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Company Web Site Director, Food & Beverage Operations Newark, NJ
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WHO WE ARE
Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) includes in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the Delaware Blue Coats, the Utica Comets and a variety of other sports and entertainment properties. Led by some of the best and brightest minds in the industry, HBSE positions itself as a pioneering and innovative global sports and entertainment business enterprise. We also strive to positively impact the local communities in which we operate through the powerful platform of sports. HBSE offers an energetic work environment built on collaboration, growth and a quest to excel in everything we do. As part of its portfolio, Prudential Center in downtown Newark, N.J. annually hosts more than 200 games, concerts, family shows and special events and is a top-5 ranked sports and entertainment venue in the U.S. by Pollstar and Billboard. It is home to the New Jersey Devils, a renowned NHL franchise with three Stanley Cup championships and a proud, passionate fan base. HBSE also owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, one of the most storied franchises in American sports, having won three championships led by some of the most iconic athletes in NBA history. OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
At HBSE, we are dedicated to hiring the best talent from the communities where we live, work and play - across all groups and levels; supporting and developing every employee to reach their potential; and creating an inclusive environment that allows team members to bring their true authentic selves to work. Job Description POSITION OVERVIEW
The Prudential Center is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Food & Beverage Operations, to oversee the arena's food and beverage operations across all events, including New Jersey Devils games, concerts, and other major entertainment events. This individual will serve as the primary liaison with the arena's food and beverage operating partner, leading cross-functional collaboration to deliver a world-class guest experience while driving revenue growth. The ideal candidate will be a leader with a proven ability to develop and execute operational strategies that align with organizational goals. This role plays a critical part in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration across all food and beverage operations while supporting the broader business objectives of Prudential Center and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE BELOW
Strategic Leadership & Partnership Serve as the primary operational liaison between Prudential Center and the arena's food and beverage operating partner.
Develop and lead the long-term food and beverage vision for Prudential Center, ensuring alignment with the venue's brand, fan experience goals, and business objectives
Partner with marketing to develop storytelling around culinary offerings and elevate the arena's food brand through digital, social, and in-venue promotion.
Collaborate with the corporate partnership team to maximize sponsorship and activation opportunities.
Provide strategic input into venue renovations, premium space development, and new hospitality concepts. Commercial Strategy Drive food and beverage growth through pricing strategy, product mix optimization, and experiential offerings.
Identify new monetization opportunities across concessions, premium hospitality, clubs, suites, and special events.
Partner with the corporate partnerships team to integrate brand activations, sponsored food concepts, and experiential marketing opportunities.
Establish and monitor key performance metrics including per-caps, transaction time, average basket size, premium spend, and fan satisfaction metrics. Operational Excellence Ensure cooperative workplace environment by working side-by-side with the arena concessionaire; reinforce DAE initiatives, values and best practices; provide on-going constructive feedback.
Streamline communication between departments regarding F&B programming and execution.
Ensure alignment of concepts, pricing, and menu offerings with revenue and fan experience goals.
Benchmark Prudential Center against leading sports and entertainment venues to maintain a best-in-class food and beverage program.
Conduct comprehensive walk-throughs for every event with written documentation with areas that need to be corrected (maintenance / clean-up / branding) and follow up to make sure the work is complete.
Serve as the point person for special projects, strategic initiatives, and new partnerships.
Support premium departments to ensure elevated service and menu standards in premium spaces. Innovation & Community Engagement Research and implement industry best practices, including emerging technologies.
Develop culinary programs that highlight Newark and New Jersey's diverse food culture.
Identify consumer trends and introduce new concepts to elevate offerings. QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or related years of experience, with 5-7 years' proven experience in food and beverage operations, preferably within sports, entertainment, or hospitality venues.
Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and guest experience innovation in complex hospitality environments.
Experience working with third-party food service operators and managing large-scale venue partnerships.
Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including budget development and performance reporting.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Passion for hospitality, culinary innovation, and creating memorable guest experiences.
Motivated self-starter with a positive "team-first" attitude WORKING CONDITIONS
Travel Requirements:
May be required to travel on rare occasions (
