Athletics & Concessions Manager — Higher Ed Dining

Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD&D

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Job summary

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking an Athletics & Concessions Manager – Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. You will oversee athletic, concession and catering operations across venues and events, manage staff, inventory, and ensure guest satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and 3+ years in food service management, with strong leadership and budgeting skills; flexible to evenings, weekends, and holidays, and familiarity with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of management experience in food service, hospitality, concessions, catering, or retail dining operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing labor, inventory, and financial performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
• Experience in higher education dining, sports & entertainment venues, or large-scale hospitality operations preferred.
• Catering sales and event management experience a plus.
• ServSafe and BASSET Manager Certifications or ability to obtain certifications.
• Experience working in a unionized environment a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of athletic and concession operations, including planning, staffing, inventory, setup, service, and post-event breakdown for game days and events.
• Ensure efficient service execution through proper staffing, inventory management, and planning.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service standards.
• Maintain compliance with all regulations.
• Coordinate and oversee on-campus athletic, concession and catering events.
• Partner with clients to understand event requirements, menus, timelines, and service expectations.
• Conduct site visits and event reviews to ensure client satisfaction.
• Manage event logistics including staffing, equipment, transportation, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Monitor event costs and profitability while maintaining service excellence.
• Monitor labor, food, and operating costs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performance work environment.
• Address customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Inventory management

Budgeting/financials

Food safety

Communication

Organizational skills

Evenings/weekends/holidays flexibility

Higher education dining experience

Catering/event management

ServSafe/BASSET Certifications

Union environment experience (a plus)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking an Athletics & Concessions Manager – Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. You will oversee athletic, concession and catering operations across venues and events, manage staff, inventory, and ensure guest satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and 3+ years in food service management, with strong leadership and budgeting skills; flexible to evenings, weekends, and holidays, and familiarity with