Food & Beverage Manager

LANCASTER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY INCLincoln, NebraskaOn-siteFull-timeJunior, 1–2 yearsListed 3 weeks ago

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About this role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Food & Beverage Manager to oversee all aspects of the food & beverage department including banquet, bar, and concession stand service.

Key Responsibilities:

Guest & Event Services

- Tailor weekly food & beverage menus to confirm profitability, seasonality, and alignment with customer preferences

- Develop event-specific food and beverage plans based on event type, anticipated attendance, service locations, staffing needs, menu offerings, equipment, and operational requirements.

- Schedule and supervise food & beverage team to support event requests and department needs

- Oversee service areas during events, ensuring efficient daily operations.

- Maintain a visible, hands-on presence during events and actively assist with operational needs, troubleshooting, staffing, and guest service as needed.

- Create clear guidelines for team members to resolve customer issues, not exceed wait times, and maintain consistent food quality & safety.

- Communicate daily shift goals to focus team member efforts on event and department tasks in order of priority

- Conduct post-event reviews to evaluate sales, staffing, product usage, guest feedback, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Team Management

- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and overseeing ongoing training of FT/PT staff as needed for the department to ensure smooth daily operations and consistent service

- Develop staffing plans based on event attendance, operating hours, service locations, and anticipated business volume that meet the Promoters request.

- Maintain high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer service

- Obtain and oversee staff certification requirements

Department Organization

- Monitor cost control through inventory, labor levels, menu planning, and portion control

- Manage department financial performance, including revenue, food and beverage costs, labor costs, inventory, waste, item pricing.

- Review sales, labor, inventory, and other financial reports to identify trends, control costs, and improve department performance.

- Oversee purchasing, product ordering, inventory levels, storage, receiving, and distribution of food, beverage, and operating supplies.

- Evaluate all work orders for food & beverage needs at each event, meet with event promoters when necessary to review event needs, menu choices, special requests, or dietary restrictions

- Align with other departments including Operations, Cleaning, Marketing, Ticketing, and Sponsorships to facilitate superior guest experiences

Supplier Management & Compliance

- Maintain strong vendor and supplier relationships to lower procurement costs, obtain donations of equipment, and secure free training/consulting

- Collaborate with sponsorship manager to obtain trade partnerships for large scale events

- Ensure compliance with local health department standards and liquor laws

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

- Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

- Must pass background and reference checks

- Valid Drivers License and reliable transportation

- High School Diploma or equivalent

- Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and holidays

- Proactive and independent problem-solving ability

- Strong leadership, organization, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

- Customer service focus and professional communication

- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)

- Minimum of 1 years experience in food service, event management, leadership or a combination thereof

- Understanding of diverse F&B service formats (e.g., fast food, catering, bars)

- Supervisory experience in high-volume environments

- Required local permits (Food Protection Manager Permit and Responsible Alcohol Service Certification) at time of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

- Degree in hospitality, communication, business management, or related field

- Familiarity with Clover point-of-sale (POS) system and inventory software

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

- Ability to sit for long periods of time to work at desk

- Comfortable standing or walking long hours during events, both indoors and outdoors

- Lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation during setup/service of events

Professional Expectations:

- Maintain punctual, reliable attendance

- Adhere to dress code and represent SGEC professionally

- Delivery excellent customer service at all times

- Demonstrate a hands-on leadership approach and willingness to assist with operational needs during events

- Communicate respectfully and collaborate across departments

- Follow SGEC policies, use technology responsibly, and protect organizational assets

Safety Requirements:

- Uphold workplace safety standards and emergency procedures

- Follow all safety protocols and use PPE when necessary

- Report all incidents, unsafe conditions, and equipment issues promptly

Benefits Include:

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance

- Short- and long-term disability

- FSA and life insurance options

- Paid holidays and PTO (Vacation/Sick)

- Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% match

- Free uniforms

- Complimentary meals and fountain beverages during caf operation

- Free event access (where permitted)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Sandhills Global Event Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer , committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request.