Food and Beverage Manager - Catering Sales

Legends Global is the world's leading venue management company and a producer of live event experiences, partnering with over 350 venues worldwide. The company operates and invests in some of the most recognized stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and performing arts venues globally. This expansive portfolio requires exceptional talent and operational excellence to deliver extraordinary guest experiences consistently. With a reputation for innovation and commitment to delivering high-quality events, Legends Global stands at the forefront of the live events industry, driving revenue growth while maintaining superior service standards and operational integrity.

Currently, Legends Global is seeking a dedicated Food & Beverage Manager - Catering Sales for the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. This comprehensive role involves overall leadership, management, and profitability of all food and beverage operations, which include concessions, mobile carts, catering, culinary services, beverage operations, catering sales, event planning, client relations, financial performance, and team development. The Food & Beverage Manager acts as both a strategic operational leader and a dynamic sales professional responsible for driving revenue growth while ensuring top-tier service execution.

The position demands a highly organized and results-driven individual capable of overseeing daily operations of all food and beverage services. Key responsibilities encompass developing and implementing operational procedures, service standards, financial controls, and ensuring compliance with health department regulations, food safety, sanitation requirements, and responsible alcohol service guidelines. Managing purchasing, receiving, inventory controls, and product distribution forms a critical part of this role, alongside establishing cost control procedures related to food, beverage, labor, and operating expenses. The manager is also responsible for monitoring and controlling spoilage, waste, and cost-of-sales factors to maximize profitability.

In addition to operational expertise, the Food & Beverage Manager leads in catering sales and business development. This includes driving catering revenue through networking, relationship building, and generating new catering opportunities from corporate clients, associations, promoters, wedding clients, social organizations, and community groups. Crafting tailored proposals, menus, pricing packages, and event solutions, conducting venue tours, and maintaining client relationships that foster repeat business and referrals are essential components of this facet of the role.

Further, the role involves comprehensive event planning and client relations, serving as the primary client contact from initial inquiry through event completion. Responsibilities include developing event proposals, contracts, banquet event orders, menus, and event timelines, consulting clients regarding objectives, budgets, service expectations, and event logistics. Coordinating event details with culinary, beverage, operations, event management, production teams, and venue partners ensures flawless event execution.

Moreover, this position entails managing the unique needs of conventions, trade shows, concerts, theatrical performances, galas, banquets, meetings, and special events typical of a large convention center and performing arts venue. Collaboration with various stakeholders, operating effectively within a fast-paced environment, and working flexible schedules are crucial for success.

Leadership and supervisory duties include directly managing the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, overseeing catering staff, part-time workers, and non-permanent employees. The manager is expected to conduct hiring, training, performance appraisals, rewards, discipline, and conflict resolution in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of management experience in food and beverage, catering sales, hospitality, or event management. They should possess strong knowledge of banquet operations, menu planning, food preparation, budgeting, forecasting, payroll administration, and financial reporting. A sales-driven mindset, excellent negotiation skills, customer service orientation, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and event management software are vital. Certifications such as ServSafe Food Manager, Food Allergen, and Alcohol Service are required or must be obtainable.

This is a demanding role that requires working extended and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The physical demands involve handling currency, climbing stairs, walking long distances, and using close vision to fulfill essential job functions.

Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encouraging diverse candidates including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans to apply. The company is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that supports career growth and operational excellence in the live event industry.