Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

The Auditorium Theatre, located in Illinois, is a distinguished not-for-profit organization dedicated to presenting a diverse array of cultural, international, community, and educational programming to the vibrant city of Chicago. Renowned as a National Historic Landmark, the theatre is deeply committed not only to the preservation and restoration of this historic venue but also to enriching the cultural landscape of the community it serves. Since its inception, the Auditorium Theatre has become a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural engagement, offering a stage for some of the finest performances that span various genres and traditions. Its longstanding mission centers on leveraging the transformative power of the arts to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility — values that shape every aspect of the theatre's operations and programming.

The Assistant Food & Beverage Manager position is an integral role within the Auditorium Theatre's operational team, focused on supporting the Food & Beverage Manager during events held at this prestigious venue. This role demands a proactive individual who understands the nuances of managing food and beverage service within a high-volume theatre, music venue, or arena setting. The assistant manager is entrusted with delivering exceptional customer service to guests, ensuring that all food and beverage operations run smoothly and efficiently during performances and events.

Key responsibilities include overseeing the setup and breakdown of service areas, assigning tasks to food and beverage staff, supporting bartenders with ID checks and POS troubleshooting, managing inventory, and assisting with financial closeouts. The assistant manager also plays a vital role in directing patron flow, coordinating services such as the merchandise line and coat check, and maintaining strict adherence to the theatre's food and beverage policies as outlined in their employee handbook. This leadership position requires excellent communication skills, versatility to work under diverse conditions, including inclement weather, and a positive, professional demeanor that reflects the theatre's commitment to shared humanity through the performing arts.

The position offers the opportunity to join a team that values collaboration, optimism, and flexibility, contributing to a dynamic environment where cultural engagement and top-tier service intersect. Ideal candidates will have prior experience working in large volume food and beverage environments similar to theatres or arenas, with strong team leadership capabilities and familiarity with POS systems. Certification in responsible alcohol service (Basset certified) is also required. This role demands a flexible schedule, including availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, underscoring the theatre's commitment to providing outstanding experiences to every guest who attends events within its historic walls. Overall, this assistant managerial role is pivotal in upholding the high standards and mission of the Auditorium Theatre as the Theatre for the People, making it an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about the performing arts and hospitality management.