Director of Operations - Food & Beverage Hospitality | Etihad Park

THE ROLE

The Director of Operations - Food & Beverage Hospitality will lead the strategy, planning, and execution of food and beverage operations at NYCFC’s new world-class stadium. This role is responsible for delivering seamless, efficient, and high‑quality experience across all hospitality spaces and for ensuring operational excellence aligned to a best‑in‑class fan and guest experience. In addition to overseeing pre‑opening readiness, the Director will manage all day‑to‑day stadium operations once the venue is open, ensuring smooth execution of matchdays and major events while continuously improving performance, efficiency, and guest satisfaction for New York City Football Club.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead day‑to‑day stadium hospitality operations, ensuring seamless execution across all food and beverage outlets. Oversee event and matchday operations, delivering efficient and high‑quality service at scale. Lead a team of managers and supervisors across all major hospitality spaces. Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, SOPs and service standards. Regularly review performance. Ensure operations meet health, safety, and sanitation regulations. Drive operational efficiency, cost control, and labor optimization. Partner with culinary teams to execute menus and maintain quality standards. Interact and liaise with the Client to maintain positive relationships. Deliver on agreed service experience and expectations. Lead crisis management and contingency planning for operational disruptions. Drive sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction and responsible sourcing practices. Ensure readiness and execution of non‑matchday events, including concerts and private functions. Partner with technology teams to implement and optimize POS systems and operational tools. Recruit, lead, engage and develop a large and diverse workforce, including full‑time, part‑time, and event staff. Oversee staffing plans and scheduling to ensure event and game‑day success and a seamless guest experience. Introduce new technologies, service models, and guest experience enhancements for continuous improvement. Monitor performance metrics, guest feedback, and KPIs to drive continuous improvement. Oversee inventory control processes, including ordering, tracking, and reconciliation, to ensure product availability while minimizing waste and loss. Manage vendor relationships, procurement, and inventory control. Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance of stadium operations. Act as senior on‑site leader during events, resolving issues in real time and ensuring an exceptional guest experience. Practice safe work habits and complete required safety and compliance training. Maintain a pleasant and collaborative attitude toward customers, co‑workers, and management. Adhere to Legends Global and venue company policies. Complete other duties assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of management experience in hospitality, ideally stadiums or large‑scale event operations. Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field preferred. Proven track record of managing medium to large teams. Experience leading venue openings or major operational launches preferred. Excellent communication and emotional intelligence skills. Strong attention to detail. Able to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changes. Self‑motivated and able to work independently while being a team player. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary range of $90,000 – $100,000 plus bonus potential commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k) plan.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location: On Site Etihad Park – Queens, NY. This role may require travel to other venues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NOTE The essential responsibilities of this position are described above the headings. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co