Deputy General Manager- Aston Villa

Deputy General Manager- Aston Villa, Birmingham, Full-Time

£55-60k + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We're looking for

It is all about taking full accountability for a great food and beverage experience, to match the client's ambition, brand specifications and standards.

A high-profile opportunity for a dynamic senior and inspirational hospitality professional, experienced in food and beverage delivery. We seek a real 'people person' and 'foodie', with rounded leadership skills and a focus on delivering consistency of quality and innovation to keep evolving the offering. Responsible for developing and delivering an exceptional food and guest experience. Critical to the success and reputation of the food and beverage operation is the leadership, selection, development, and retention of a well-trained team, of both fixed and variable team members.

The Deputy General Manager will work closely with our client to qualify requirements and align closely with the venues brand vision, values, culture, and processes to enable the development and delivery of the food and drink strategy, driving changes to continually evolve and improve guest experience.

Making Levy UK&I across the venue renowned for food and hospitality excellence, as befits its standing in the UK market. This is not a role for someone who wants to preserve the status quo, but if you have a passion for food and service, underpinned by evidence of the delivery of fresh ideas and operational excellence then you and the venue will shine.

You will work with the General manager regarding commercial accountability, working with the Location Accountant to deliver accurate and timely forecasts and budgets, taking control of all operating costs, and continually analysing key performance data to identify opportunities for growth.

Working with support teams within the wider Levy UK&I family, you will focus on continuous development and improvement, enhancing the guest experience, and increasing the commercial benefit to all partners.

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 - including Wimbledon, Twickenham, 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.

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.
• Structured Approach - ensure that all activities have a clear purpose and measurable outcomes, with a disciplined and pacey approach to completion, including the review and application of lessons learnt.
• External landscape - keep abreast of competitor activity and market trends which may impact your operation and make suggestions to evolve to ensure you keep ahead of the curve and at the forefront of the industry.
• Projects - strong focus on collaboration with Client, Levy stakeholders and contractors to plan and deliver various capex and innovation projects.

Operational Leadership

• 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.
• Hospitality - Drive our guest focus culture through consistently demonstrating an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of hospitality standards and client needs, that is infectious throughout your team.
• 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.
• Communications - Directly liaise with client representatives and your Team Managers to ensure that communication and expectations are clear. Use structured, regular, and consistent meetings as a key tool.
• Guest Focus - Champion the guest focused culture, continually sharing and acting on client and customer feedback.
• Health & Safety - 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.
• To support with client with their wider initiatives / WITY criteria (related to catering)- including community engagement.

People

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. Be the People Signatures owner for the Venue. Appoint, lead, and manage the permanent team to ensure consistent and effective operational delivery.