Overview:
Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.
In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Principality Stadium, Scottish Event Campus (SEC), and ExCel London.
We are culinary champions - it’s what we do and it’s what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service, is key to creating legendary experiences.
Focused on ‘doing the right thing’ for our people and the planet, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.
Role Purpose:
As our Head of Hospitality, you will manage the catering function at Aston Villa Football Club. You will lead hospitality areas on match days, oversee non-match day C&E functions, concerts, and significant events, ensuring they are delivered effectively and to the highest standards, while building strong client and supplier relationships.
Your focus will be on delivering a great food and beverage experience that aligns with client ambitions, brand standards, and quality expectations.
This role is a high-profile opportunity for a dynamic senior hospitality professional experienced in F&B delivery across sport venues, entertainment arenas, meetings, exhibitions, and conferences. We seek a people person and foodie with leadership skills and a focus on quality, innovation, and evolving guest experiences. You will be responsible for developing and delivering exceptional food and guest experiences, leading, developing, and retaining a large, trained team.
Key Responsibilities:
Planning:
- Ensure all activities have clear purposes and measurable outcomes, with a disciplined approach to completion, including lessons learned.
- Stay informed about competitor activity and market trends, suggesting evolutions to stay ahead.
- Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and contractors to plan and deliver projects.
Operations:
- Oversee the daily delivery of high-quality food and service standards.
- Ensure readiness of services at scheduled times.
- Promote a guest-focused culture through knowledge and appreciation of hospitality standards.
- Liaise with clients and partners to plan and deliver innovative solutions.
- Monitor and maintain food quality, presentation, staffing, and standards.
- Uphold health and safety policies and culture.
- Maintain high brand standards.
- Communicate effectively with clients and team managers.
- Champion guest feedback and health & safety compliance.
People:
- Develop recruitment plans for casual workers.
- Foster a high-energy, engaged team focused on quality food and hospitality.
- Conduct performance reviews and talent management activities.
- Ensure effective communication within the team.
Financial & Business Development:
- Be accountable for costs and profitability.
- Promote commercial awareness within teams.
- Collaborate on product development and marketing to increase revenue.
Person Specification:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
- Strong operational experience with a passion for F&B.
- Articulate and numerate, capable of preparing quotes and reports.
- Knowledge of legislation including health, safety, and employment law.
- Proficient with systems and technology to enhance operations.
- Inspirational leader with excellent communication skills.
- Creative, driven, and positive attitude.
- Skilled in menu knowledge, technical organization, and resource planning.
- Understand financial impacts of decisions.
- Capable of building relationships and influencing stakeholders.
- Committed to high standards and continuous improvement.
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