Director of Operations - Front of House

Job Listing: Director of Operations - Front of House

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location: We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations for New Orleans Convention Center located in New Orleans, LA.

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located in Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. The lower end of building one is located 1,640 feet upriver from Canal Street on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is named after former Mayor of New Orleans Ernest Nathan Morial. With 1.1 million square feet of prime, contiguous exhibit space, the award winning New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the sixth largest convention facility in the nation, and it consistently ranks in the country's top ten of facilities that hold the most conventions and tradeshows annually.

The Convention Center has been voted a Top Work Place in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022!!

Principal Function:

The Director of Operations often serves as a right hand to the General Manager. As a visible and key member of the unit-level Leadership Team, they will exemplify and display unquestionable ethical conduct in both business and personal dealings, as they are responsible to model Sodexo Live!'s vision and values, ensuring in all ways for the customer, employees, the industry and the local community that Sodexo Live! is held in the highest regard.

The Director of Operations is responsible for managing and maximizing the productivity of the operations and administrative staff and is accountable for directing and coordinating the resources, tasks, requirements and processes related to the unit's day-to-day operating budget. They will provide support and hands-on assistance to plan, prepare, oversee, report and reconcile the unit's on-going business activities to ensure its commercial success.

The Director of Operations will contribute to Sodexo Live!'s goal to be #1 in Event Hospitality and the #1 Employer of Choice through the performance of activities geared toward the creation of an energized and positive work environment for all venue staff. Working in close partnership with the unit's various divisions and key department heads, the Director of Operations will create, lead and execute food and beverage experiences that exceed guest expectations and maximize revenue while controlling expenses.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement business strategies for driving and maximizing food, beverage and merchandise sales.
• Serve as a leadership role model and create an exceptional employment experience for Sodexo Live!'s staff.
• Create an environment where an exceptional service and dining experience is delivered to each customer, contributing to Sodexo Live!'s goal of 100% customer satisfaction.
• Plan and execute all operations activities against forecasted daily business volume.

Qualifications/Skills:

• 3-5 years previous operations leadership experience in a complex food service environment.
• Significant expertise in food and beverage management with a catering/concessions emphasis.
• Up-to-date certifications for safe food handling and responsible alcoholic beverage service.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with strong background in P&L management
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management
• Self-starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, and who can contribute to functional areas of the business outside of retail operations.
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; mus