Senior F&B Lead- NEC Exhibitions

Compass Group UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days' annual leave

Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare

Employee assistance programme

Meals on duty included

Job summary

Levy UK & Ireland, part of Compass Group, is seeking a Senior Food & Beverage Lead for NEC Birmingham. This hands-on, retail-focused role oversees exhibition hall food and beverage operations, leading teams, driving sales, and ensuring compliant, high-quality guest service across multiple venues.

You will report to the Retail F&B Operations Manager, deputising when required. The role emphasizes service delivery, health and safety, and continuous improvement to enhance the guest experience at

Qualifications

• Experience leading a diverse team in fast-paced environments.
• Retail or hospitality/event experience desirable with focus on customer service.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership to a team and coach staff to high performance.
• Manage events to meet financial targets, including labour, waste, and stock controls.
• Oversee food and drink service operations in exhibition spaces, ensuring Levy standards.
• Deliver exceptional customer experiences through friendly, professional service.
• Ensure accurate sales transactions and compliance with alcohol licensing.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Customer service

Communication

Flexibility

Job description

Senior F&B Lead l NEC- Exhibitions l Birmingham

Weare 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 world’s most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events –includingWimbledon,Twickenham,Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, theSECandExcelLondon – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.

Our mission is tosucceedthe 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.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Senior Food & Beverage Lead at Levy is a hands-on, primarily retail-focused leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality food and beverage operations across exhibition halls. While the core focus is retail, the role also provides occasional support within other departments in line with event requirements.

Reporting to the Retail F&B Operations Manager, this position plays a key role in the successful delivery of events, with direct responsibility for managing retail operations across one or more exhibition halls. This includes leading teams on the ground, driving sales performance, and ensuring smooth execution throughout the event lifecycle.

The Senior Food & Beverage Lead will also support and deputise for the Retail F&B Operations Manager when required, taking ownership of operational decision-making and overall performance.

A central aspect of the role is leading and supporting Food & Beverage Leads to deliver excellent service in line with event needs. Responsibilities include hands-on management of retail outlets, overseeing customer service standards, managing stock and sales, and ensuring full compliance with all licensing regulations, including the responsible sale of alcohol.

In addition to operational delivery, the role champions Levy’s CARE values, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and collaboration. By creating a positive, high-performing environment, the Senior Food & Beverage Lead enables teams to succeed and ensures every guest experience is efficient, professional, and memorable.

Overall, this role is critical to driving retail performance while supporting broader hospitality operations, ensuring consistently high standards across all event spaces.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Leadership: Provide effective leadership to a team of staff members, including training, coaching, and supervision to ensure high performance and productivity levels. Set clear expectations and objectives for team members and monitor their progress accordingly.
• Financial delivery: Ensure events are executed within agreed financial targets, including effective labour management, revenue generation, waste minimisation, stock control, and oversight of controllable costs. Proactively identify and maximise revenue opportunities to drive sales.
• Operations: Oversee the smooth operation of food and drink services, ensuring that all tasks are carried out efficiently and in accordance with event instructions. All delivery of food and drink to meet Levy standards and expectations.
• Customer Service: Maintain a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences to all visitors and guests. Lead by example in providing friendly, professional, and efficient service, addressing any customer concerns or inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Service Delivery: Manage the sale and service of food, beverages, and merchandise, ensuring accuracy in transactions and compliance with relevant regulations, particularly regarding the sale and service of alcohol. Monitor inventory levels and replenish supplies as needed to meet customer demand.
• Team Collaboration: Foster a positive and collaborative work environment among team members, encouraging open communication, teamwork, and mutual support. Coordinate with other team leaders and departments to ensure seamless coordination and execution of tasks.
• Health and Safety: Adhere to health and safety protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of staff members, customers, and visitors at all times. Conduct regular inspections and safety walks to identify and address potential hazards or concerns.
• Performance Management: Monitor team performance and conduct regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and coaching to support individual development and improvement. Recognize outstanding performance to motivate team members and enhance morale to your direct line manager.
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies, including those related to food safety, hygiene standards, and alcohol licensing. Keep abreast of any changes or updates to regulations and implement necessary adjustments accordingly.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency enhancements within the team and across operations. Actively contribute to the implementation of best practices and initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall quality of service and customer satisfaction.

PERSON SPECFICATION:

• Experience: Previous experience of leading a diverse team within a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in a retail and/or hospitality or events-related role is desirable, and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate and inspire team members to perform at their best. Experience in effectively delegating tasks and managing staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to liaise effectively with team members, clients, and guests. Capable of providing clear instructions and feedback to ensure tasks are carried out efficiently.
• Customer Focus: A genuine passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences, with a customer-centric approach to service delivery. Ability to anticipate and respond to customer needs promptly and effectively.
• Flexibility: Highly adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Willingness to work across different departments as required and business streams within the NEC campus as required.
• Teamwork: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Encourages teamwork and cooperation among team members to achieve common goals.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to maintain high standards of quality and presentation in service delivery. Capable of overseeing multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality.
• Initiative: Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and problem-solve effectively in challenging situations. Demonstrates resilience and composure under pressure.
• Compliance: Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, particularly regarding the sale of food and drink and service of alcohol. Ensures compliance with health and safety protocols, licensing requirements, and company policies at all times.
• Alignment with Levy Values: Shares and embodies the values and mission of Levy including a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Demonstrates a positive attitude and enthusiasm for contributing to the success of the NEC and its events.

Whatyou’llget inreturn

• Competitive salaryand full company benefits
• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare & wellbeing: AvivaDigicare, Medicash(dental, optical, therapy treatments)
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Family benefits:Enhanced maternity, paternity, andadoptionleave.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 equalopportunitiesemployer 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.