Deputy General Manager – Arenas, NEC, Birmingham
Full‑time / Permanent | £60,000+ with excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
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 – including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and ExCeL London – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.
Deputy General Manager – The role
The Deputy General Manager will assist the General Manager with overseeing all aspects of our catering services, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, service, and client satisfaction. The role will be instrumental in driving business growth, managing financial performance, and fostering a positive working environment for the catering food and beverage teams.
Strategic Planning
* Collaborate frequently with the client and General Manager to agree strategy and direction, developing and monitoring tactical plans to deliver.
* Ensure all activities have clear purpose and measurable outcomes, with a disciplined and pacey approach to completion.
* Keep abreast of competitor activity and market trends that may impact the operation and make suggestions to evolve and stay ahead of the curve.
* Focus on projects with Client, Levy stakeholders and contractors to plan and deliver various capex and innovation projects.
Operational Leadership
* Own day‑to‑day delivery of consistent and exceptional product quality and service standards, achieving and ideally exceeding department targets.
* Drive a guest‑focus culture through consistently demonstrating an in‑depth knowledge of hospitality standards and client needs.
* Monitor and develop each department to ensure food quality, presentation, staffing reviews and consistent standards are maintained.
* Liaise with Compass procurement, 3rd‑party suppliers and contractors to underpin effective product quality, service delivery and cost‑effective margins.
* Monitor and maintain the Health and Safety policy, process, and culture across the venue.
* Operate and further develop consistently high brand standards within each area.
* Ensure communication and expectations are clear through structured, regular, and consistent meetings.
* Champion the guest‑focused culture, continually sharing and acting on client and customer feedback.
* Lead the H&S culture and compliance across the venue.
Client Relationship Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their catering needs and preferences.
* Collaborate with clients to plan and execute successful events, meetings, and functions.
* Address client concerns promptly and work towards continuous improvement of services.
* Support clients with wider initiatives such as WITY criteria (related to catering) and community engagement.
People
* Work with the General Manager and People Business Partner to agree and sign off appropriate organisational structures.
* Be the People Signatures owner for the Venue.
* Appoint, lead, and manage the permanent team to ensure consistent and effective operational delivery.
* Ensure effective recruitment plans to source and deploy large volumes of casual workers per event requirements.
* Develop and sustain high team energy and engagement focused on great food and hospitality.
* Conduct regular performance reviews and talent management / succession planning activity.
* Oversee and drive the training plan and activity with Heads of Departments.
* Ensure effective team communication flows throughout the venue.
* Recognise and celebrate success, ensuring consistent and objective salary and bonus arrangements.
* Ensure compliance with all legal obligations and HR processes.
Financial Management
* Financially accountable for all costs and profitability of the venue, working with the Location Accountant to deliver accurate forecasts, budgets and P&L’s.
* Be in control of all operating costs, constantly looking for more efficient ways to operate.
* Use data modelling to monitor, challenge and drive systematic change, driving efficiency and growth.
* Review Growth Performance Scores to identify opportunities for growth and remedial actions.
* Ensure competent levels of commercial understanding and awareness through Line Managers and their teams.
Sales and Business Development
* Drive business growth by identifying and pursuing new catering opportunities.
* Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to promote catering services.
* Develop and maintain relationships with key clients to secure repeat business.
Menu Planning and Development
* Liaise with culinary and marketing specialists to implement continuous product development and drive increased spend per transaction.
* Stay current with industry trends, technology, and best practices to continuously innovate and elevate operational performance.
* Ensure menu compliance with dietary restrictions, health and safety standards.
Quality Assurance
* Establish and enforce quality control measures for food preparation and presentation.
* Conduct regular inspections to maintain cleanliness, hygiene and safety standards.
* Implement continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback and industry trends.
HSE
* Maintain a safe and compliant working environment by enforcing health and safety regulations.
* Take responsibility for personal health and safety and that of others.
* Ensure silver and gold HSE standards in the area of business.
* Comply with all Compass and Levy Health and safety documents and legislation.
* Attend and complete all required H&S, Food Safety and related training.
What we’re looking for
* A naturally confident leader with senior management experience to inspire large operational teams – 5+ years at F&B senior level.
* Confidently manage a mixed portfolio of outlets and business functions.
* Senior management presence to engage with Client, peers and specialists.
* Passionate about people – building and developing teams.
* Positive and passionate focus on food – natural flair for hospitality.
* Experience in leading implementation of projects and change programmes.
* Comfortable working within brand guidelines to deliver results.
* Excellent communication skills – able to influence all stakeholder levels.
* Experience working with a client group.
* Previous P&L accountability and evidence of commercial nous.
* Exudes confidence, energy and charisma.
* Can switch between leader and team player as required.
* Structured approach but also demonstrates flexibility and agility.
* Calm and resilient, not deterred by unforeseen challenges.
* Problem‑solving skills.
* Willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
What you’ll get in return
* Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
* 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, 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: additional leave after maternity leave, day off for 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.
* 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.
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