Strategy Director - NEC, Birmingham | Full-Time / Permanent
Up to £90000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We are Levy
We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritize 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.
Role Overview
The Director of Strategy will be responsible for shaping and delivering the long-term strategic direction of Levy's catering and hospitality operation across the NEC Group portfolio. Working closely with the Operations Director, NEC Group stakeholders and Levy leadership, you will identify opportunities to drive commercial growth, operational excellence and innovation across conferences, exhibitions, live entertainment, retail and hospitality.
This is a highly visible leadership role, responsible for ensuring strategic initiatives are successfully implemented and embedded across one of the UK's busiest and most diverse venue portfolios. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across Levy and NEC Group teams to enhance guest experience, maximise revenue opportunities and support the continued growth of the partnership.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive long-term strategy across conference & events, exhibitions, live entertainment and retail operations.
- Identify new commercial opportunities, revenue streams and strategic partnerships to support business growth.
- Work collaboratively with Commercial, Operations, Culinary, Marketing and Finance teams to maximise venue utilisation and customer experience.
- Lead strategic planning across Levy's NEC Group operations, ensuring alignment with both Levy UK & Ireland and NEC Group objectives.
- Analyse market trends, customer insights and competitor activity to inform strategic decision making.
- Present strategic recommendations and business cases to senior leadership, supported by data-driven insight.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and accountability.
Operational Excellence
- Identify and implement operational improvements across hospitality, retail and event operations.
- Streamline cross-functional processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Introduce meaningful KPIs and performance measures that support operational excellence.
- Champion technology and digital innovation to improve scheduling, resource planning and guest experience.
- Work closely with Facilities, IT and Commercial teams to ensure operational strategies remain scalable and future-focused.
- Conduct regular operational reviews and benchmarking to identify improvement opportunities.
- Embed a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of the operation.
Commercial Growth & Revenue Development
- Develop and execute commercial growth strategies across exhibitions, conferences, hospitality and retail.
- Identify new business opportunities including partnerships, sponsorships, premium hospitality concepts and retail innovation.
- Lead pricing strategy and revenue optimisation initiatives to maximise profitability.
- Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to develop successful go-to-market strategies for new products and services.
- Monitor commercial performance against agreed KPIs and adjust strategy where required.
- Develop business cases for investment in new concepts, technology and operational improvements.
- Keep abreast of industry developments and competitor activity to ensure the NEC remains at the forefront of venue hospitality.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with NEC Group leadership, organisers, exhibitors, promoters, retail partners and key suppliers.
- Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership teams across Levy and the NEC Group.
- Foster collaboration across departments to ensure strategic initiatives are delivered successfully.
- Represent Levy at industry events, conferences and networking opportunities.
- Develop engagement plans that strengthen partnerships and encourage long-term collaboration.
- Monitor stakeholder feedback and use insights to drive continuous improvement.
- Communicate strategic change effectively, ensuring buy-in at every level of the organisation.
People Leadership
- Inspire, lead and develop a high-performing strategic leadership team.
- Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.
- Support succession planning and leadership development across the business.
- Encourage innovation and create an environment where new ideas are welcomed.
- Work collaboratively across departments to ensure strategic objectives are understood and embraced.
- Lead by example, demonstrating Levy's values and creating a positive, inclusive working culture.
Qualifications & Experience
Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience (8+ years) within hospitality, exhibitions, live events, retail or venue operations.
- Proven experience developing and implementing successful commercial and operational strategies.
- Experience working within complex, multi-site or multi-functional venue environments.
- Demonstrable success leading transformation, innovation and commercial growth initiatives.
- Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships across both client and operational environments.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong strategic thinking with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Commercially astute with experience of financial planning, business case development and revenue optimisation.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with confidence presenting to Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of guest experience, operational excellence, sustainability and digital innovation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
- Ability to balance long-term strategic planning with operational delivery.
Leadership & Personal Attributes
- Visionary leader with a collaborative, inclusive leadership style.
- Commercially driven with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Highly resilient and comfortable operating within a fast-paced, complex environment.
- Excellent relationship builder with high emotional intelligence.
- Adaptable and confident leading organisational change.
- Passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and long-term business value.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
- 27 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: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 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.
