General Manager

Zip Hustle; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned hospitality and events partnership is seeking a General Manager for the NEC Exhibitions in Birmingham. The role requires a commitment to excellence in food and beverage operations, with a strong emphasis on leadership and commercial acumen. Responsibilities include developing the catering strategy, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with standards. This position is well-suited for candidates with over 5 years of experience in senior management, demonstrating a passion for quality and innovation in hospitality.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Commitment to sustainability

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in large-scale, multi-site food and beverage operations.
• Strong commercial acumen with previous P&L accountability.
• Experience of implementing change programmes and delivering transformation projects.

Responsibilities

• Work with NEC Group and Levy leadership to define and deliver the food and beverage strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in food, drink, and guest experience.
• Take full commercial accountability for NEC Exhibitions’ food and beverage operations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Commercial acumen

Client relationship management

Innovation in food and beverage

Job description

Job Title General Manager – NEC Exhibitions
We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.
Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Principality Stadium, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London.
At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences.
sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.
We have a commitment to being Net Zero by 2027, are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.
As General Manager; this is a high-profile opportunity to lead Levy’s food and beverage operations for our new partnership with the NEC; It’s all about taking full accountability for a world-class food and beverage experience, aligned with the NEC’s ambition to be a world-leading events destination.
With strong leadership skills, commercial acumen, and a genuine passion for food and service, you will drive quality, innovation, and consistency, ensuring every guest touchpoint reflects the NEC and Levy’s shared commitment to excellence.
As General Manager, you will work closely with the NEC Group to deliver the catering strategy, lead transformation projects across multiple outlets and hospitality spaces, and ensure the operation meets both commercial and guest experience objectives. You will have overall responsibility for team leadership, operational standards, and financial performance across the NEC Exhibitions portfolio.

Strategy & Planning

• Work with NEC Group and Levy leadership to define and deliver the food and beverage strategy.
• Support the planning and delivery of capital investment, refurbishment, and innovation projects across the NEC estate.
• Take overall ownership of daily F&B operations, ensuring consistent quality, service standards, and readiness to trade.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in food, drink, and guest experience.
• Ensure Levy and NEC brand standards are delivered across all outlets and services.
• Lead compliance with health, safety, and food safety policies.
• Manage supplier and contractor relationships to ensure effective service delivery and cost control.
• Oversee effective workforce planning, recruitment, and deployment of large casual pools to meet event demands.
• Ensure performance management, training, and succession planning frameworks are embedded.
• Recognise and reward achievement, while ensuring HR and legal compliance at all times.
• Take full commercial accountability for NEC Exhibitions’ food and beverage operations.
• Monitor and analyse performance data, guest feedback, and financial results to identify growth opportunities.
• Maintain tight control of operating costs, ensuring delivery against agreed financial targets.

• Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in large-scale, multi-site food and beverage operations.
• Strong commercial acumen with previous P&L accountability.
• Experience of implementing change programmes and delivering transformation projects.
• Skilled in building effective client relationships and influencing at senior level.
• Passion for food and hospitality, with a focus on delivering quality and innovation.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends in line with the events calendar.