Deputy General Manager or General Manager

Deputy General Manager- Exhibitions, NEC, Birmingham | Full-Time / Permanent
£65k+ excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
A Deputy General Manager at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) would oversee the day-to-day operations of the venue, ensuring seamless delivery of large-scale events and exhibitions. They would support the General Manager in driving operational excellence, team leadership, and customer satisfaction, while managing key stakeholder relationships and maintaining high standards in service, safety, and commercial performance.
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.
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.
Deputy General Manager- The role
The Deputy General Manager will be responsible for assisting 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
Collaboration - Frequent liaison with our client and General Manager to agree strategy and direction of travel, developing and monitoring tactical plans to deliver.
Projects - strong focus on collaboration with Client, Levy stakeholders and contractors to plan and deliver various capex and innovation projects.

Ownership of the day-to-day delivery of consistent and exceptional product quality and service standards to achieve and ideally exceed department targets and grow our reputation for delivery legendary experiences.
Consistency - Regular monitoring and development of each department to ensure that food quality, presentation, staffing reviews and consistent standards are maintained according to our Levy signature culture.
Liaison 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.
Brand - Operate and further develop consistently high brand standards within each area.
Client Relationship Management
Address client concerns promptly and work towards continuous improvement of services.
To support with client with their wider initiatives / WITY criteria (related to catering)- including community engagement.

Structure - work with the General Manager and People Business Partner to agree and sign off appropriate organisational structures to flex resourcing between fixed and variable workers across all departments and with appropriate factoring to address extended and weekend operating hours.
Appoint, lead, and manage the permanent team to ensure consistent and effective operational delivery.
Sourcing and deployment - ensure that effective and robust recruitment plans and processes exist to source and deploy large volumes of casual workers per differing event requirements.
Culture - Work closely with the management team to develop and sustain a high level of team energy and engagement, focused on great food and hospitality.
Review and Develop - Conduct regular performance reviews and talent management / succession planning activity, based on agreed and measurable GPI’s as part the Growth Performance Strategy (GPS).
Ensure consistent and objective salary and bonus arrangements are in place.
HR compliance - work closely with the HR team and HOD’s to ensure complete and consistently effective adherence to all legal obligations.

Financial Management
Cost Management - Be in control of all operating costs, constantly looking for more efficient ways to operate. Implement cost-control measures without compromising on quality and service.
Data focus - Utilise data modelling created by E15 Insights, to monitor, challenge and drive systematic change, by driving efficiency and growth within your venue.
Key analytics - frequent review of Growth Performance Scores to identify opportunities for growth/ remedial actions, with tactical plans in place to address.
Commerciality - ensure competent levels of commercial understanding and awareness through Line Managers and their teams.

Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to promote catering services.
Menu Planning and Development
Product development - Liaising with culinary and marketing specialist colleagues 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.
Quality Assurance
Establish and enforce quality control measures for food preparation and presentation.
Conduct regular inspections to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards.
To attend and comply with any training for Health and Safety, Food Safety etc.

A naturally confident leader, with senior management experience to inspire large operational teams to deliver results - min 5 years’ experience at F & B senior level.
Senior management presence to engage with Client, peers, and functional specialists.
Passionate about people - building and developing teams.
Positive and passionate focus on food - a natural flare for hospitality.
Experienced in leading the implementation of projects and change programs.
Comfortable working within brand guidelines to deliver results.
Previous P&L accountability and evidence of commercial nous.
Willing to work evenings and weekends as required.

Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
~23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
~ Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
~ Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
~ 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
~ 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.