Logistics Manager- Aston Villa FC

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Job Introduction

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, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our portfolio includes world-class venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur, Principality Stadium - and here in Birmingham, the iconic Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club.

We are champions of food and service - it's what we do and what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced food, combined with exceptional service, creates legendary guest experiences.

Focused on 'doing the right thing' for our people and the planet, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything 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.

ROLE PURPOSE:

Based at Villa Park, the Logistics Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of matchdays, events, and non-matchday operations at Aston Villa Football Club.

This role is all about coordination, precision, and creating the behind-the-scenes framework that allows both hospitality and football operations to thrive. From pre-event planning to post-event evaluation, the Logistics Manager oversees the flow of materials, equipment, and personnel, ensuring every function at Villa Park runs seamlessly.

As a key operational leader, the Logistics Manager also drives cost control, vendor management, and sustainability in line with both Levy UK&I and Aston Villa's commitment to excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Coordination

• Collaborate with club and Levy event teams to understand specific logistics requirements for Villa Park matchdays, conferences, and special events.
• Develop detailed logistics plans covering transportation, resourcing, and setup schedules.
• Ensure smooth communication with internal teams, club staff, suppliers, and service providers.

Resource Management

• Oversee the procurement, storage, and distribution of materials, equipment, and supplies across Villa Park.
• Implement inventory systems to track and control resources efficiently.
• Optimise allocation to reduce waste while supporting Aston Villa's sustainability goals.

Vendor & Supplier Relations

• Identify, negotiate, and manage contracts with external suppliers, ensuring reliable and cost-effective support for club events.
• Build strong relationships to maintain consistency in service delivery.

Budget Management

• Develop and oversee budgets for logistics operations at Villa Park.
• Monitor costs closely, seek efficiencies, and report on performance to Levy and club leadership.

Transportation & Coordination

• Manage transportation logistics for equipment, food, and staff across matchdays and large-scale events.
• Optimise routes and schedules to balance cost-efficiency with environmental impact.

Risk Management

• Anticipate logistical challenges on busy matchdays and during major events.
• Develop contingency plans to minimise disruption and maintain high service levels.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all logistics operations at Villa Park comply with health and safety standards.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols for staff, vendors, and guests.

Technology Integration

• Implement logistics tools and tracking systems to enhance real-time efficiency.
• Use data-driven insights to continuously improve operational performance.

Post-Event Evaluation

• Conduct reviews after matchdays and events to assess logistics effectiveness.
• Gather feedback from Levy and Aston Villa stakeholders to refine processes.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and motivate a logistics team to deliver exceptional support across all Villa Park operations.
• Provide training, mentoring, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Experience: Proven background in logistics management, ideally within sport, hospitality, or large-scale events. Minimum 5 years in a managerial role.
• Logistics Expertise: Strong knowledge of supply chain and event operations, with experience tailoring plans for dynamic environments like a Premier League club.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills for working with Levy teams, Aston Villa staff, and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt quickly and make decisions under pressure during high-profile events.
• Budget Management: Skilled in managing costs, reporting, and negotiating supplier contracts.
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable with logistics software, event management tools, and real-time tracking systems.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead diverse teams, inspiring high performance in fast-paced environments.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and all Aston Villa matchdays.
• Organisation: Highly organised, capable of managing multiple logistics operations simultaneously.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to ensuring that logistics enhances the overall experience of fans, players, and corporate guests.
• Innovation: Forward-thinking approach to improving logistics and sustainability at Villa Park.
• Cultural Awareness: Ability to engage with diverse teams, partners, and event attendees.