Job Introduction
Job Title - Retail Franchise Director
Venue - Excel London
Sector - Levy UK&I
Salary - up to £100,000 per annum plus benefits
Overview
Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.
In the UK and Ireland, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Excel London, The O2, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Aviva Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
As part of our growth strategy, we have expanded into Europe, operating multiple venues in the Netherlands and Germany, including the iconic Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and the Uber Arena in Berlin. Our ambition is continued growth across the UK and continental Europe.
At the core of what we do is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating bespoke legendary experiences at our venues. Beyond the plate, we are valued by our clients as visionary venue partners, providing a range of partnership lead solutions that enhance the experience of fans and guests within the venues that we operate.
With a focus on data and insights, we initiate and deliver change through our design and build teams, whilst providing additional commercial benefits through other channel brands, such as Lyvera, Keith Prowse. KERB, Peppermint and Levy Merchandise.
Focused on ‘doing the right thing’ for our people and the planet. sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.
We have a commitment to significantly reducing our carbon impact, are official partners of Paralympics GB, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living or London Living Wage.
Role Purpose
Levy UK is the food and drink partner for Excel London, managing and operating all food and beverage activity throughout the venues retail and franchise operation.
We are seeking an exceptional Retail Franchise Director to shape, lead and deliver the retail food and beverage strategy, driving premium, branded and franchised concepts that elevate the guest experience and maximise commercial performance.
This is a high-profile, senior leadership role requiring a dynamic, innovative and people-focused leader with a strong track record in premium food and beverage operations, large-scale logistics and stakeholder partnership management. The successful candidate will be instrumental in evolving the retail offer, challenging the status quo, and delivering sustainable growth in revenue, margin and reputation across one of the UK’s most important event destinations.
As a member of the Excel London Hospitality (ELH) Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic development and effective management of the organisation alongside fellow SLT members and Excel stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
- Lead and deliver the retail and franchise strategy, driving innovation, growth and operational excellence.
- Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives.
- Inspire, develop and align teams around clear goals, performance and continuous improvement.
Retail & Franchise Performance
- Drive sales growth, profitability and commercial performance across retail and franchise operations.
- Lead franchisee relationships, ensuring strong engagement, accountability and business success.
- Identify opportunities through data, insight and market trends to support growth and informed decision-making.
Operations & Brand Excellence
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience, food quality and service standards.
- Maintain brand consistency, compliance and audit standards across both self-operated and franchise locations.
- Ensure operational readiness, health & safety compliance and sustainability commitments are achieved.
People & Culture
- Foster a high-performance, values-led culture that develops talent and leadership capability.
- Coach and support senior leaders, promoting collaboration, accountability and succession planning.
Financial & Commercial Accountability
- Hold full P&L responsibility, delivering budget, forecast and financial performance targets.
- Manage costs effectively while driving revenue growth, margin improvement and long-term commercial success.
Person Specification
- Minimum 10 years' senior leadership experience within a quality-driven franchise hospitality, food, beverage or retail business.
- Proven track record of driving growth and performance.
- Commercially astute, data-driven and skilled at translating insight into action.
- Inspirational people leader with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Proven ability to lead change, maintain brand standards and deliver results in complex, fast-paced environments.