.
• Strong monitoring, coordination and supervisory skills.
• Financial awareness and cost control.
• Banqueting management experience.
• Excellent communication and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage, sell and deliver catering service for events, maximise profit and sales opportunities through upselling.
• Respond to customer queries/complaints by phone and in person while assessing client needs.
• Communicate client needs within the catering team.
• Build relationships with venue management to deliver a cohesive guest journey.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure stock takes are completed and discrepancies resolved.
• Monitor equipment levels and ensure resources are sufficient for event delivery.
• Seek innovative ways to elevate catering service and control labour costs.

Skills

Commercial strategy

Revenue growth

Guest experience

Communication skills

Line management

Financial awareness

Banqueting management

Alcohol licence

Job description

Event Manager - International Convention Centre, NEC | Full-Time / Permanent

£44088.12 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We're looking for...

Levy have entered into a long-term partnership to elevate the food and beverage proposition across the NEC. This collaboration will bring enhanced quality, choice, and innovation to the guest experience at the NEC, ICC, Vox, Utilita Arena Birmingham, bp pulse LIVE, and regional partner venues.

We are seeking a dynamic F&B Event Manager to lead and maximise food and beverage revenue within the ICC. This role will be responsible for developing and executing the F&B strategy, driving sales growth, optimising operational efficiency, and inspiring the team to consistently deliver an exceptional guest experience.

We are Levy

We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet.

Trusted by some of the worlds most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events from Wimbledon and Twickenham to 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.

Event Manager - The Role

• Manages, sells and delivers catering service for events to the required departmental standard, focusing on Maximising profit and sales opportunities through up selling
• Responds effectively to customer queries/complaints by phone and in person whilst assessing client needs in conjunction with the nature of the event
• Communicate effectively the client’s needs within the catering operational team
• Work in partnership with venue management and staff to build effective relationships in order to deliver a cohesive customer journey and delivery of the final event service
• Pays particular attention to the operational standards of the catering department, regularly reviewing processes and Systems via the general manager
• Facilitates regular cascade meetings, communication of operational changes and opportunities to our business, ensuring all staff are informed
• Monitors and develops the F&B Shift Managers, and F&B Shift Leaders to ensure that a consistent and considered level of service is provided in conjunction with overall catering objectives and initiatives
• Responsible for controlling and monitoring stock for all events
• Responsible to ensure stock takes are completed and processed through the nominated company systems ensuring any discrepancies are fully investigated, resolved and reported in line with company processes and communicating to the General Manager
• Responsible for monitoring equipment levels, ensuring resources are sufficient for event delivery
• Creative flair, continually looking for ways to revolutionise the industry by looking for innovative, fresh ways to take catering service to the next level
• Responsible for cost control, in particular labour cost, ensuring this is controlled through regular planning, review & communication with the R&D manager, Exec Chef, and the General Manager

What we're looking for

• Proven experience developing and executing commercial strategies that drive measurable revenue growth
• Demonstrated success in enhancing guest experience and elevating the overall guest experience in a fast-paced restaurant or event environment.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly to operational changes typical in large-scale venues
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring operational excellence and consistent service delivery
• Computer literate
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong line management skills
• Financial and cost awareness
• Experience in high standard banqueting, within a management role
• Currently holds or are willing to obtain a Personal Alcohol Licence
• Strong monitoring, coordination and supervisory skills to manage activities of operational staff in an assigned work area in similar or related disciplines
• Ability to maintain orderly work processes by co-ordinating workflow and work quality
• Takes accountability for work group/team results

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare & 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, day off for your babys 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?

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the worlds 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.

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.

Job Reference: com/1510/43421001/52839905/SU #Levy UK

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, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!