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VP Food & Merchandise Operations Sphere

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue in Las Vegas opened in September 2023. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at sphereentertainmentco.com.

Who are we hiring?

This position is responsible for directing the food, beverage and merchandise operations within MSG Sphere. The VP, Food & Merchandise Operations Sphere will oversee concessions, bars, suites, catering, clubs, lounges, culinary, stewarding and warehouse operations as well as all merchandise and retail operational functions. The VP Food & Merchandise Operations reports into the SVP & General Manager MSG Sphere.

What will you do?

  • Responsible for driving operational and service excellence through product, people, quality, and innovation standards while collaborating with MSG and Venue management.
  • Leads the operation of customer, employee and vendor experience, and ensures baseline programs are in place throughout MSG Sphere.
  • Leads all food and beverage related venue site coordination and internal commissioning, liaising with project food service equipment contractor, MEP contractors, design team, site coordination/construction team, venue management team, and local regulatory jurisdictions.
  • Drives and supports operational excellence at MSG Sphere while initiating action plans relating to food and beverage service, standards, supply management and DOH compliance.
  • Consistently upgrades food quality, concept, beverage service, product, efficiency and presentation in within MSG.
  • Implement, monitor and manage the necessary staffing levels, cost controls, food and beverage cost, and payroll compliance to maximize profit and expected levels of service.
  • Ensures quality control for guest experience and product development in a dynamic and innovative environment and evaluates through firsthand observation, objective feedback and interaction. Creates and executes on applicable action items in a timely manner. 
  • Remains current with industry and market developments, competitive set and product.
  • Guides management team to operate efficiently as it relates to service levels and guest satisfaction.
  • Reviews and analyzes financial and operating reports on a daily basis and initiates action to improve performance. Uses internal data sources such as financial reports, event P&L’s, KPI’s, event schedules and production budgets to monitor ongoing performance against established standards and objectives.
  • Keep apprised of all operational aspects, public relations concerns, financial and technological changes.
  • Responsible for providing the highest level of guest service within a secure and safe environment for our guests and employees during all events and public functions.
  • Actively participates in the negotiation of labor agreements and maintains positive labor relations with all key stakeholders. Ensures adherence to labor agreements. 
  • Support other venue food & beverage and merchandise operations as directed by senior management.
  • Collaborate with Sphere business units on merchandise selection, retail pricing, sales techniques, and capital requirements.
  • Foster and maintain a positive and productive environment for all employees. 

What do you need to succeed?

  • Minimum 15 years of Food & Beverage Operational Management senior-level experience with direct responsibility for supervising and directing staff across a wide range of operating functions within a large arena, theater, or entertainment complex strongly preferred.
  • Previous experience in the capacity of hospitality General Manager or Vice President Food & Beverage.
  • Four-year degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Event Management, Business Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and the ability to manage a diverse workforce of non-union and/or union and internal and/or third-party employees required.
  • Contract negotiation experience is strongly desired.
  • Multi-property culinary and front of the house experience (Concessions, Bars, Lounges, Fine Dining Restaurants, Multi-property fast food) is necessary.
  • Ability to set standards while developing metrics to audit and ensure compliance is essential.
  • Experience interacting with C-Suite Management teams, and all levels of employee population.
  • Extensive knowledge of Department of Health (DOH) codes and guidelines required.  Local knowledge of Las Vegas, Clark County and/or Nevada local regulations and standards preferred.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret financial data with an emphasis on a budget planning model necessary.
  • P&L management and capital planning experience required.
  • Knowledge of food & beverage and merchandise inventory systems and controls required.
  • Knowledge of visual merchandising best practices and strategies required.
  • In depth knowledge of facility management and local fire and building codes required.
  • Excellent verbal & written communication, organizational and time management skills required.
  • Must be able to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline-oriented environment.
  • PC skills including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
  • Possess exceptional attention to detail and strong follow-up skills necessary.
  • Experience in managing cross functional teams and building relationships.
  • Successful track record of measuring improvements in customer satisfaction and loyalty
  • Demonstrates integrity, tact, diplomacy and a commitment to company values, and principles while ensuring the upmost consistency.
  • Skilled at working collaboratively and in a team environment.
  • Adept at maintaining a positive, open, approachable, and professional relationship with a diverse group of peers, managers, and subordinates.
  • Problem solving, reasoning, motivational and organizational abilities are used often.
  • Strong interpersonal and guest service skills.
  • Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while managing multiple tasks.

Special Requirements

  • Extensive walking, sitting, standing for long periods; desk functions inclusive of typing.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of days, weekends, nights, and holidays required.
  • Ability to travel through MSG venues as necessary.
  • Certifications
    • Alcohol Awareness (TAM) Card
    • Food Handler’s Card

#LI-Onsite

Pay Range
$208,000$275,000 USD

At MSG, we recognize the importance of upskilling employees’ talents and strengths so they can drive their careers forward. We are proud to offer a robust set of tools and resources to help employees understand their interests and purpose, harness their talents and obtain the skills they need to reach the next step in their careers. Growth and longevity for our employees are top priorities here.

We value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds! MSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law mandates, MSG complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in all locations and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required.