Manager, Food & Beverage - Premium Experience
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp - Manager
Jacksonville · FL
Food/Beverage Management · Restaurant/Catering Management
0
1
day ago
The Manager, Food & Beverage — Premium Experience is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all food and beverage operations within VyStar Ballpark's premium hospitality spaces, including suites, club areas, picnic venues, lounges, and private event locations. This role delivers exceptional hospitality experiences that reflect the Jumbo Shrimp brand while maximizing guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue.
This highly visible, guest-facing leadership position requires strong organizational skills, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment. The Manager works collaboratively across Food & Beverage, Premium Sales, Corporate Partnerships, Operations, and Guest Services to ensure seamless execution for game days and special events.
This highly visible, guest-facing leadership position requires strong organizational skills, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment. The Manager works collaboratively across Food & Beverage, Premium Sales, Corporate Partnerships, Operations, and Guest Services to ensure seamless execution for game days and special events.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Premium Hospitality Operations
Premium Hospitality Operations
- Lead all food and beverage operations for premium hospitality spaces, including 12 luxury suites, club seating, seven picnic areas, the in-stadium lounge, and other premium event venues.
- Oversee the setup, presentation, replenishment, and breakdown of all premium food and beverage service areas.
- Ensure premium hospitality spaces are event-ready, properly staffed, and maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and appearance.
- Coordinate premium food and beverage logistics for Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp games, concerts, corporate functions, and other special events hosted at VyStar Ballpark.
- Conduct pre-event meetings with staff to review menus, service expectations, VIP requests, event timelines, and operational updates.
- Monitor service execution throughout events to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
Staffing & Leadership
- Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and seasonal Food & Beverage staff, including suite attendants, bartenders, servers, and support personnel.
- Develop staffing plans based on projected attendance and event requirements.
- Provide ongoing training, including POS system updates, service standards, food safety practices, and hospitality expectations.
- Foster a positive, guest-first culture built on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Develop event assignments and oversee staff performance during events.
Food & Beverage Management
- Partner with the Food & Beverage leadership team to develop suite catering menus and premium event offerings.
- Assist with food and beverage purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and product reconciliation.
- Verify the accuracy of all suite catering orders and premium hospitality packages against client agreements.
- Monitor inventory throughout events and coordinate replenishment with kitchen and warehouse teams.
- Assist in managing food costs, labor utilization, product quality, and profitability while minimizing waste.
- Support end-of-event reporting, including sales summaries, inventory reconciliation, waste tracking, and labor reporting.
Guest Experience & Client Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suite holders, premium ticket members, corporate partners, and event clients.
- Collaborate with Premium Sales and Corporate Partnerships to execute customized hospitality experiences and sponsorship activations.
- Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally while delivering exceptional service recovery when needed.
- Identify opportunities to enhance the premium experience and increase food and beverage revenue through upselling and service enhancements.
Facility & Compliance
- Ensure kitchens, suites, picnic areas, lounges, storage rooms, and service areas remain clean, organized, and properly maintained.
- Coordinate repair and maintenance needs with appropriate departments.
- Maintain compliance with all food safety regulations, responsible alcohol service policies, health department standards, and applicable state and local licensing requirements.
- Ensure proper sanitation, food handling, grooming, and safety standards are consistently followed.
- Stay current on organizational policies, POS system enhancements, operational procedures, and event information.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Operations, Guest Services, Catering, Warehouse, and Culinary teams to deliver seamless event execution.
- Communicate operational needs effectively before, during, and after events.
- Support departmental initiatives designed to improve operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Culinary Management, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in food and beverage operations, hospitality, premium services, catering, or event management.
- At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience leading full-time, part-time, or seasonal staff.
- Experience managing premium hospitality operations, catering, suites, clubs, or VIP service in a sports, entertainment, hotel, convention center, or similar high-volume venue.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Exceptional guest service and interpersonal skills with a commitment to creating memorable experiences.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, and food and beverage financial controls.
- Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, responsible alcohol service, and applicable health regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the game and event calendar.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in Minor League Baseball, Major League Baseball, professional sports, live entertainment, or large public assembly venues.
- Experience managing suite operations, premium hospitality programs, or high-end catering services.
- Experience with event management software, catering management systems, or POS platforms such as Toast, Clover, Square, or comparable systems.
- Knowledge of food and beverage cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and inventory management.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout events.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to climb stairs frequently and navigate all areas of the ballpark.
- Ability to perform duties in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and guest service.
NOTE: All the essential functions of this position are not necessarily described in this description.
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.