Premium Manager | Full-Time | University of Illinois Athletics

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall effective management of Suites, In-Seat Service (where applicable), Club Operations, and Special Events.
• Develops and maintains relationships with clients, university departments, community organizations, and corporate partners to drive special event bookings and maximize venue utilization.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for special event clients, overseeing event planning from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up.
• Prepares event proposals, gathers client requirements, coordinates event logistics, and ensures successful execution while meeting revenue and profitability goals.
• Maintains total compliance with all alcohol service policies and monitors alcohol service throughout events to ensure 100% compliance with Alcohol Service policies.
• Provides ongoing training, development, mentoring, and supervision of hourly employees.
• Manages and oversees catered and special events from setup through teardown, including communication with hourly staff, culinary teams, clients, and guests.
• Coordinates with culinary, operations, facilities, and event management teams to ensure all event requirements are executed efficiently and to client expectations.
• Ensures staff are briefed on event requirements and assigned to specific areas prior to events.
• Enforces all OVG and venue policies and procedures as they relate to guest satisfaction, quality standards, uniform policy, operating procedures, and quality presentation.
• Conducts walkthroughs of suites, clubs, event spaces, and pantry areas after completion of events to ensure all areas are clean and event-ready.
• Assists in the development of new business opportunities, community partnerships, premium hospitality initiatives, and special event sales strategies to increase venue revenue.
• Participates in venue tours, client meetings, menu tastings, and event planning sessions to support the growth of premium hospitality and special event business.
• Assists in the development of other business activities, community participation in appropriate groups, and all other assignments as directed by the General Manager.
• Responsible for all financial reporting related to the Premium and Special Events departments, including event settlement, budgeting, forecasting, and revenue tracking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in premium hospitality, catering, food & beverage operations, event management, or a related hospitality environment.
• Previous supervisory or management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center, hotel, restaurant, catering operation, or similar high-volume venue preferred.
• Demonstrated experience planning, booking, and executing special events, corporate functions, banquets, receptions, or private events.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate large teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering exceptional guest and client experiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with clients, guests, university stakeholders, and team members at all levels.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience managing event budgets, labor costs, inventory, and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of food and beverage operations, catering services, premium hospitality, and alcohol service best practices.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety and alcohol service.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make informed business decisions to improve service and profitability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with POS systems, event management software, and catering management platforms preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot operational and technology-related issues during live events.
• Must possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Able to work independently while maintaining a collaborative team-oriented approach.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event needs.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification and alcohol service certification are preferred or the ability to obtain them within a designated timeframe.
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods and occasionally lift or move heavy objects.