Deputy General Manager – Aston Villa, Birmingham
Full‑Time | Up to £65k + 10% discretionary bonus
Excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
Job Description
Taking full accountability for a great food and beverage experience, matching the client’s ambition, brand specifications and standards. This high‑profile opportunity is for a dynamic senior and inspirational hospitality professional with experience in food and beverage delivery. You will deliver an exceptional food and guest experience, supporting a modern, innovative, and consistent operation.
Responsibilities & Duties
* Strategic Planning
o Collaborate with client and General Manager to agree strategy and direction.
o Ensure activities have clear purpose and measurable outcomes.
o Stay abreast of competitor activity and market trends.
o Lead capex and innovation projects with clients, Levy stakeholders and contractors.
* Operational Leadership
o Own day‑to‑day delivery of consistent and exceptional product quality and service standards.
o Drive guest focus culture and hospitality standards.
o Maintain food quality, presentation, staffing reviews and consistent standards.
o Liaise with Compass procurement, third‑party suppliers and contractors.
o Monitor and maintain Health & Safety policy, process, and culture.
o Operate and further develop high brand standards.
o Communicate expectations through structured meetings.
o Champion guest focused culture and respond to feedback.
o Lead the H&S culture across the venue.
* Client Relationship Management
o Build and maintain strong relationships with clients.
o Collaborate with clients to plan and execute events and functions.
o Address client concerns promptly and continually improve services.
o Support clients with broader initiatives (e.g., WITY criteria, community engagement).
* People
o Work with GM and People Business Partner on organisational structures.
o Appoint, lead, and manage permanent team.
o Recruit and deploy large volumes of casual workers per event requirements.
o Develop high team energy and engagement.
o Conduct performance reviews and succession planning.
o Co‑design and deliver the training plan.
o Ensure effective team communication.
o Reward and recognise staff success.
o Ensure HR compliance and legal obligations.
* Financial Management
o Accountable for all costs and profitability; deliver accurate forecasts, budgets, and P&L.
o Control operating costs and implement efficiency measures.
o Use data & insights from E15 to drive efficiency and growth.
o Review growth performance scores and identify opportunities.
o Support commercial understanding through Line Managers.
* Sales and Business Development
o Drive business growth by identifying new catering opportunities.
o Work with sales & marketing to promote services.
o Build long‑term relationships with key clients.
* Menu Planning and Development
o Collaborate with culinary & marketing specialists for product development.
o Stay current with industry trends, technology and best practice.
o Ensure menu compliance with dietary & safety standards.
* Quality Assurance
o Establish and enforce food quality control measures.
o Conduct regular inspections for cleanliness & hygiene.
o Implement improvement initiatives based on feedback.
* Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
o Maintain safe and compliant environment; enforce regulations.
o Demonstrate responsibility for personal health and safety.
o Ensure silver & gold HSE standards delivered.
o Adhere to Compass & Levy health & safety documents.
o Attend required HSE trainings.
Qualifications
* Minimum 5 years senior F&B experience.
* Senior management presence with ability to engage clients and peers.
* Passionate about people and team development.
* Flair for hospitality and passion for food.
* Experienced with implementation of projects and change programs.
* Comfortable working within brand guidelines.
* Excellent communication skills; can influence stakeholders.
* Experience working with a client group.
* Previous P&L accountability and commercial nous.
* Exudes confidence, energy and charisma.
* Ability to switch between leader and team player.
* Structured but flexible and agile.
* Calm and resilient; handles challenges well.
* Problem‑solving skills.
* Willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
Benefits
* Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.
* 23 days annual leave + bank holidays; birthday off; holiday purchase scheme.
* Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy).
* Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
* Family benefits: 2 days additional leave after maternity return; day off for baby’s first birthday; enhanced family leave.
* Perks & discounts: shopping, entertainment, travel, 20% off Nuffield Health, 10% off PureGym.
* Financial wellbeing: pension scheme, life assurance, preferred salary finance rates.
* Development opportunities: professional subscriptions, training, 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 celebrate individuality, build inclusive teams and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to advancing the planet and supporting local communities while providing unforgettable guest experiences.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
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