WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Food and beverage sits at the heart of the Etihad Stadium experience — from the matchday buzz of fan concessions and hospitality lounges to the creativity and precision of our Conference & Events (C&E) operation. Across every occasion, we aim to deliver quality, consistency, and memorable experiences that exceed guest expectations.
As Venue Catering Director, you will be responsible for leading all food and beverage services at the Etihad Stadium, including matchday, non-matchday, and Conference & Events operations. You’ll ensure exceptional guest and fan experiences, operational excellence, and commercial performance through strong cost control, efficient workforce management, and service innovation.
As a senior leader within EVS and the Etihad Stadium, the role will:
* Oversee the delivery of all F&B operations — including concessions, bars, hospitality lounges, suites, and Conference & Events catering.
* Align Stadium F&B operations with the wider campus strategy while meeting the unique demands of a world‑class sports and events venue.
* Work closely with the Director of F&B Operations to drive excellence, innovation, and consistency across all culinary and service touchpoints.
* Lead, mentor, and develop the Stadium F&B operations team, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
Operational Leadership
* Lead end‑to‑end F&B operations across matchday, non‑matchday, and C&E activities, ensuring seamless planning and delivery.
* Ensure seamless mobilisation, resourcing, and readiness for all event types — from large‑scale fixtures and concerts to corporate conferences, private dining, and bespoke events.
* Drive a fan‑ and guest‑first culture, ensuring every interaction reflects quality, efficiency, and pride in delivery.
* Oversee workforce planning, rostering, and deployment of large casual and permanent teams to ensure operational efficiency and service consistency.
* Act as senior on‑site lead for F&B during live events, accountable for safe, compliant, and world‑class delivery.
Culinary Leadership
* Line‑manage and support the Executive Head Chef Director, ensuring consistent standards of food quality, safety, and presentation.
* Champion innovation in culinary concepts and menu design, tailored to both general admission, hospitality and C&E guests.
* Oversee cost control, menu engineering, and supply chain management to optimise margins and sustainability.
* Ensure culinary operations align with Stadium brand standards and deliver memorable guest experiences.
* Foster collaboration between culinary and front‑of‑house teams to ensure guest expectations are met through seamless delivery.
* Deliver F&B operations within agreed budgets, driving strong cost control, labour efficiency, and margin performance across matchday, non‑matchday, and C&E operations.
* Monitor financial performance and implement initiatives to improve profitability, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
* Ensure C&E activities are planned and delivered efficiently, maximising utilisation of resources and operational space.
* Oversee menu pricing, procurement, and supplier relationships to ensure value for money and sustainability.
* Maintain compliance with all licensing, food safety, allergen, and health & safety regulations.
Guest & Fan Experience
* Champion a culture of exceptional service across every touchpoint — from general admission fans to hospitality guests and corporate clients.
* Use guest feedback, surveys, and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
* Collaborate with culinary and front‑of‑house teams to deliver consistent, high‑quality experiences across all outlets and events.
* Ensure C&E clients receive the same high standards of service, personalisation, and attention to detail as matchday and hospitality guests.
Leadership & People
* Lead, coach, and develop the Stadium F&B leadership team (Operations and Culinary)
* Build a positive, high‑performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and guest experience.
* Ensure effective communication and engagement across teams, fostering inclusion and pride in service.
* Support resource planning, training, and development to meet operational and financial objectives.
Skills and Qualifications
* Proven leadership experience in large‑scale venue, stadia, or hospitality operations, including matchday and Conference & Events delivery.
* Track record of managing complex, multi‑outlet operations with a strong focus on guest experience and cost control.
* Deep understanding of C&E operations, logistics, and client management in a high‑volume, high‑expectation environment.
* Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, labour costs, and operational efficiency.
* Experience leading culinary strategy and innovation at scale.
* Thorough knowledge of compliance standards (food safety, allergen management, licensing, health & safety).
* Skilled in leading and developing diverse teams across large, fast‑paced environments.
* Passionate about delivering outstanding guest and fan experiences through exceptional food and service.
* Excellent communicator and relationship builder with strong stakeholder management skills.
* Organised, detail‑oriented, and proactive in solving problems and improving processes.
* Collaborative, inclusive leader who motivates teams to achieve excellence.
* Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and event days in line with the venue schedule.
Application Deadline: 21st November 2025
Benefits
* Competitive pay.
* Staff meals.
* Opportunity for personal training and development.
* Cross‑exposure to the wider business.
* Sick pay.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Wherever you come from, and wherever you’re going — we’d love to hear from you.
If you require additional support or adjustments during the application process, please contact talent@eastlandsvsl.com — we’re here to help.
If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.
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