Food & Beverage Manager

Lancaster County Agricultural Society Inc; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Simple IRA with 3% match

Uniforms provided

Complimentary meals during events

Job summary

The Lancaster County Agricultural Society Inc is seeking an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to oversee banquet, bar, and concession operations at events and venues in Lincoln, NE. You will tailor weekly food & beverage plans, schedule and supervise staff, and coordinate with operations, marketing, and sponsorship teams to ensure profitable and memorable guest experiences.

Strong leadership and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service, event management, or leadership roles.
• Understanding of diverse F&B service formats (catering, bars, concessions).
• Knowledge of health, safety and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee banquet, bar, and concession service during events and ensure quality and timeliness.
• Lead recruiting, onboarding, and training of staff for the department.
• Monitor costs, inventory, and scheduling to meet event requirements and budget.

Skills

Event management

Leadership

Customer service

Staff scheduling

Budgeting

Vendor management

Health & safety

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field

Tools

Clover POS

Inventory software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Food & Beverage Manager to oversee all aspects of the food & beverage department including banquet, bar, and concession stand service.Key Responsibilities:Guest & Event ServicesTailor weekly food & beverage menus to confirm profitability, seasonality, and alignment with customer preferencesDevelop event-specific food and beverage plans based on event type, anticipated attendance, service locations, staffing needs, menu offerings, equipment, and operational requirements.Schedule and supervise food & beverage team to support event requests and department needsOversee service areas during events, ensuring efficient daily operations.Maintain a visible, hands-on presence during events and actively assist with operational needs, troubleshooting, staffing, and guest service as needed.Create clear guidelines for team members to resolve customer issues, not exceed wait times, and maintain consistent food quality & safety.Communicate daily shift goals to focus team member efforts on event and department tasks in order of priorityConduct post-event reviews to evaluate sales, staffing, product usage, guest feedback, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.Team ManagementAssist with recruiting, onboarding, and overseeing ongoing training of FT/PT staff as needed for the department to ensure smooth daily operations and consistent serviceDevelop staffing plans based on event attendance, operating hours, service locations, and anticipated business volume that meet the Promoter’s request.Maintain high standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer serviceObtain and oversee staff certification requirementsDepartment OrganizationMonitor cost control through inventory, labor levels, menu planning, and portion controlManage department financial performance, including revenue, food and beverage costs, labor costs, inventory, waste, item pricing.Review sales, labor, inventory, and other financial reports to identify trends, control costs, and improve department performance.Oversee purchasing, product ordering, inventory levels, storage, receiving, and distribution of food, beverage, and operating supplies.Evaluate all work orders for food & beverage needs at each event, meet with event promoters when necessary to review event needs, menu choices, special requests, or dietary restrictionsAlign with other departments including Operations, Cleaning, Marketing, Ticketing, and Sponsorships to facilitate superior guest experiencesSupplier Management & ComplianceMaintain strong vendor and supplier relationships to lower procurement costs, obtain donations of equipment, and secure free training/consultingCollaborate with sponsorship manager to obtain trade partnerships for large scale eventsEnsure compliance with local health department standards and liquor lawsRequired Qualifications:Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorshipMust pass background and reference checksValid Driver’s License and reliable transportationHigh School Diploma or equivalentFlexible availability including nights, weekends, and holidaysProactive and independent problem-solving abilityStrong leadership, organization, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environmentCustomer service focus and professional communicationMicrosoft Office Suite proficiency (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)Minimum of 1 years’ experience in food service, event management, leadership or a combination thereofUnderstanding of diverse F&B service formats (e.g., fast food, catering, bars)Supervisory experience in high-volume environmentsRequired local permits (Food Protection Manager Permit and Responsible Alcohol Service Certification) at time of hirePreferred Qualifications:Degree in hospitality, communication, business management, or related fieldFamiliarity with Clover point-of-sale (POS) system and inventory softwarePhysical/Environmental Requirements:Ability to sit for long periods of time to work at deskComfortable standing or walking long hours during events, both indoors and outdoorsLift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation during setup/service of eventsProfessional Expectations:Maintain punctual, reliable attendanceAdhere to dress code and represent SGEC professionallyDelivery excellent customer service at all timesDemonstrate a hands-on leadership approach and willingness to assist with operational needs during eventsCommunicate respectfully and collaborate across departmentsFollow SGEC policies, use technology responsibly, and protect organizational assetsSafety Requirements:Uphold workplace safety standards and emergency proceduresFollow all safety protocols and use PPE when necessaryReport all incidents, unsafe conditions, and equipment issues promptlyBenefits Include:Medical, dental, and vision insuranceShort- and long-term disabilityFSA and life insurance optionsPaid holidays and PTO (Vacation/Sick)Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% matchFree uniformsComplimentary meals and fountain beverages during café operationFree event access (where permitted)Equal Opportunity Employer:Sandhills Global Event Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request.