Senior Retail Operations Manager - Food & BeverageExcel London | Full-Time | Permanent
£47,378 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We're seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Retail Operations Manager - Food & Beverage to lead our extensive retail food and beverage operation at Excel London – one of Europe's largest and most successful venues, hosting over 400 events each year.
You'll be responsible for overseeing multiple food and beverage retail outlets, driving sales performance, maximising profitability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Leading from the front, you'll develop high-performing teams and ensure operational excellence across a diverse mix of restaurants, grab-and-go concepts, kiosks, and event catering outlets.
We're looking for a passionate retail and hospitality leader who can inspire teams, drive commercial success, and create memorable guest experiences in one of the UK's most exciting event venues.
We Are Levy
We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences 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 technology 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.
Senior Retail Operations Manager - Food & Beverage
Operations
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Lead the delivery of exceptional food and beverage retail operations across multiple outlets, consistently achieving and exceeding operational and commercial targets.
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Drive high standards of service, food quality, presentation, cleanliness and guest experience across all areas within your remit.
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Monitor outlet performance and implement action plans to maximise revenue, profitability and operational efficiency.
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Ensure all outlets operate in line with Levy brand standards, company policies and venue requirements.
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Conduct regular operational audits, ensuring excellent standards across food safety, hygiene, stock control and cash management.
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Analyse customer feedback and operational data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
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React proactively to changing business demands, ensuring resources are deployed effectively during peak trading periods.
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Ensure all operational paperwork, compliance records and reporting requirements are completed accurately and on time.
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Act as a senior operational leader and Duty Manager when required.
People
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Lead, motivate and develop a team of supervisors, team leaders and frontline colleagues.
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Work closely with the Staffing and Recruitment team to ensure labour planning aligns with business demands and maximises productivity.
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Create a culture focused on engagement, accountability, development and operational excellence.
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Deliver coaching, training and succession planning activities to build future talent pipelines.
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Conduct regular performance reviews, development conversations and recognition initiatives.
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Ensure effective communication across all operational teams and departments.
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Maintain full compliance with company HR policies and procedures.
Commercial & Business Performance
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Take ownership of the commercial performance of all retail food and beverage outlets within your remit.
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Drive sales growth through strong operational leadership, effective merchandising, product positioning and guest engagement.
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Work closely with the Retail Operations Manager and senior leadership team to deliver accurate forecasts and business plans.
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Monitor and control labour, food and operating costs to ensure budget and profitability targets are achieved.
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Collaborate with culinary teams to launch new menu initiatives, retail concepts and seasonal offerings.
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Utilise sales and operational data to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
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Support the development and delivery of the wider retail food and beverage strategy for the venue.
What We're Looking For
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Proven experience in a senior retail food and beverage management role within a high-volume hospitality, leisure, stadia, exhibition, travel or events environment.
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Strong operational leadership experience managing multiple outlets and large teams.
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Demonstrable commercial acumen with experience managing sales performance, labour costs, budgets and KPIs.
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A passion for food, beverage and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
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Experience within fast-paced retail catering, quick-service restaurants, food halls, stadiums, arenas or major event venues.
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Excellent people management, coaching and team development skills.
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Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities.
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Confident, energetic and highly visible leadership style.
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Calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure.
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Flexible and adaptable approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
What You'll Get in Return
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Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
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23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
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Your birthday off.
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Holiday purchase scheme.
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Aviva Digicare and Medicash healthcare benefits.
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24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
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Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
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Additional family-friendly benefits.
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Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts.
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Discounted Nuffield Health and PureGym memberships.
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Pension scheme and Life Assurance.
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Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
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Meals on duty.
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.
