Food & Beverage Manager

Lancaster County Agricultural Society; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short- and long-term disability

FSA and life insurance options

Paid holidays and PTO (Vacation/Sick)

Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% 401

Job summary

Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, NE is seeking an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to oversee banquet, bar, and concession services. You will lead a team, plan menus, manage costs, and ensure guest satisfaction during events.

The role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. A valid Food Protection Manager Permit and Responsible Alcohol Service Certification are required at hire.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Must pass background and reference checks
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Proactive and independent problem-solving ability
• Strong leadership, organization, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Customer service focus and professional communication
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience in food service, event management, leadership or a combination thereof
• Understanding of diverse F&B service formats
• Supervisory experience in high-volume environments
• Required local permits (Food Protection Manager Permit and Responsible Alcohol Service Certification) at time of hire

Responsibilities

• Tailor weekly menus for profitability and seasonality
• Develop event-specific F&B plans based on event type and attendance
• Schedule and supervise F&B team for events
• Oversee service areas for efficient daily operations
• Provide hands-on support during events
• Create guidelines to resolve issues and maintain quality
• Communicate daily shift goals to the team
• Conduct post-event reviews to evaluate performance
• Recruiting, onboarding, and training of staff
• Develop staffing plans based on attendance and volume
• Maintain high standards of food quality and sanitation
• Oversee vendor relationships and compliance with health laws

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Multi-tasking

Customer service

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Clover POS

Inventory software

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Lincoln, NE 68507We 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 Services

• Tailor weekly food & beverage menus to confirm profitability, seasonality, and alignment with customer preferences
• Develop 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 needs
• Oversee 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 priority
• Conduct post-event reviews to evaluate sales, staffing, product usage, guest feedback, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Team Management

• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and overseeing ongoing training of FT/PT staff as needed for the department to ensure smooth daily operations and consistent service
• Develop 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 service
• Obtain and oversee staff certification requirements

Department Organization

• Monitor cost control through inventory, labor levels, menu planning, and portion control
• Manage 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 restrictions
• Align with other departments including Operations, Cleaning, Marketing, Ticketing, and Sponsorships to facilitate superior guest experiences

Supplier Management & Compliance

• Maintain strong vendor and supplier relationships to lower procurement costs, obtain donations of equipment, and secure free training/consulting
• Collaborate with sponsorship manager to obtain trade partnerships for large scale events
• Ensure compliance with local health department standards and liquor laws

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Must pass background and reference checks
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Proactive and independent problem-solving ability
• Strong leadership, organization, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Customer service focus and professional communication
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience in food service, event management, leadership or a combination thereof
• Understanding of diverse F&B service formats (e.g., fast food, catering, bars)
• Supervisory experience in high-volume environments
• Required local permits (Food Protection Manager Permit and Responsible Alcohol Service Certification) at time of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in hospitality, communication, business management, or related field
• Familiarity with Clover point-of-sale (POS) system and inventory software

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time to work at desk
• Comfortable standing or walking long hours during events, both indoors and outdoors
• Lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation during setup/service of events

Professional Expectations:

• Maintain punctual, reliable attendance
• Adhere to dress code and represent SGEC professionally
• Delivery excellent customer service at all times
• Demonstrate a hands-on leadership approach and willingness to assist with operational needs during events
• Communicate respectfully and collaborate across departments
• Follow SGEC policies, use technology responsibly, and protect organizational assets

Safety Requirements:

• Uphold workplace safety standards and emergency procedures
• Follow all safety protocols and use PPE when necessary
• Report all incidents, unsafe conditions, and equipment issues promptly

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• FSA and life insurance options
• Paid holidays and PTO (Vacation/Sick)
• Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% match
• Free uniforms
• Complimentary meals and fountain beverages during café operation
• Free 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.