Job no: 498256
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Business Operations / Services
Division: Daniels College of Business

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Manager, Front of House Operations position operates within the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver. This role works within the business units, Knoebel Events and Beans, which are parts of the hospitality school. More information about Knoebel Events can be found at https://knoebelevents.com/ and more information about the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management can be found at https://daniels.du.edu/hospitality-management/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver is looking to hire an industry professional for the Manager, Front of House Operations at Knoebel Events at the Fritz School of Hospitality Management. This role reports to the Associate Director of FOH Operations and provides secondary oversight of all front-of-house event operations and works directly with the full-time events team at the hospitality school, with internal and external event clients hosting events within the school and the Fritz Knoebel faculty and staff. This team member will also have a direct working relationship with student staff and student managers who are part of the events team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Strong communication skills required, including communication with customers using the written and spoken word.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as profit and loss statements, contracts and budgets.
• Ability to address and solve problems involving several variables and/or locations.
• Employee often plans own work and oversees the work of others and is expected to deal with specialized situations and make independent decisions.
• Ability to effectively work with hospitality technology.
• Ability to effectively mentor/guide the work of student managers and student employees.
• Knowledge of event planning and execution.
• High level of organizational skills including the ability to coordinate numerous tasks simultaneously with high level of attention to detail.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
• Ability to work well with various constituencies including donors, alumni, students, faculty and staff, clients and parents.
• Knowledge of state and local health code guidelines and safe alcohol service.
• Familiar with POS systems operations.
• Knowledge of event, banquet and/or catering operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year degree
• One year of experience in a supervisory catering/events role.
• Ability to obtain and retain ServSafe Food and Alcohol certifications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in business or a related field.
• Three years of experience in a supervisory sales, marketing or catering role.
• Active ServSafe Food and Alcohol certifications.
• Level II certification in wines and spirits from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust or equivalent.

• Manage all day of event execution and set up details; ensure that setup of chairs, tables, stages, decorations or other equipment is in accordance with contract requirements and with safety, fire, and health codes.
• Directly work with, supervise, and train student assistant managers (SAMs) and FOH line staff.
• Make or arrange for last-minute adjustments in room or equipment setup at the request of a guest.
• Oversee the details concerning the opening and security of the facilities before and after events; write event reports noting attendance, times, and significant problems.
• Resolve problems or complaints from guests during events in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Participate in the interviewing and hiring process for all student staff for Knoebel Events.
• Guide/mentor/develop/coach/evaluate student workers for Knoebel Events.
• Manage and order linen inventory.
• Assist Associate Director of FOH Operations with any back-end tasks as needed such as payroll, scheduling, and beverage ordering.
• Participate in the interviewing and hiring process - initial screening, panel interviews, and collective decision-making.
• Act as department head of FOH ops when Associate Director is not present.
• Manage and document the performance of all direct reports - counsel and discipline per DU HR guidelines.
• Attend all required Knoebel Events meetings.
• Participate in school / college management meetings, planning, and activities.
• Beverage Management
• Assist Associate Director of FOH Operations in conducting monthly inventory of wine, spirits and beer.
• When overseeing events, ensure client beverage requests adhere to Colorado liquor laws pertaining to the school’s hotel and restaurant license.
• Assist in training student bartenders.
• Academic Support / Curriculum Integration: Assist the Fritz Knoebel faculty with incorporating various aspects of the curriculum into the facility.
• Quality Management
• Ensure adherence to FOH quality management practices with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Monitor client satisfaction with Fritz Knoebel Events.
• Seek feedback and work to proactively improve.