VP Food & Beverage Operations

Who are we hiring?

This position is responsible for directing the food & beverage operations within Sphere. The VP, Food & Beverage Operations Sphere will oversee concessions, bars, suites, catering, clubs, lounges, culinary, stewarding and warehouse operations. The VP Food & Beverage Operations reports into the SVP & General Manager MSG Sphere.

What will you do?

• Responsible for driving operational and service excellence through product, people, quality, and innovation standards while collaborating with MSG and Venue management.
• Leads the operation of customer, employee and vendor experience, and ensures baseline programs are in place throughout MSG Sphere.
• Leads all food and beverage related venue site coordination and internal commissioning, liaising with project food service equipment contractor, MEP contractors, design team, site coordination/construction team, venue management team, and local regulatory jurisdictions.
• Drives and supports operational excellence at MSG Sphere while initiating action plans relating to food and beverage service, standards, supply management and DOH compliance. 
• Consistently upgrades food quality, concept, beverage service, product, efficiency and presentation in within MSG.
• Implement, monitor and manage the necessary staffing levels, cost controls, food and beverage cost, and payroll compliance to maximize profit and expected levels of service.
• Ensures quality control for guest experience and product development in a dynamic and innovative environment and evaluates through firsthand observation, objective feedback and interaction. Creates and executes on applicable action items in a timely manner.  
• Remains current with industry and market developments, competitive set and product.
• Guides management team to operate efficiently as it relates to service levels and guest satisfaction.
• Reviews and analyzes financial and operating reports daily and initiates action to improve performance. Uses internal data sources such as financial reports, event P&L’s, KPI’s, event schedules and production budgets to monitor ongoing performance against established standards and objectives. 
• Keep apprised of all operational aspects, public relations concerns, financial and technological changes.
• Responsible for providing the highest level of guest service within a secure and safe environment for our guests and employees during all events and public functions. 
• Actively participates in the negotiation of labor agreements and maintains positive labor relations with all key stakeholders. Ensures adherence to labor agreements.  
• Support other venue food & beverage operations as directed by senior management.
• Foster and maintain a positive and productive environment for all employees.  

What do you need to succeed?

• Minimum 15 years of Food & Beverage Operational Management senior level experience with direct responsibility for supervising and directing staff across a wide range of operating functions within a large arena, theater, or entertainment complex strongly preferred. 
• Previous experience in the capacity of hospitality General Manager or Vice President Food & Beverage.
• Four-year degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Event Management, Business Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and the ability to manage a diverse workforce of non-union and/or union and internal and/or third-party employees required.
• Contract negotiation experience is strongly desired.
• Multi-property culinary and front of the house experience (Concessions, Bars, Lounges, Fine Dining Restaurants, Multi-property fast food) is necessary.
• Ability to set standards while developing metrics to audit and ensure compliance is essential.
• Experience interacting with C-Suite Management teams, and all levels of employee population.
• Extensive knowledge of Department of Health (DOH) codes and guidelines required.  Local knowledge of Las Vegas, Clark County and/or Nevada local regulations and standards preferred.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data with an emphasis on a budget planning model necessary.
• P&L management and capital planning experience required. 
• Knowledge of food & beverage inventory systems and controls required.
• In depth knowledge of facility management and local fire and building codes required.
• Excellent verbal & written communication, organizational and time management skills required.
• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline-oriented environment.
• PC skills including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Possess exceptional attention to detail and strong follow-up skills necessary.
• Experience in managing cross functional teams and building relationships.
• Successful track record of measuring improvements in customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Demonstrates integrity, tact, diplomacy and a commitment to company values, and principles while ensuring the upmost consistency.
• Skilled at working collaboratively and in a team environment. 
• Adept at maintaining a positive, open, approachable, and professional relationship with a diverse group of peers, managers, and subordinates.
• Problem solving, reasoning, motivational and organizational abilities are used often.
• Strong interpersonal and guest service skills.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while managing multiple tasks.

Special Requirements

• Extensive walking, sitting, standing for long periods; desk functions inclusive of typing.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of days, weekends, nights, and holidays required.
• Ability to travel through MSG venues as necessary.
• Certifications
• Alcohol Awareness (TAM) Card
• Food Handler’s Card

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