Head Of Retail And Beverage - Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham | Full-Time / Permanent
Up to £45000 + 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 financial soundness of a £3.2m revenue, and upholding regulatory compliance standards.
We are 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.
Head Of Retail And Beverage - 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
To champion HSE within the unit and lead by example, ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory and legal requirements, including in respect of health and safety matters
Setting quality and operational standards
Establish excellent relationships with clients, contractors and other departments
Management and development of relevant personnel, providing inspiration and leadership to deliver exceptional service
Review performance and optimise sales and profitability to ensure delivery of departmental financial targets, as driven by a ‘smart’ approach to maximising the customer experience in terms of queue times, use and application of technology and the provision of 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 that we meet the highest levels of customer service and maximise profitability
Liaison with 3rd party suppliers and contractors to underpin effective service delivery and product quality
Continually aware of the customer journey, pressure points and opportunities to observe, capture and act on client and customer feedback continually
Review wastage with the culinary team and cellar team, look at opportunities to control, educate and reduce to support overall GP% targets
To be aware and adhere with statutory, legal and Company policy requirements for; Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Licensing Laws, Employment Law, Fire Regulations, Sales of good/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.
Working with the Cellar Manager and the Logistics Manager to oversee the smooth running of the department
To ensure that all new team members are inducted, trained, and developed to ensure that the highest levels of efficiency within the operation and customer service are always employed.
To engender good staff, customer, and client relations always
To ensure that all staff are trained promptly in all areas of food hygiene and health and safety, ensuring that training record cards are duly signed.
To identify employees with potential for development and promotions within the operation, ensuring the correct development and training opportunities are given.
To be engaged in and an active supporter in your team's learning and development plans
To regularly provide feedback suitable to each team member's learning style to your direct reports to ensure their continued growth within the company.
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 throughout the service operation and set up, ensuring all HACCP processes within your control are adhered to with any risk mitigated 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.To thoroughly investigate and feedback to the General Manager on any variances found and put an operational plan in place to mitigate them.
Analyse stock performance, waste, yield, and margin to drive GP% improvements.To suggest to the General Manager developments in the operation that may improve the profitability, where agreed, implement, and monitor these changes once approved.
To ensure that all purchasing is done through approved Compass suppliers.
To ensure that all stock on-site within your area of responsibility is always kept safe in line with the profit protection policy.
To 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.An understanding of the site's alcohol license
Conduct scheduled and ad hoc safety walks, documenting actions and driving resolution.Ensure compliance with relevant food safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements, maintaining 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: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 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.
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.
Job Reference: com/2212/(phone number removed)/(phone number removed)/SU #Levy UK
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