Retail Event Manager - NEC Exhibitions Centre

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company in Birmingham is seeking an F&B Event Manager to oversee food and beverage operations at the Exhibitions Centre. This role involves planning and managing teams to ensure exceptional service and meet commercial goals. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a passion for creating remarkable guest experiences. Compensation includes a competitive salary and excellent benefits, along with development opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Healthcare and wellbeing support

23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Meals on duty

Pension scheme

Training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable leadership experience in an operational role.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of managing costs.
• Passionate about delivering high-quality guest experiences.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business plans to achieve growth.
• Coach F&B Event Leads to maximize performance.
• Monitor performance and manage budgets.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Create a positive work environment to attract talent.

Skills

Leadership experience

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving skills

Organisational skills

Decision-making skills

Ability to handle pressure

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over‑50s age inclusive jobs board.

Job Introduction

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 would be responsible for planning and delivering exceptional food and beverage operations across retail outlets during events. They would 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.

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.

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, 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 for 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

• Demonstratable 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.