Director of Operations - Food & Beverage

Savannah Convention Center; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings and Flexible Spending

Life and Disability Insurance

Accident, Critical Illness, and Hotel/

Job summary

Sodexo Live! is seeking a Director of Operations at the Savannah Convention Center to lead all food and beverage operations, driving guest satisfaction and revenue growth.

The role partners with the General Manager and department heads to plan, forecast, and execute daily operations, while managing budgets, ensuring safety compliance, and mentoring a diverse team of managers and front-line staff. Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of leadership in high-volume venues, a relevant degree, and a proven

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in food and beverage operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Proven expertise in managing catering, concessions, and premium dining services.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in P&L management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Current certifications in safe food handling and responsible alcohol service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational systems (POS, inventory, scheduling).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and lead diverse teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all food and beverage departments, ensuring seamless coordination across concessions and catering services.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to maximize sales, enhance guest satisfaction, and control costs.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and department heads to forecast, plan, and execute daily operations based on business volume.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food handling regulations across all departments.
• Hire, train, and mentor staff and managers, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Monitor and manage departmental budgets, labor costs, and inventory controls to meet or exceed financial targets.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Data-driven decisions

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Inventory management

Scheduling systems

Job description

Job Listing: Director of Operations

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location:

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations for the Savannah Convention Center!

Job Overview:

The Director of Operations serves as a strategic partner to the General Manager, playing a critical role in leading and optimizing all aspects of food and beverage operations. This includes concessions and catering services. As a key member of the venue's leadership team, this role is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving revenue, and fostering a high-performance culture aligned with Sodexo Live!'s values and standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all food and beverage departments, ensuring seamless coordination across concessions and catering services.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to maximize sales, enhance guest satisfaction, and control costs.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and department heads to forecast, plan, and execute daily operations based on business volume.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food handling regulations across all departments.
• Hire, train, and mentor staff and managers, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Monitor and manage departmental budgets, labor costs, and inventory controls to meet or exceed financial targets.

Qualifications/Skills

• 5+ years of leadership experience in food and beverage operations, preferably in a high-volume, multi-unit environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven expertise in managing catering, concessions, and premium dining services.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in P&L management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Current certifications in safe food handling and responsible alcohol service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational systems (POS, inventory, scheduling).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and lead diverse teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.

Other Requirements

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Why Join Sodexo Live!?

At Sodexo Live!, we're proud to be experience makers, creating unforgettable moments for people across a wide range of industries and events. We bring that same commitment to our team members by offering a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one, additional benefits include:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

Source: Hospitality Online