Food and Beverage Manager

Global Arts Live•Cambridge, MA

2d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Global Arts Live + The Platform seek a Food & Beverage Manager to manage the launch, operations, and growth of food and beverage services at The Platform, a new performing arts center in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. The F&B Manager's responsibilities include Bar Tempo and Upbeat Bar operations, including event concessions; coordination with the contracted cafe operator; hospitality services for special events, artist riders, rentals, and other programs; and staff leadership, customer experience, budgeting, vendor management, and compliance. This dynamic role is both operational and strategic, helping set high quality standards and shape a welcoming guest experience for a major new arts venue. The schedule includes nights and weekends with some weekday administrative meetings. Average workload is approximately 50 hours a week, varying based on performance programming and other venue activities. This is a full-time and exempt position reporting to The Platform General Manager. Salary range: $70,000 to $80,000 commensurate with experience.

Requirements

3–5+ years of experience in food & beverage management, preferably in an event-based environment
Experience managing bar operations and alcohol service programs
Strong budgeting, financial management, and cost-control skills
Experience supervising and developing staff and teams
Knowledge of POS systems and inventory management tools
Familiarity with health, safety, and alcohol compliance regulations
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Ability to lift or move 30 pounds and travel between The Platform service locations

Nice To Haves

Experience in a performing arts, cultural, or live event venue
Experience managing outsourced café or vendor partnerships
Interest in and passion for the performing arts
Responsible alcohol service certification

Responsibilities

Launch and oversee daily operations of two new bars
Serve as liaison to and provide oversight of contracted cafe operator
Develop policies and procedures to ensure efficient service and outstanding guest experiences
Coordinate with The Platform's production and front-of-house teams, and building management
Manage inventory, staff scheduling, and service standards for Bar Tempo and Upbeat Bar, anticipating activities scheduled in the performance spaces and the first-floor commons
Collaborate with the cocktail consultant and the head bartender to develop and execute a high-quality beverage and concessions program
Develop promotions and activations that increase engagement and revenue
Serve as primary day-to-day liaison for the contracted cafe operator
Ensure operational and strategic alignment and compliance with agreement between cafe operator and The Platform
Manage coordination between the cafe, Bar Tempo, Upbeat Bar, and building management
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate bar and concessions staff
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture
Approve and facilitate payroll and employee documentation
Support recruitment strategies that reflect the diversity of Cambridge communities
Create an outstanding, hospitality-forward guest experience
Respond to guest feedback and resolve service issues professionally
Collaborate with Audience Services on hospitality and guest satisfaction
Develop and manage F&B budgets with the General Manager
Monitor labor, inventory and operational expenses
Meet or exceed bar revenue goals
Develop strategies for enhancing revenue potential for the bars and the cafe
Oversee cash handling, POS systems, and reconciliations
Manage vendor contracts, relationships, purchasing, and inventory
Prioritize local, sustainable, and mission-aligned vendors where possible
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations
Maintain required licensing, certifications, and staff training
Coordinate F&B aspects of special events at The Platform including fundraisers, rentals, and community programs
Facilitate F&B services for in-house meetings and fulfilling artist riders