Director of Operations - Food & Beverage Hospitality | Etihad Park

Legends Global is a premier global partner specializing in live events, venues, and brands, delivering top-tier integrated services with a white-label approach. Their network spans 450 venues worldwide, hosting over 20,000 events annually and entertaining 165 million guests, driven by expert execution across feasibility studies, consulting, owner's representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content booking. The company culture emphasizes respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action, fostering an inclusive workplace where employees can be authentic, impactful, and grow their careers. Legends Global is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

The role of Director of Operations - Food & Beverage Hospitality at NYCFC's new state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium located at Etihad Park, Queens, NY, is a pivotal position tasked with leading the strategy, planning, and execution of all food and beverage operations. This stadium, opening in 2027 with a capacity of 25,000 seats, aims to set a new benchmark in fan experience with premium hospitality as a key focus. The Director will oversee seamless, high-quality hospitality services across all fan and guest areas ensuring a best-in-class experience at every match and major event.

This full-time role involves both the pre-opening readiness and ongoing daily operations management on event and non-event days including concerts and private functions. The Director will head a team of managers and supervisors, driving operational excellence through robust policies, procedures, and standard operating protocols while ensuring adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards. They will be responsible for operational efficiency, cost control, labor optimization, and strong vendor relationships. Furthermore, this role demands leading innovation efforts in technology, service models, and guest experience enhancements.

The ideal candidate will have more than five years of management experience in hospitality settings, preferably in stadiums or large-scale event operations, with a bachelor’s degree or higher preferred. Proven leadership in managing medium to large teams and handling venue openings or major operational launches is highly advantageous. Strong communication, emotional intelligence, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential attributes. The salary range is competitive at $90,000 to $100,000 plus bonuses, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and a 401k plan.

This role requires on-site presence at Etihad Park with potential travel to other venues and encompasses substantial responsibility for ensuring an exceptional guest experience, managing crises, leading sustainability initiatives, and overseeing inventory and financial performance. The Director will act as the senior leader during events to resolve issues in real time, ensuring operational continuity and excellence. Candidates should embody a collaborative attitude respecting company and venue policies, prepared to complete assigned duties with adherence to safety and compliance training standards. Joining Legends Global means becoming part of a dynamic team that excels in creating winning experiences in the live event and venue industry.