Vice President of Food and Beverage Hospitality Strategy - Churchill Downs

Compass Group•Louisville, KY

8d•$145,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

Levy is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Hospitality Strategy to lead food and beverage operations at Churchill Downs, one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the country. This leader will oversee all hospitality operations, drive financial and operational excellence, and create exceptional guest experiences for marquee events, including the Kentucky Derby. In this role, the Vice President of Hospitality Strategy will serve as the senior Levy leader on site, partnering closely with Churchill Downs leadership, internal Levy teams, and key stakeholders to deliver best-in-class service, innovative hospitality solutions, and strong business results.

Requirements

Senior-level food and beverage leader with experience in sports, entertainment, hotels, resorts, convention centers, or high-volume hospitality environments.
Proven success managing complex, multi-unit operations with significant revenue responsibility.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, labor, cost of goods, forecasting, and profitability.
Exceptional communicator who is skilled at building client relationships and influencing at an executive level.
Experience leading large teams in fast-paced, high-profile, event-driven environments.
Strategic, hands-on, and adaptable leader who can balance big-picture planning with flawless execution.
Passionate about hospitality, guest experience, team development, and creating memorable moments.

Responsibilities

Lead all premium, concessions, catering, culinary, warehouse, and event-day hospitality operations across Churchill Downs.
Build and maintain a strong partnership with the client, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner.
Develop and execute operational strategies that enhance guest experience, improve efficiency, and drive revenue growth.
Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and profitability.
Provide leadership, coaching, and development to a large management team and hourly workforce.
Ensure operational excellence for high-profile events, including the Kentucky Derby and other major race days and special events.
Collaborate with Levy regional and corporate teams on innovation, retail/product offerings, staffing strategy, service standards, and business planning.
Champion a culture of hospitality, accountability, inclusion, safety, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with company standards, health and safety requirements, alcohol service policies, and all applicable regulations.