C3 Presents - Associate Manager Food & Beverage

Associate Manager – Food & Beverage

The Associate Manager – Food & Beverage is responsible for supporting the strategic planning, development, and execution of the food, beverage, and craft market operations across the C3 Presents event portfolio. This position performs work directly related to the management and general business operations of the organization and contributes to revenue-generating activities that impact event performance and guest experience.

The Associate Manager exercises discretion and independent judgement with respect to matters of significance, including vendor selection and evaluation, operational planning, compliance oversight, problem resolution, and business process improvements. The role partners with the Senior Food & Beverage Manager to develop and implement operational strategies, vendor programs, and initiatives that support financial objectives, operational excellence, and long-term business growth.

• Partner with the Senior Manager to develop and implement food, beverage, and craft market operational strategies that support organizational goals, guest experience standards, and financial objectives
• Evaluate operational performance and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, service delivery, vendor performance, and profitability
• Participate in cross-functional planning meetings and provide operational recommendations that influence event planning, resource allocation, and execution strategies
• Serve as the on-site operational lead for assigned events, exercising independent judgement to address operational challenges, optimize service levels, and ensure business objectives are achieved

• Lead the recruitment, evaluation, selection, and onboarding of food and craft market vendors, exercising independent judgement to curate vendor participation based on brand alignment, guest demand, operational feasibility, and revenue objectives
• Research, evaluate, and recommend new vendor partnerships, product offerings, and market opportunities that support organizational growth and enhance event experiences
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned vendors and concessionaires, independently resolving operational, logistical, and compliance related issues
• Negotiate operational requirements and coordinate vendor participation within established company guidelines and event objectives
• Monitor vendor compliance with contractual obligations, event requirements, and operational standards, implementing corrective action when necessary

• Direct and oversee operational activities for assigned vendor programs, including vendor communications, credentialing, site planning, equipment allocation, signage, power requirements, load-in, event operations, and load-out
• Partner with the Food Court Manager and other operational stakeholders to determine and advance vendor resource requirements through the festival advancement process
• Provide direction and guidance to contracted staff, vendors, and operational partners to ensure accountability, consistency, and adherence to event standards
• Make real-life operational decisions during event execution regarding service levels, line management, staffing needs, points of sale, vendor placement, operating hours, and other business matters

• Analyze vendor sales performance, product mix (PMIX), location performance, guest demand trends, and other operational data to identify opportunities for revenue growth and operational improvements
• Develop recommendations regarding vendor participation, product offerings, service models, and operational enhancements based on business performance metrics
• Assist in forecasting, budgeting, and evaluating vendor-related financial performance for assigned events
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing operational results, key performance indicators, and strategic recommendations

• Interpret and apply local permitting requirements, health department regulations, safety standards, and operational policies to ensure compliance and mitigate business risk
• Coordinate vendor documentation, insurance requirements, permits, contracts, and related compliance materials in accordance with company policies and regulatory compliance
• Identify operational risks and implement solutions to address compliance, safety, and business continuity concerns

Marketing & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Senior Food & Beverage Manager and Marketing teams to determine vendor representation, promotional opportunities, and digital marketing initiatives
• Support the development and execution of programs that strengthen vendor partnerships and enhance guest engagement

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

What This Person Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food and beverage,…