Description

Madison Square Garden SPHERE:

With MSG Sphere, we are creating an entirely new medium that will deliver immersive entertainment experiences at an unparalleled scale. Beyond a venue, Sphere is a multi-sensory platform with experiential technology programming directly to your senses. You will see in ways never imagined, hear with every fiber of your being, and experience like never before. To deliver on this promise, we are building the largest immersive venue in the world, MSG Sphere at The Venetian in Las Vegas, with a second Sphere venue planned for London, pending necessary approvals.  

In addition to building a breakthrough venue, we’re building a production studio team, a technology venture team, and a full commercial organization to make the MSG Sphere a world class brand and business for our fans, our artists, and our partners. We have offices and roles in Burbank CA, Las Vegas NV, New York, NY and London. 

 

SUMMARY:

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

 

MAIN DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for driving operational 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 pre-opening F&B-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.
• Collaborates with Tao Group on developing menu plans and driving hospitality and service standards consistent across all MSG Entertainment and Tao Group venues.  
• Implement 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.
• Remains current with industry developments, competitive set and product.
• Guides all department heads to operate efficiently, as it relates to service levels and customer satisfaction.
• Continually evaluates the quality of the “guest experience” through first hand observation, objective feedback and interaction.
• 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.
• Keeps abreast of all operational aspects, public relation 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 credence.
• Support other venue Food & Beverage and Merchandise operations as directed by senior management.
• Work with Sphere productions, venue, and construction stakeholders in developing preliminary merchandise point of sale strategy pre-opening (permanent location layouts and requirements, pop-up kiosk design and placement, etc.).
• Collaborate with Sphere business units on merchandise selection, retail pricing, sales techniques, and capital requirements

 

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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. Multi-property culinary, and front of the house experience (Concessions, Bars, Lounges, Fine Dining Restaurants, Multi-property fast food) is necessary.
• 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.
• 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, visual merchandising strategies, merchandise inventory systems and controls 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
• 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 cross functional team environment
• Adept at maintaining a positive, open, approachable, and professional relationship with a diverse group of peers, managers, and subordinates.
• Strong interpersonal/customer service skills

SUPERVISION: 

• Directly supervises all F&B, Warehouse and Merchandise administrative management staff including directors and managers. 
• Indirectly manages all FOH & BOH food service, merchandise, warehouse, and commissary workers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Extensive walking, sitting, standing for long periods.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of days, weekends, nights and holidays required.
• Ability to travel through MSG venues as necessary.

 

Job ID

57616

Job Title

VP Food & Merchandise Operations Sphere

Start Date

07/01/2022

Salary Range

no minimum salary specified - no maximum salary specified

Job Location

Las Vegas NV United States

Contact Information

Name

Robb, Stefano

Email

stefano.robb@msg.com 

Best Method of Contact

EMAIL