Head Of Retail And Beverage
Location: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham
Employment type: Full-Time / Permanent
Salary: Up to £45,000 plus excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We're looking for…
As the Head of Retail and Beverage at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium, you will be pivotal in orchestrating the seamless delivery of top‑tier catering services to patrons, in collaboration with Levy UK & I. Your role encompasses meticulous planning, execution, and supervision of all public GA catering operations, guaranteeing alignment with organisational benchmarks and exceeding client anticipations. Your core responsibilities revolve around optimising operational processes, adeptly leading staff, fostering unparalleled customer experiences, safeguarding the financial soundness of a 3.2m revenue, and upholding regulatory compliance standards.
About 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, from Wimbledon and Twickenham to 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
Operational Excellence
* Line manage the retail and cellar team, setting performance expectations and driving accountability.
* Provide first‑class non‑match day and match day retail, bar, third‑party concessions operations.
* Champion HSE within the unit, ensuring full compliance with all regulations and statutory and legal requirements.
* Set quality and operational standards.
* Establish excellent relationships with clients, contractors, and other departments.
* Manage and develop relevant personnel, providing inspiration and leadership to deliver exceptional service.
* Review performance and optimise sales and profitability to achieve departmental financial targets, using a smart approach to maximise the customer experience in terms of queue times, technology, and enticing marketing offers.
* Demonstrate full alignment with the Levy and client vision and values by consistently doing the right things and celebrating successes.
* Optimise staffing levels at events to ensure the highest levels of customer service and maximise profitability.
* Liaise with 3rd‑party suppliers and contractors to underpin effective service delivery and product quality.
* Remain continually aware of the customer journey, pressure points, and opportunities to observe, capture and act on client and customer feedback.
* Review wastage with the culinary and cellar teams, identifying opportunities to control, educate and reduce to support overall GP% targets.
* Adhere to statutory, legal and company policy requirements for Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Licensing Laws, Employment Law, Fire Regulations, Sales of Goods/Trade Description, Personnel/HR procedures.
* Ensure all operational areas are risk‑assessed, compliant, and operating to Compass/Levy policy.
* Own the operational planning cycle, including capacity modelling, queue flow planning, technology optimisation, and delivery coordination with Logistics, Cellar, and Culinary teams.
* Collaborate cross‑departmentally to deliver innovation, efficiencies, and continuous improvement.
Staff Management and Learning and Development
* Serve as the site lead for stock integrity across all Retail & Beverage operations.
* Implement stock protection strategies aligned to Compass profit protection standards.
* Work with the Cellar Manager and Logistics Manager to oversee the smooth running of the department.
* Ensure that all new team members are inducted, trained, and developed to achieve the highest levels of efficiency within the operation and customer service.
* Engender good staff, customer, and client relations at all times.
* Ensure that all staff are trained promptly in all areas of food hygiene and health and safety, with training record cards duly signed.
* Identify employees with potential for development and promotions within the operation, ensuring appropriate development and training opportunities are provided.
* Be an active supporter of the team's learning and development plans.
* Provide regular feedback suited to each team member's learning style to foster continuous growth.
* Foster a culture of high performance, teamwork and inclusion – in line with the Levy and Edgbaston Values.
* Address underperformance promptly using a structured and fair performance framework.
Quality Control and Customer Service
* Monitor food and beverage quality throughout the catering process, addressing any issues promptly to maintain high standards of taste, presentation, and hygiene.
* Monitor food safety and HACCP processes throughout the service operation, mitigating any risks where necessary.
* Interact with customers to understand their needs and preferences, ensuring a personalised and memorable dining experience.
* Handle customer complaints and inquiries with professionalism and efficiency, resolving issues to their satisfaction and upholding the venue's reputation.
Financial Management
* Monitor labour, consumables, and operating costs, ensuring delivery against financial targets and investigate variances with the General Manager.
* Analyse stock performance, waste, yield, and margin to drive GP% improvements, suggesting developments to the General Manager for approval.
* Ensure that all purchasing is done through approved Compass suppliers.
* Ensure that all stock on‑site within your area of responsibility is kept safe in line with the profit protection policy.
* Ensure that all financial administration within your area of responsibility is completed on a timely basis.
* Influence and contribute to the pricing strategy to maximise revenue and value perception.
Compliance and Risk Management
* Lead all compliance activity for Retail & Beverage, ensuring full adherence to health & safety, food safety, licensing, trade descriptions, and employment law, with an understanding of the site's alcohol license.
* Conduct scheduled and ad‑hoc safety walks, documenting actions and driving resolution; maintain accurate records and documentation as needed.
* Hold accountability for alcohol licensing compliance, including staff training, Challenge 25, refusal logs, and responsible service.
* Ensure business continuity plans and contingency procedures are tested and understood by your team.
* Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in catering operations, incorporating innovations and improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
What we're looking for
* Proven experience in a high‑volume catering environment, in a high‑volume venue or event environment.
* Demonstrable leadership of large teams, including managers and supervisors.
* Proven expertise in stock control, financial governance and operational risk management.
* Advanced understanding of POS, stock system and digital stock management tools.
* Strong understanding of licensing law, food hygiene legislation and H&S compliance.
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
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:
o Two days additional leave after returning from maternity leave.
o Day off for your baby's first birthday.
o Enhanced family leave.
* Perks & discounts:
o Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts.
o 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
* Financial wellbeing:
o Pension scheme.
o Life assurance.
o Preferred rates on salary finance products.
* Development opportunities:
o Professional subscriptions.
o 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, because diversity is our strength.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Equal Opportunities
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
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