Athletics & Concessions Operations Lead

Compass Group USA; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

Northwestern University, partnered with Chartwells Higher Education, is seeking an Athletics & Concessions Manager to oversee athletic venues, concessions and catering operations. You will manage staffing, inventory, setup, service, and post‑event breakdown for game days and special events.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business or related field and at least 3 years of management in food service or concessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• 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 athletic and concession operations, including planning, staffing, inventory, setup, service, and post-event breakdown for game days and special events.
• Ensure efficient service execution through proper staffing, inventory management, and operational planning.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service standards.
• Maintain compliance with all company, university, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinate and oversee on-campus athletic, concession and catering events, including meetings, conferences, receptions, athletic events, and special functions.
• 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 athletic and concession event costs and profitability while maintaining service excellence.
• Monitor labor, food, and operating costs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.
• Address customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Labor management

Inventory management

Financial performance

Microsoft Office

Evenings/weekends/holidays

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Northwestern University, partnered with Chartwells Higher Education, is seeking an Athletics & Concessions Manager to oversee athletic venues, concessions and catering operations. You will manage staffing, inventory, setup, service, and post‑event breakdown for game days and special events.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business or related field and at least 3 years of management in food service or concessions.