Retail Event Manager - NEC Exhibitions Centre

Levy UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A global hospitality partner is seeking an F&B Event Manager in Birmingham to oversee exceptional food and beverage operations during events. Responsibilities include team management, financial oversight, and driving high-quality guest experiences. Competitive salary of £42.5k+ plus excellent benefits, including healthcare and 23 days' annual leave. Join a diverse team focused on delivering unforgettable experiences and sustainability within the hospitality industry.

Benefits

Healthcare and wellbeing support

23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Financial wellbeing benefits

Meals on duty

Qualifications

• Demonstrable leadership experience in an operational role.
• Proven ability to identify and implement commercial opportunities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business plans to achieve growth targets.
• Coach and support event leads to maximize performance.
• Monitor performance, manage budgets, and enhance profitability.

Skills

Leadership experience

Commercial acumen

Guest experience delivery

Budgeting and forecasting

Team development

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

F&B Event Manager Retail, Exhibitions Centre, NEC, Birmingham | Full-Time / Permanent

£42.5k+ excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We’re looking for an F&B Event Manager – Retail for the Exhibitions at the NEC who will be responsible for planning and delivering exceptional food and beverage operations across retail outlets during events. They will manage teams, coordinate with suppliers and event organisers, and ensure that all retail F&B offerings meet commercial targets, brand standards, and guest experience expectations.

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.

F&B Event Manager – The role

The F&B Event Manager will be expected to deliver exceptional guest experience and commercial performance within designated operational areas and to ensure the safety of our team and guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business plans to achieve LFL growth and exceed revenue and contribution targets.
• Coach and support F&B Event Leads to maximise business area performance and develop their teams.
• Empower F&B Event Leads and other team members to achieve their KPIs and maintain high standards.
• Constantly focus on improving quality of delivery, customer experience, operational efficiency and cost control.
• Take ownership of implementing new initiatives that drive sales, improve operational efficiency, control costs and enhance guest experience. Ensure these are embedded and reviewed.
• Monitor performance. Manage profit and loss, budgets, sales forecasting and other key performance indicators to deliver operational excellence and enhance profitability.
• Ensure operational areas meet health & safety standards, comply with licensing policies and law.
• Create a positive and engaging working environment / culture to attract, recruit and retain the best talent.
• Maintain SOP standards in the operational area.
• Interact effectively and build positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• During quiet periods provide support / cover to other roles in the business / venues.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable leadership experience in an operational role, preferably within a similar or relatable environment.
• Strong commercial acumen – proven ability to identify and implement commercial opportunities and manage costs.
• Passionate about delivering amazing experiences for guests and upholding standards.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• A track record of leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple priorities. Excels working under pressure.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making and organisational skills.

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: 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.