General Manager

Join to apply for the General Manager role at Sodexo Live! 4 days ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

The position is based at Illinois State University, the oldest public university in Illinois and home to a vibrant Division I athletics program competing in the Missouri Valley Conference.

At Sodexo Live! we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests, and team members. Here, you’ll build a career where ‘everyday’ is anything but normal.

The General Manager is charged with oversight and leadership of all food and beverage operations, serving as the linchpin for communications, support, and resource allocation to optimize unit profitability and meet the day‑to‑day operating budget. The GM will provide hands‑on leadership to facilitate dining experiences that exceed guest expectations while maximizing revenue and controlling expenses. The GM’s priorities include ensuring Sodexo Live!’s

standards for quality, service, timeliness, safety, security, sanitation, and regulatory compliance are adhered to. The GM will plan and prepare for events, provide hands‑on management, direct and support post‑event activities, reconciliation, and reporting. The GM will establish daily priorities and direct the ongoing activities of department heads in key functional areas—administration, culinary production, hospitality, warehousing, sales, accounting and cash management—to ensure smooth, efficient operations in accordance with client/partner specifications.

• Oversee the procurement, production, preparation, service and sale of food and refreshments for all outlets within assigned units.
• Communicate and promote Sodexo Live!’s culture and values, providing hands‑on leadership and direction to department heads and staff.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, client specifications, contractual obligations, and legal/regulatory requirements.
• Manage the financial performance of the venue through effective expense control and the development, analysis and implementation of budgets, sales plans, and forecasts.
• Participate in recruitment, selection and training processes as needed for the assigned unit.
• Identify and respond to client and customer feedback, assisting in escalated situations as necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or appropriate combination of education and experience to support on‑the‑job effectiveness.
• A minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience within a diverse, contract‑managed food and beverage environment, managing a large staff and focusing on exceptional client and customer service.
• Experience managing contract food & beverage with a focus on suites and concessions/retail is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with past P&L responsibility of at least $2M.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and general workplace safety standards with knowledge of Health Department requirements.
• Technologically savvy, highly proficient in all Microsoft Office programs.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management; ability to promote and participate in a team environment.
• Self‑starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, contributing to functional areas beyond retail operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.

• Ability to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and maneuver in an often tightly‑quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per year

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