Hospitality Manager – Quick Serve, Kentucky Exposition Center

Centerplate and our partner venues have been defining extraordinary experiences through thoughtful hospitality, expertly delivered, for more than 80 years at gathering places across North America and the United Kingdom.  As the pioneer and leader in live event hospitality, we are committed to making the time that people spend together more rewarding and more valuable.  “Making it better to be there since 1929.”^TM

Centerplate is the food and beverage services provider for the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).  KEC is one of the ten largest facilities of its type in the US, with over 1,200,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space and host to a number of premier events annually, including the Kentucky State Fair, The North American International Livestock Exposition, Mid American Truck Show, Farm Machinery Show and Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.  KEC also encompasses having close ties with the Kentucky State Fair Board ,The University of Louisville, as well as Freedom Hall, a multi-purpose arena with 19,000 seats.

We seek a talented Hospitality Manager, Quick Serve (Concessions) to lead and support Quick Serve operations at KEC.

Principal Function:

The Hospitality Manager – Quick Serve is responsible for all aspects of Quick Serve (concessions) operations, to include multiple-concept food courts, permanent stands, portable carts and kiosks, in-venue restaurants, private clubs and upscale suite catering.

The Hospitality Manager – Quick Serve will develop, communicate and implement seasonal and long-term business strategies to drive Quick Serve sales revenue and meet or exceed the unit’s overall financial goals.   He or she will maximize sales by ensuring that guests receive an exceptional overall experience and that service expectations are met or exceeded within all unit outlets.

The Hospitality Manager – Quick Serve will contribute to Centerplate’s goal to be #1 in Event Hospitality through the performance of activities geared toward the creation of an energized and positive work environment for Quick Serve department staff.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maximize Centerplate’s Quick Serve revenue and operational excellence through implementation and oversight of systems and policies related to concessions operations.
• Provide leadership and direction to Quick Serve Supervisors, Leads and front line staff.
• Ensure that policies and procedures for processing customer transactions are adhered to.
• Contribute to goal of making Centerplate #1 in Event Hospitality and the #1 Employer of Choice through personal commitment and leading by example.

Skills & Requirements

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelors degree and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on-the-job effectiveness.
• A minimum of 2 years of previous leadership experience within a diverse food and beverage environment, to include management of a large staff and focus on exceptional client and customer service.
• Venue catering/concessions experience and multi-site experience strongly preferred, as this position will have responsibility over multiple locations including cafes, coffee shops, bistros and convenience locations.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and general workplace safety standards with knowledge of Health Department requirements.
• Demonstrated financial acumen; P&L accountability and/or contract-managed service experience is highly desirable
• Technologically savvy, with high proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
• Flexibility, ability to work extended or irregular hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Additional Requirements:

• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management; Ability to promote and participate in team environment concepts.
• Self starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, and who can contribute to functional areas of the business outside of retail operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.

Other requirements include but are not limited to:

Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.

**Please include salary requirements when applying.**