Vice President of Food and Beverage Hospitality - Ryan Field at Northwestern University
About The Position
Levy is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Vice President of Hospitality to lead food, beverage, and hospitality operations for Northwestern University Athletics in Evanston, Illinois, including Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena. The venues host Northwestern football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and other athletic and special events. The Vice President of Hospitality serves as the senior Levy leader at Ryan Field, with strategic and operational responsibility for Levy’s business there. The role partners with Northwestern University, Ryan Sports Development, Levy leadership, and other stakeholders to establish a high-quality hospitality program across premium spaces, concessions, culinary, catering, and special events. The leader is responsible for building a high-performing team, developing strong partnerships, and delivering memorable experiences for fans, alumni, guests, and the surrounding community.
Requirements
- Significant senior-level leadership experience in sports and entertainment, hospitality, food and beverage, hotels or resorts, restaurants, or another high-volume service environment.
- Proven success leading large, complex operations with multiple revenue centers.
- Strong financial and business acumen, with demonstrated experience managing budgets, forecasts, labor, and profitability.
- Exceptional client and stakeholder relationship-management skills.
- Experience building and developing high-performing leadership teams.
- Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Strong strategic thinking and willingness to be hands-on and highly visible in the operation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change, growth, openings, or other complex operational environments.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and executive presence.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the event calendar, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for the overall operation as the senior Levy leader at Ryan Field.
- Build and maintain relationships with Northwestern University, Ryan Sports Development, and other key partners and stakeholders.
- Develop a distinctive hospitality culture focused on memorable experiences for fans and guests.
- Oversee premium hospitality, clubs and suites, concessions, culinary, catering, and special events.
- Recruit, develop, inspire, and retain a talented leadership team, fostering accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and growth.
- Establish operational standards and ensure consistent execution across all areas of the business.
- Develop and execute strategic plans to drive revenue growth, profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational performance.
- Partner with culinary and operations leaders to deliver innovative food and beverage experiences that showcase Chicago, Evanston, and the surrounding community.
- Lead financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and identification of new revenue opportunities.
- Collaborate across Levy and Compass Group to leverage resources, best practices, technology, and innovation.
- Ensure high standards of safety, sanitation, compliance, and responsible alcohol service.
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership during events and ensure teams are prepared to execute effectively.
- Identify opportunities to activate the venue beyond game days through special events and year-round hospitality experiences.
- Represent Levy and its culture, supporting an environment where team members and guests can thrive.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance and accidental death coverage
- Disability insurance
- Retirement plan
- Flexible Time Off Plan
- Paid parental leave
- Holiday time off (varies by site and state)
- Personal leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and wellness programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Potential eligibility for paid and/or unpaid time off in accordance with applicable laws
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
