Premium Manager | Full-Time | University of Illinois Athletics

Oak View Group•Champaign, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Premium Manager is responsible for the overall management of all suites, clubs, catering activity, and special event bookings and will provide management assistance to the Director of Premium in the profitable management of premium operations, as needed. The Premium Manager will actively supervise, coach, counsel, direct, train, and mentor employees in meeting company quality standards and will promote a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment. The Premium Manager will provide oversight and resolution responsibility for employee performance issues and independently manage all aspects of employee relations to ensure a positive, harmonious, compliant, and teamwork-oriented environment. The Premium Manager coordinates suite, club, catering, and premium hospitality activities at the venue into a team effort that contributes to the successful execution of all events. This position will also be responsible for identifying, booking, coordinating, and executing special events within premium spaces, including corporate meetings, receptions, private parties, and non-game day venue rentals. The Premium Manager will work closely with clients from initial inquiry through event completion, developing event proposals, coordinating logistics, managing client relationships, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences that drive repeat business and revenue growth. The Premium Manager enforces all OVG personnel and operating policies and procedures. The Premium Manager plans, organizes, and executes the service requirements of each event and determines all scheduling, staffing, and product components required to properly service events within budgetary guidelines while maximizing profitability and guest satisfaction. The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work on a variable event-driven schedule, including evenings and weekends. Flexible availability, professional presentation, outstanding interpersonal skills, sales acumen, self-direction, and strong technical (computer and POS) aptitude are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in premium hospitality, catering, food & beverage operations, event management, or a related hospitality environment.
Previous supervisory or management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center, hotel, restaurant, catering operation, or similar high-volume venue preferred.
Demonstrated experience planning, booking, and executing special events, corporate functions, banquets, receptions, or private events.
Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate large teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering exceptional guest and client experiences.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with clients, guests, university stakeholders, and team members at all levels.
Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
Experience managing event budgets, labor costs, inventory, and financial reporting.
Working knowledge of food and beverage operations, catering services, premium hospitality, and alcohol service best practices.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety and alcohol service.
Ability to analyze operational data and make informed business decisions to improve service and profitability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Experience with POS systems, event management software, and catering management platforms preferred.
Ability to troubleshoot operational and technology-related issues during live events.
Must possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative team-oriented approach.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event needs.
ServSafe Food Manager Certification and alcohol service certification are preferred or the ability to obtain them within a designated timeframe.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and occasionally lift or move heavy objects.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field preferred.
Previous supervisory or management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center, hotel, restaurant, catering operation, or similar high-volume venue preferred.
Experience with POS systems, event management software, and catering management platforms preferred.
ServSafe Food Manager Certification and alcohol service certification are preferred or the ability to obtain them within a designated timeframe.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the overall effective management of Suites, In-Seat Service (where applicable), Club Operations, and Special Events.
Management of suite-level services to ensure a high level of suite holder satisfaction in all pertinent areas.
Develops and maintains relationships with clients, university departments, community organizations, and corporate partners to drive special event bookings and maximize venue utilization.
Responsible for the planning, booking, coordination, and execution of non-game day events, including corporate meetings, receptions, banquets, private parties, donor functions, and other special events.
Serves as the primary point of contact for special event clients, overseeing event planning from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up.
Prepares event proposals, gathers client requirements, coordinates event logistics, and ensures successful execution while meeting revenue and profitability goals.
Ensures total compliance with all alcohol service policies.
Monitors alcohol service throughout events to ensure 100% compliance with Alcohol Service policies.
Reports any alcohol service or compliance issues to OVG management immediately.
Provides ongoing training, development, mentoring, and supervision of hourly employees.
Responsible for completing documentation of employee performance and attendance issues in accordance with company policy and practice.
Assists in troubleshooting technical problems with Point-of-Sale Systems from both a hardware and software perspective.
Generates event employee schedules and verifies employee time for Premium Services.
Manages and oversees catered and special events from setup through teardown, including communication with hourly staff, culinary teams, clients, and guests.
Coordinates with culinary, operations, facilities, and event management teams to ensure all event requirements are executed efficiently and to client expectations.
Ensures staff are briefed on event requirements and assigned to specific areas prior to events.
Enforces all OVG and venue policies and procedures as they relate to guest satisfaction, quality standards, uniform policy, operating procedures, and quality presentation.
Conducts walkthroughs of suites, clubs, event spaces, and pantry areas after completion of events to ensure all areas are clean and event-ready.
Assists in the development of new business opportunities, community partnerships, premium hospitality initiatives, and special event sales strategies to increase venue revenue.
Participates in venue tours, client meetings, menu tastings, and event planning sessions to support the growth of premium hospitality and special event business.
Assists in the development of other business activities, community participation in appropriate groups, and all other assignments as directed by the General Manager.
Responsible for all financial reporting related to the Premium and Special Events departments, including event settlement, budgeting, forecasting, and revenue tracking.