Director, Food & Beverage Operations

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

Job Location:

Newark, DE - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 100000 - 120000

Posted on: 9 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

In order to be considered for this role after clicking Apply Now above and being redirected you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.

WHO WE ARE:

Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers the New Jersey Devils Prudential Center in Newark N.J. the Delaware Blue Coats the Utica Comets and a variety of other sports and entertainment properties. Led by some of the best and brightest minds in the industry HBSE positions itself as a pioneering and innovative global sports and entertainment business enterprise. We also strive to positively impact the local communities in which we operate through the powerful platform of sports. HBSE offers an energetic work environment built on collaboration growth and a quest to excel in everything we do.

As part of its portfolio Prudential Center in downtown Newark N.J. annually hosts more than 200 games concerts family shows and special events and is a top-5 ranked sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. by Pollstar and Billboard. It is home to the New Jersey Devils a renowned NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships and a proud passionate fan base. HBSE also owns the NBAs Philadelphia 76ers one of the most storied franchises in American sports having won three championships led by some of the most iconic athletes in NBA history.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION:

At HBSE we are dedicated to hiring the best talent from the communities where we live work and play across all groups and levels; supporting and developing every employee to reach their potential; and creating an inclusive environment that allows team members to bring their true authentic selves to work.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Prudential Center is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director Food & Beverage Operations to oversee the arenas food and beverage operations across all events including New Jersey Devils games concerts and other major entertainment events.

This individual will serve as the primary liaison with the arenas food and beverage operating partner leading cross-functional collaboration to deliver a world-class guest experience while driving revenue growth. The ideal candidate will be a leader with a proven ability to develop and execute operational strategies that align with organizational goals.

This role plays a critical part in fostering a culture of excellence innovation and collaboration across all food and beverage operations while supporting the broader business objectives of Prudential Center and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE BELOW:

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

Serve as the primary operational liaison between Prudential Center and the arenas food and beverage operating partner.
Develop and lead the long-term food and beverage vision for Prudential Center ensuring alignment with the venues brand fan experience goals and business objectives
Partner with marketing to develop storytelling around culinary offerings and elevate the arenas food brand through digital social and in-venue promotion.
Collaborate with the corporate partnership team to maximize sponsorship and activation opportunities.
Provide strategic input into venue renovations premium space development and new hospitality concepts.

Commercial Strategy

Drive food and beverage growth through pricing strategy product mix optimization and experiential offerings.
Identify new monetization opportunities across concessions premium hospitality clubs suites and special events.
Partner with the corporate partnerships team to integrate brand activations sponsored food concepts and experiential marketing opportunities.
Establish and monitor key performance metrics including per-caps transaction time average basket size premium spend and fan satisfaction metrics.

Operational Excellence

Ensure cooperative workplace environment by working side-by-side with the arena concessionaire; reinforce DAE initiatives values and best practices; provide on-going constructive feedback.
Streamline communication between departments regarding F&B programming and execution.
Ensure alignment of concepts pricing and menu offerings with revenue and fan experience goals.
Benchmark Prudential Center against leading sports and entertainment venues to maintain a best-in-class food and beverage program.
Conduct comprehensive walk-throughs for every event with written documentation with areas that need to be corrected (maintenance / clean-up / branding) and follow up to make sure the work is complete.
Serve as the point person for special projects strategic initiatives and new partnerships.
Support premium departments to ensure elevated service and menu standards in premium spaces.

Innovation & Community Engagement

Research and implement industry best practices including emerging technologies.
Develop culinary programs that highlight Newark and New Jerseys diverse food culture.
Identify consumer trends and introduce new concepts to elevate offerings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors degree or related years of experience with 5-7 years proven experience in food and beverage operations preferably within sports entertainment or hospitality venues.
Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and guest experience innovation in complex hospitality environments.
Experience working with third-party food service operators and managing large-scale venue partnerships.
Strong financial and analytical capabilities including budget development and performance reporting.
Exceptional leadership communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Passion for hospitality culinary innovation and creating memorable guest experiences.
Motivated self-starter with a positive team-first attitude

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Travel Requirements: May be required to travel on rare occasions (<5% travel); trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay for one or more nights.

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment: This position generally requires that work be performed from the Prudential Center/New Jersey Devils offices but attendance at events taking place in the arena or offsite including on weekends and/or holidays may be required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $100000 and $120000/year. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position also will also include other elements including: eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus.

This position will be an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time including for reasons related to individual performance Company or individual department/team performance and market factors.

The benefits package for the position may include the following subject to the terms of the then-in-effect Company policies plan documents and other eligibility criteria:

Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts
Pretax Transportation Benefit
Generous Parental Leave policies
401K (with a company match after 1 year of service)
Generous Paid Time Off policies
13 Paid Holidays
½ Day Summer Fridays
Complimentary or Discounted Sports & Concert Tickets
On Site Fitness Rooms
Other League & Partner Discounts

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation age disability gender identity marital or veteran status or any other protected class.

Required Experience:

Director

In order to be considered for this role after clicking Apply Now above and being redirected you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.WHO WE ARE:Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelp...