Head of Retail and Bars - Charlton Athletic FC

Compass Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking a Head of Retail to spearhead operations at Charlton Athletic FC. This strategic role involves enhancing the fan experience, leading a dynamic team, and managing retail performance, including stock and financial oversight. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in senior retail operations within high-pressure environments, possessing strong leadership skills and a proven ability to drive growth. Excellent communication and operational expertise are also essential for success in this role.

Benefits

Competitive salary

23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Healthcare and wellbeing support

Mental health support

Pension scheme

Meals on duty

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior retail/F&B leadership in a high-pressure environment.
• Proven track record of improving revenue and managing large teams.
• Strong ability to communicate with both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead retail operations focusing on customer experience and operational performance.
• Manage stock control and financial performance across all retail functions.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Retail operations expertise

Leadership skills

Financial acumen

Excellent communication

Stock control knowledge

Job description

Head of Retail and Bars - Charlton Athletic FC

Head of Retail – Charlton Athletic FC, London | Full-Time / Permanent

Up to £45,000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We’re looking for a strategic Head of Retail to join the dynamic team at Charlton Athletic Football Club – an iconic stadium with a strong blend of heritage and community that offers the ideal environment for entertaining football and first-class food.

As Head of Retail you will lead Charlton Athletic’s Food & Beverage (F&B) retail operations, ensuring excellence in fan experience, commercial performance, and operational delivery across matchdays, non-matchdays, hospitality, and special events.

With a dynamic and growing operation that is 80% liquor-driven, however BIG plans to expand the food offer, you will need to have a passion for great food and service.

If you’re a expert in retail operations, with a background in stadia, brands or large-scale events, this could be your next challenge!

We are Levy. 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.

The role

Strategic Retail Leadership

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for retail growth across F&B, bars, kiosks, and fan zones.
• Align operational plans with infrastructure projects and club-wide growth.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operations of all retail functions including hospitality bars, food units, kiosks, mobile bars, and the fan zone.
• Lead stock control, procurement, supplier relationships, and cost efficiency.
• Manage cellar systems and general maintenance across all sites.
• Oversee new and exciting food concepts and launch new food lead offers.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing F&B team (supervisors, casual, and full-time staff).
• Plan matchday staffing effectively to align with match profile and service demand.
• Set and monitor individual and team KPIs.

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Own P&L responsibility for all retail operations.
• Monitor sales, margins, and KPIs, delivering regular reporting to senior leadership.
• Ensure efficient stock management, ordering, and wastage control.

Fan Engagement & Commercial Partnerships

• Work with Commercial & Marketing to drive spend-per-head via promotions and activations.
• Support wider C&E (Conferences & Events) operations with VIP and large-scale events.

Infrastructure & Project Delivery

• Lead retail improvement projects including:
• Coordinate with Facilities and Maintenance to ensure all upgrades and repairs are planned and delivered on time.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience in senior retail / F&B leadership in a stadium, arena, large event, or greenfield setting.
• Proven track record of growing revenue, improving margins, and managing large teams.
• Strong people management and leadership skills across multi-site, high-pressure environments.
• Advanced operational knowledge: stock control, logistics, vendor negotiation, health & safety.
• Resilience and adaptability in high-demand match day environments.
• Excellent communicator with strong internal and external stakeholder management.
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and all matchdays.

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive salary 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: 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?

• Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s 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.