This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

General Manager- The Warehouse- Villa Park- Up to £65k

ABOUT THE WAREHOUSE

The Warehouse is Aston Villa's brand-new, purpose-built live events venue located alongside the iconic Villa Park. Designed as a dynamic, multi-format destination, the venue will host concerts, comedy, theatre, conferences, exhibitions, private events and matchday activations.

Opening Spring 2026, The Warehouse will flex to accommodate up to 3,500 standing guests as well as seated performances, corporate dinners, awards ceremonies and large-scale fan experiences - positioning it as one of the Midlands' most exciting live entertainment destinations.

ROLE PURPOSE

As General Manager - Food & Beverage, you will be the strategic and operational leader of the entire F&B programme at The Warehouse. From pre-opening mobilisation through to long-term performance, you will shape a hospitality experience that is commercially exceptional, operationally seamless and guest-first in every detail.

You will set the tone for a culture built on teamwork, accountability and delivering memorable experiences - ensuring F&B is a driving force behind the venue's reputation and financial success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Mobilisation

• Lead the full F&B mobilisation plan for a complex, multi-format venue.
• Design and implement a scalable, event-led operating model that flexes across concerts, conferences, corporate hospitality and matchday activations.
• Create intuitive, high-impact guest journeys across bars, concessions, premium areas and hospitality spaces.
• Partner closely with operations, security, technical production, promoters and commercial teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Embed Levy standards, service philosophy and performance culture from day one.

2. Commercial & Financial Ownership

• Own and deliver the full F&B P&L, driving sustainable revenue growth and margin performance.
• Develop data-led pricing, product mix and event-specific commercial strategies.
• Maximise revenue per head through premiumisation, innovation and operational efficiency.
• Lead supplier partnerships, procurement strategy and cost control.
• Identify new revenue streams and activation opportunities aligned with the venue brand.

3. Operational Excellence & Experience

• Deliver high-volume, high-energy service while maintaining premium quality standards.
• Champion throughput optimisation, queue management and service innovation.
• Oversee stock integrity, cellar management, dispense quality and compliance systems.
• Lead premium hospitality catering standards across VIP, corporate and bespoke events.
• Drive continuous improvement through insight, guest feedback and performance data.

4. People & Culture Leadership

• Build, inspire and develop a high-performing F&B leadership team.
• Recruit and onboard a diverse workforce aligned with Levy values.
• Create a culture of inclusion, accountability and recognition.
• Invest in training, coaching and leadership development pathways.
• Drive engagement, retention and succession planning.

5. Compliance, Safety & Sustainability

• Ensure full compliance with UK food safety, licensing and health & safety legislation.
• Partner with venue and security teams to deliver safe, secure event operations.
• Lead sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction, responsible sourcing and environmental impact.
• Maintain audit-ready standards at all times.

6. Partnerships & Brand Engagement

• Collaborate with commercial, marketing and digital teams to enhance the guest offer.
• Create tailored F&B packages for promoters, corporate clients and private events.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, partners and suppliers.
• Position F&B as a core driver of The Warehouse's brand identity and guest loyalty.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Revenue per head & total F&B revenue
• Gross profit margin & cost control
• Guest satisfaction & NPS
• Throughput efficiency & queue times
• Audit & compliance scores
• Team engagement, retention & training completion
• Sustainability and waste metrics

WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
• 23 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:
• 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.

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!