General Manager

Compass Group PLC; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a General Manager to oversee food and beverage operations for exhibitions at the NEC. This senior role requires extensive experience in large-scale operations, strong leadership skills, and a passion for quality service. The General Manager will ensure operational excellence while driving innovation and managing a diverse team, all while upholding the company's commitment to sustainable practices.

Benefits

Sustainable sourcing

Attractive salary package

Emphasis on team well-being

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' senior management experience in large-scale, multi-site food and beverage operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate large, diverse operational teams.
• Experience of implementing change programmes and delivering transformation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead Levy's food and beverage operations for NEC exhibitions.
• Drive quality and innovation in guest experience.
• Take overall ownership of daily F&B operations.

Skills

Leadership in large-scale operations

Commercial acumen

Change management

Strong communication

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Overview

As General Manager; this is a high-profile opportunity to lead Levy's food and beverage operations for our new partnership with the NEC; responsible for the delivery of operations within Exhibitions. This is a newly created role as part of our structure at one of the UK's most iconic destinations for exhibitions, conferences, and live events. It is about taking full accountability for a world-class food and beverage experience, aligned with the NEC's ambition to be a world-leading events destination. The role requires a senior hospitality professional with proven experience in large scale F&B operations across exhibitions, conferences, or live event venues. You will drive quality, innovation, and consistency, ensuring every guest touchpoint reflects the NEC and Levy's shared commitment to excellence. You will work closely with the NEC Group to deliver the catering strategy, lead transformation projects across multiple outlets and hospitality spaces, and ensure the operation meets commercial and guest experience objectives. You will have overall responsibility for team leadership, operational standards, and financial performance across the NEC Exhibitions portfolio.

Strategy & Planning

• Work with NEC Group and Levy leadership to define and deliver the food and beverage strategy.
• Develop tactical and operational plans with measurable outcomes and pacey execution.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform innovation and maintain a leading position.
• Support the planning and delivery of capital investment, refurbishment, and innovation projects across the NEC estate.

Operations Delivery

• Take overall ownership of daily F&B operations, ensuring consistent quality, service standards, and readiness to trade.
• Oversee multiple formats, including retail catering, hospitality, and premium experiences.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in food, drink, and guest experience.
• Ensure Levy and NEC brand standards are delivered across all outlets and services.
• Lead compliance with health, safety, and food safety policies.
• Manage supplier and contractor relationships to ensure effective service delivery and cost control.

People & Culture

• Lead, inspire, and develop a large team of fixed and variable colleagues.
• Build and maintain a guest-focused, high-energy culture across all departments.
• Oversee effective workforce planning, recruitment, and deployment of large casual pools to meet event demands.
• Ensure performance management, training, and succession planning frameworks are embedded.
• Recognise and reward achievement, while ensuring HR and legal compliance at all times.

Finance & Growth

• Take full commercial accountability for NEC Exhibitions' food and beverage operations.
• Deliver accurate budgets, forecasts, and P&Ls in partnership with the Finance Manager.
• Monitor and analyse performance data, guest feedback, and financial results to identify growth opportunities.
• Work with Levy culinary and marketing specialists to drive product development, innovation, and increased spend per transaction.
• Maintain tight control of operating costs, ensuring delivery against agreed financial targets.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' senior management experience in large-scale, multi-site food and beverage operations.
• Proven track record of leading operations in high-profile venues such as exhibitions, arenas, stadiums, or conference centres.
• Strong commercial acumen with previous P&L accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate large, diverse operational teams, including both fixed and variable staff.
• Experience of implementing change programmes and delivering transformation projects.
• Skilled in building effective client relationships and influencing at senior level.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently across all stakeholder groups.
• Passion for food and hospitality, with a focus on delivering quality and innovation.
• Structured, organised, and capable of managing multiple priorities with agility.
• Resilient and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends in line with the events calendar.

About Levy

• Levy is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.
• In the UK, we have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events, including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Principality Stadium, SEC, and ExCel London.
• We are committed to sustainably sourced food and drink, exceptional service, and impacting people and the planet positively. We aim to be Net Zero by 2027 and pay team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.