Manager, Food & Beverage

Description

Manager, Food & Beverage

The Manager of Food & Beverage is a dynamic, results-driven professional responsible for building, managing, and optimizing strategic partnerships with food and beverage vendors across Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and COTALand amusement park. This position combines operational expertise, relationship management, strategic planning, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance to drive revenue growth, enhance guest experiences, and ensure vendor satisfaction.

Requirements

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

Vendor Relationship Management:

• Identify, recruit, and onboard new food and beverage partners (restaurants, vendors, suppliers, distributors) aligning with strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive onboarding programs for smooth integration and maximum partnership success.
• Maintain and nurture relationships with current vendor partners to ensure consistent quality, reliability, and satisfaction.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring favorable terms and mutual profitability.
• Regularly engage with partners to address concerns, maintain quality standards, and foster long-term trust and satisfaction

Revenue & Financial Management

• Strategically plan vendor placements based on sales data, anticipated attendance, and guest flow.
• Collaborate with partners to develop joint marketing and sales initiatives to maximize revenue and expand market reach.
• Track, analyze, and report partner performance metrics to leadership, optimizing profitability and ROI.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, budget management, and timely vendor payout processing.

Event Operations & Execution:

• Oversee all aspects of vendor participation including contract negotiations, menu approval, booth layout, POS distribution, and beverage allocations.
• Manage vendor load-in, setup, and operational oversight throughout events.
• Monitor real-time vendor sales performance, addressing issues promptly to optimize guest experience and revenue.
• Supervise vendor breakdown, cleanup activities, and post-event settlements.

Compliance & Permitting:

• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and fire regulations, adapting as needed for each event.
• Manage health permitting processes and coordinate pre-event fire inspections and walkthroughs with relevant authorities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with the Facilities, Operations, Hospitality, Signage, and Executive teams to ensure cohesive event delivery.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to leadership. 

Key Skills & Traits:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build lasting vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Experience managing F&B operations at large-scale events or entertainment venues.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve quickly and effectively under pressure.
• In-depth knowledge of current trends and innovations within the food & beverage industry.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in partnership/vendor management, business development, or high-volume food & beverage operations.
• Proven experience in managing successful partnerships and contracts.
• Strong understanding of food service operations, including concessions, supply chain logistics, and inventory control.
• Exceptional analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with proficiency in CRM software and data analytics tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask effectively.
• Flexible schedule, including availability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

Salary commensurate with experience

Reasonable  accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.