Vice President, Food & Beverage

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

What you get to do:

Lead all aspects of Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island Food & Beverage programs. This position will be responsible for designing, coordinating, leading, and directing all Food & Beverage strategy and operations across our Tampa Florida parks. Our aim is to become the world’s leading Theme Park Operator in these categories and this position will be critical to achieving our goals and leading our effort to elevate the guest experience in Food & Beverage.

• Design, set, manage, and oversee execution of all aspects of Food & Beverage operations and transformation efforts for Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island
• Design comprehensive strategies for Food & Beverage program growth and margin enhancement while improving the guest experience
• Set, manage and development of improvement strategies to drive financial performance through revenue growth and margin improvement
• Own budget development for Food & Beverage, with key focus on prioritizing ROI based projects to support organizational growth
• Develop and implement action items and provide support and guidance across all parks and venues to achieve and exceed budgeted revenue and net operating income goals
• Monitor industry trends and take appropriate action to maintain competitive and profitable operations
• Develop a comprehensive labor and people strategy to meet service guidelines while maximizing efficiency and productivity
• Create and lead Ambassador development, recognition, and comprehensive talent strategies to support overall company goals
• Design, develop and lead creation of clear and actionable metrics and dashboards to ensure ongoing tracking and achievement of financial and team objectives
• Identify and design best practices to be implemented across the organization
• Oversee adherence to all identified strategies and initiatives across the organization
• Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with United Parks & Resorts policies and applicable laws
• Perform other duties as assigned

What it takes to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 10 years of Food & Beverage multi-unit leadership experience with increasing levels of responsibility in the Hospitality industry
• Must have strong leadership skills with ability to influence leaders to achieve business objectives
• Must have experience in leading Food & Beverage operations designing and executing programs to drive revenue growth and cost efficiency / productivity at scale
• Innovative and entrepreneurial with strong planning, prioritization, and organization skills
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate at multiple levels and strong public speaking skills with proven success influencing large and diverse teams
• Must have effective organizational skills, demonstrated by ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and be attentive to details
• Must have proven experience managing transformative efforts across disparate, multi-unit restaurant and bar locations
• Must have extensive experience designing Food & Beverage programs with proven ability to drive increased penetration, revenue growth, profitability and improved service levels
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities required to manage budgets and meet competing deadlines
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Knowledge of industry best practices, trends and proficient in Microsoft Office programs
• Minimal travel required

Physical and Work Requirements:

• Work indoors and outdoors with varying weather conditions (i.e., direct sunlight, wet and/or humid)
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed
• Must be able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 25 lbs
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Able to work in an environment with high noise levels
• Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals

Availability:

• Available to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours, i.e. be able to work opening and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and Holidays

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.