Allium Venue Operations Supervisor

Blueplatechicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Chicago is seeking a Venue Operations Supervisor to oversee event operations at Larkin Hall. The ideal candidate will ensure high-quality service, manage client satisfaction, and maintain safety standards while interacting with a diverse range of customers. This full-time position involves varied hours and responsibilities, including supervision of event staff and coordination with vendors, requiring strong communication and managerial skills.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Commuter benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Free meals

Pet insurance options

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in Front of House and Back of House job duties preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience with AV equipment for various private events required.
• Basset and Managers Food Handlers Certifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all aspects of Larkin Hall venue event operations.
• Manage client and customer satisfaction by addressing issues promptly.
• Coordinate logistics including audiovisual needs and vendor management.

Skills

Guest service orientation

Interpersonal communication skills

Time management

Education

High School Graduate or equivalent

Job description

Description

Job Title: Venue Operations Supervisor Department: Larkin Hall Venue/Meeting Space

FLSA: Non-Exempt (OT Eligible) Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Venue Manager

Customary Days: Sunday – Saturday

Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings and holidays

Over the past 40+ years, we have become known for our delicious food, dedicated service, deep relationships, and generous word-of-mouth promotion from our customers. We’re active members of the community and partners with all (85+) of Chicago’s top venues. We hire the best and most dedicated people. We’re constantly trying new things and being amazing at it because we’re entrepreneurial to our core. Plus, we’re working on some new things that are going to surprise people.

Larkin Hall, situated in the vibrant Fulton Market district is the home of Blue Plate Catering & Allium. The building offers a variety of meeting and event spaces, perfect for hosting gatherings ranging from intimate groups of 10 to large-scale events of up to 700 guests. Our newest addition, Allium, will be the largest event space in the area, offering stunning city views and an unparalleled event experience.

Position Summary

The Larkin Hall Venue Operations Supervisor is responsible for overseeing event operations at Larkin Hall, ensuring a timely and proper set up according to floor plans and timelines. This role focuses on delivering high-quality service and meeting client expectations during the event, while also service as the direct contact for the catering company, event planner, and contracted vendors during the event. Safety and respectful use of the venue space are the most critical aspects of the job; the venue operations supervisor is responsible for overall safety of the venue, building and patrons. Thorough understanding of proper procedures and best practices for working in an event environment are critical in this job.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise all aspects of Larkin Hall venue event operations, ensuring successful planning and execution. Collaborate closely with internal and external teams to meet the client’s needs and expectations.
• Responsible to satisfy all customer requirements by ensuring that the service is constantly maintained at a consistently high standard.
• Manage client and customer satisfaction by promptly addressing issues and ensuring feedback is appropriately communicated to relevant departments.
• Provides event supervision expertise and oversight to users of the facility.
• Maintain venue and event production in a “ready-to-execute” environment.
• Oversight, coordination and management of event cycles, including facility preparation, event load-in, planned event, event load-out and facility restoration.
• Ensure that all vendors are following venue rules and document any infractions or damages to the space.
• In collaboration with the Venue Manager and Blue Plate’s Sales Consultant, supervise all venue logistics including communication within venue teams, audiovisual requirements and additional vendors for security, parking and other operations needs to ensure successful event execution.
• Serve as the direct contact for the catering company, facilitating communication and coordination between the venue, catering staff and contracted vendors.
• Assist in organizing and supervising event staff, including and not limited to vendors, security, and custodial staff as needed to meet specified event requirements.
• Continually monitor and coordinate the inventory of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the venue and communicate replenishment needs to the Venue Manager.
• Cross check that all deliveries are checked in correctly and relevant delivery dockets/invoices are correct.
• Collaborate with the Facilities team to maintain the event space in an orderly and sanitary manner by leading and overseeing the daily cleaning of the space and monthly deep cleaning of the space.
• Coordinate inventory of in-house equipment and conduct monthly inventory of all items.
• Attend supervisor meetings and training sessions.
• Attend client meetings, pre-event walkthroughs, and event operations meetings, including the pre-event shift meetings held by the Catering team.
• Complete necessary paperwork including liquor inventory and summaries after events.
• Continuously monitor all elements of event execution to ensure all service staff are upholding responsibilities and performing delegated tasks.
• Maintain a positive attitude and professionalism while interacting with clients and team members.· Supervise the proper breakdown of the dining room. Ensure all equipment is utilized properly and stored appropriately.
• Routine performance of technical skills and tasks related to AV systems for various private events.
• Design and improve work methods, tools, devices, etc., identifying potential problems, shortages, conflicts, etc.
• Respond to problems and fulfill requests for equipment, venue space, utility access and AV systems.
• Notify the Venue Manager of professional services that need to be addressed or performed, such as preventative maintenance, troubleshooting failures, repairs and installations.
• Ensure that the venue space, tools and equipment used by event staff and vendors are safe for use and are in ready-to-use condition.
• Perform other relevant tasks as required to support the smooth operation and success of the venue.

Requirements

Job Requirements

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• 2-3 years of experience in Front of House and Back of House job duties, preferred.
• 2-4 years of experience in routine performance of technology systems and tasks related to AV equipment for various private events.
• Basset and Managers Food Handlers Certifications are required

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):.

• Knowledge of multiple styles of service and fine dining.
• Familiar with the sequence of service and events.
• Guest service orientation.
• Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.
• Dependable and responsible.
• Able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Time management skills.
• Commitment to quality.
• Maintain and express a positive attitude while interacting with clients and fellow team members.

Language Skills

Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently. Bilingual skills preferred.

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. Larkin Hall is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, taste and smell.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch for 6 to 8 hours at a time.
• Regularly required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 60 lbs.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Larkin Hall is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• May work in extreme heat and cold (non-weather and weather).
• May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).
• Noise level is low to moderate.
• May work near toxic/caustic chemical and with fumes or airborne particles.
• Will work near moving or mechanical parts.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $28-$33/hr depending on experience and qualifications.
• At Larkin Hall, we live our core value: We Care More. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave.
• Additional benefits such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at Larkin Hall

At Larkin Hall, We Care More — and that means creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. Our hiring practices focus on equity and potential, and we partner with diverse communities to ensure opportunities are accessible to all. From onboarding to growth, we offer tailored support and inclusive development programs. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to help us create memorable food and service experiences — together, we go beyond to make a difference.

Larkin Hall complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.