Vice President of Food and Beverage Hospitality Strategy - Churchill Downs

Salary: $145,000-$155,000

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Different perspectives make us better. We’re committed to creating an equal opportunity and fair treatment environment, where learning and growing together is just part of our every day. An environment where you can be your authentic self.

About Levy
The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.

Job Summary

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.

Key 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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 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.

Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture

At Levy, team = family. And we’ll always take care of family, learn more about Levy benefits offered.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Time Off Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/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)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass/Levy, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Levy maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1573209

Levy Sector

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BENAE GLICKMAN

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