Food & Beverage Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Impact Arena is a 12,000 capacity Arena and has over twenty-five years of history holding iconic global acts and concerts, conferences, sporting events and local performances. This busy hub within the larger Impact precinct, has up to 60 major events a year with over 600,000 people attending events there. The Food and Beverage managers role is to lead and manage the Bar and Concession operation as well the catering of premium lounge and corporate suites, ensuring unparalleled service, exceptional culinary experiences and financial success. The role offers an opportunity to redefine the venue’s hospitality and food/beverage programme to elevate the experience and align with global trends and best practices. This scope of the role includes activating a new concession strategy for patrons, as well as to develop and roll out of premium seating / VIP hospitality programme. The primary focus is to elevate the overall guest experience, maximize revenue streams, and maintain operational excellence in alignment with the venue's goals.The F&B Manager is also responsible for planning and management of event day hospitality staff, food vendors and ensuring the effective, efficient and productive running of the venue’s full hospitality experience.The role will report into the General Manager of Impact Arena.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Through the transition of the venue hand over period, oversee the catering mobilization of bar and food concessions ensuring the setup align with our service goals.Assist with the layout and flow of design for any new bars and additional concession areas to optimize the layout for efficient operations, focusing on customer flow whilst maintaining compliance with safety regulationsWhere required, identify and procure all necessary F&B equipment, furnishings to support quick and efficient service and quality standards.Support the set up and implementation of digital payment platforms (eg QR code ordering, Mobile wallets or POS integration)Collaborate with IT and finance teams to ensure secure, seamless transactions and reportingStay update on emerging payment technologies and guest preferences to enhance seamless payments and speed.Licencing and compliance, ensure all F&B licences, health permits and certifications are obtained and compliant to local Thai laws.Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOP’s) to optimise workflows.Implement and maintain quality control measures for food and beverage preparation and service.Curate and customise in house food offerings and drink menus for both public and premium areas (eg corporate suites and premium lounge) ensure these meet the diverse preferences of large audiences.Establish and maintain relationships with food and beverage vendors and suppliers.Manage relationships with franchise concession holders, ensuring adherence to contractual agreements.Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules of food and beverage to optimize cost-effectiveness and quality.Oversee inventory management systems to control food and beverage costs, monitor stock levels and conduct regular audits to minimise waste.Hire and train a team (bar and service staff, corporate suite attendants) that excels in high volume service and is knowledgeable in local F&B practices, customer service and health and safety standards.Schedule staff shifts and manages labour costs in line with event requirements and budgetsConduct regular training sessions to ensure staff is well-versed in customer service, safety, and hygiene.Collaborate with event organizers to plan and execute food and beverage services for VIP packages associated with the eventDevelop budgets and ongoing catering financial plans, focusing on profitability through optimised pricing, cost control and local market knowledgeMonitor financial performance, analyse variances and implement cost saving measuresMonitor customer satisfaction through feedback mechanisms and implement improvements as needed.Address customer concerns promptly and professionally.Utilize technology for efficient point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, and order processing.Stay updated on industry F&B trends and innovations to enhance operational efficiency.Implement environmentally sustainable practices in sourcing, packaging, and waste management.Explore and integrate eco-friendly options within the food and beverage operationFoster effective communication and collaboration with other departments, including marketing, sales, and venue management.Work closely with the marketing team to promote food and beverage offerings.Develop and implement contingency plans for emergencies, such as equipment failures or unexpected increases in demand.Regularly assess and analyse performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.Implement strategies for continuous enhancement of service quality and efficiency.Implement and enforce sanitation and hygiene practices to maintain a safe work environment.Liaise with local Thai government departments for site inspection on F&B related disciplinesREQUIREMENTS:Track record with at least 5-7 years of experience in F&B management, preferably in large-scale entertainment venues or similar hospitality settings.Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Culinary Arts, or a related field.Excellent verbal and written communication in both Thai and EnglishIn-depth knowledge of food and beverage trends, industry best practices, and local health and safety regulations.Experience in negotiating contracts with suppliers, managing vendor relationships, and creating and managing budgets.Proficiency in using point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and other F&B-related technologies.Regularly provide management with detailed operational and financial reports, highlighting challenges, achievements and areas of future growth.Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and manage a diverse event day teamFamiliarity with sustainable practices in sourcing, waste management, and eco-friendly initiatives.Effective decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure situations.Ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely to ensure seamless coordination.Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for patrons.Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.Attention to detail in planning and executing F&B operations.Collaborative mindset and the ability to work cohesively with cross-functional teams.Willingness to support and contribute to the success of the overall venue.Creativity in menu development, presentation, and F&B service innovations.Openness to adopting new technologies and trends within the industry.Genuine passion for the food and beverage industry and a deep understanding of culinary trends.Dedication to maintaining high-quality standards in food preparation and presentation.Will be required to work on weekends, after office hours and public holidays as needed.