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Vice President of Food and Beverage Hospitality Strategy - Ryan Field at Northwestern University

compass groupEvanston, IL

today

Occupations

Food Service ManagersFirst-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving WorkersGeneral and Operations Managers

Industries

Full-Service RestaurantsPromoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with FacilitiesFood Service Contractors
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About the role

Vice President Of Hospitality Levy is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Vice President of Hospitality to lead our food, beverage, and hospitality operations for Northwestern University Athletics in Evanston, Illinois, including Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena, home to Northwestern football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and other athletic and special events. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the hospitality experience at one of the newest and most innovative venues in college athletics. The Vice President of Hospitality will serve as the senior Levy leader at Ryan Field, responsible for bringing our hospitality vision to life while building a high-performing team, developing strong partnerships, and delivering memorable experiences for Northwestern fans, alumni, guests, and the surrounding community. As Vice President of Hospitality, you will have overall responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of Levy's business at Ryan Field. You will partner closely with Northwestern University, Ryan Sports Development, Levy leadership, and key stakeholders to establish a best-in-class hospitality program across premium spaces, concessions, culinary, catering, and special events. This leader will combine strong business acumen with an unwavering commitment to hospitality, innovation, team development, and operational excellence.
What You'll Do: Serve as the senior Levy leader at Ryan Field, providing strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for the overall operation. Build and maintain exceptional relationships with Northwestern University, Ryan Sports Development, and other key partners and stakeholders. Lead the development of a distinctive hospitality culture focused on creating memorable experiences for every fan and guest. Oversee all food and beverage operations, including premium hospitality, clubs and suites, concessions, culinary, catering, and special events. Recruit, develop, inspire, and retain a talented leadership team while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and growth. Establish clear operational standards and ensure consistent execution across all areas of the business. Develop and execute strategic plans that drive revenue growth, profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational performance. Partner with culinary and operations leaders to deliver innovative food and beverage experiences that showcase Chicago, Evanston, and the surrounding community. Lead financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and identification of new revenue opportunities. Collaborate across Levy and Compass Group to leverage resources, best practices, technology, and innovation. Ensure the highest standards of safety, sanitation, compliance, and responsible alcohol service. Provide visible, hands-on leadership during events while ensuring teams are prepared to execute at the highest level. Identify opportunities to activate the venue beyond game days through special events and year-round hospitality experiences. Serve as an ambassador for Levy and our culture, demonstrating our commitment to creating an environment where both our team members and our guests can thrive.
Preferred qualifications include:
  • Significant senior-level leadership experience in sports and entertainment, hospitality, food and beverage, hotels/resorts, restaurants, or another high-volume service environment.
  • Proven success leading large, complex operations with multiple revenue centers.
  • Strong financial and business acumen with demonstrated experience managing budgets, forecasts, labor, and profitability.
  • Exceptional client and stakeholder relationship-management skills.
  • Experience building and developing high-performing leadership teams.
  • A passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
  • Strong strategic thinking combined with a willingness to be hands-on and highly visible within the operation.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through change, growth, openings, or other complex operational environments.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and executive presence.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the event calendar, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture
  • At Levy, team = family. And we'll always take care of family, learn more about Levy benefits offered.
Medical DentalVisionLife Insurance/ ADDisability Insurance Retirement Plan Flexible Time Off PlanPaid Parental Leave Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state) Personal Leave Associate Shopping Program Health and Wellness Programs Discount Marketplace Identity Theft Protection Pet Insurance Commuter Benefits Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass/Levy, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply. Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Levy maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1589247 Levy Sector[[Cust_clnt
AcName]]Benae Glickman[[req_classification]]

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JOB OVERVIEW

Experience level

Manager

Location

Evanston, IL

Occupation

Food Service Managers

Industry

Full-Service Restaurants

Posted

today

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