Work Schedule: Full Time

Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000 base salary (depending on qualifications)

Description

Ralph Engelstad Arena is seeking to hire a Director, Concessions. This new position is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, and execution of all concession operations at Ralph Engelstad Arena. This full-time onsite leadership role oversees food and beverage service during a wide variety of events, including University of North Dakota (UND) hockey games, UND basketball and volleyball games, concerts, and other events as needed.

 

The ideal candidate will bring strong operational leadership, customer service expertise, financial management skills, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced event venue environment.

 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Direct all day-to-day concessions operations throughout the venue.
• Develop and maintain high standards for guest service, food quality, cleanliness, and operational efficiency.
• Create, implement, and execute an effective annual business plan, including department profit and loss responsibility.
• Lead, train, schedule, and supervise part-time concessions event staff.
• Use the “When to Work” scheduling software to schedule concessions workers in advance of all events.
• Schedule, train, and create payroll and sales slips for non-profit groups as needed.
• Foster a positive and professional team culture focused on guest satisfaction.
• Oversee cash handling procedures, point-of-sale systems, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, safety, and alcohol service regulations.
• Monitor labor costs, food costs, and operational budgets to meet financial goals.
• Develop new menu offerings, promotional ideas, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Build revenue strategies and pricing models to maximize profits and sales.
• Determine which stands to open for each event.
• Maintain current concession equipment and purchase new equipment as needed.
• Oversee vendor relationships and contracts.
• Analyze event sales and financial performance data to drive operational improvements.
• Approve payroll reports semi-monthly.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and effective communication skills both orally and in writing.
• Proven skills in data analytics as it would pertain to financial performance and operational improvements.
• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and applicable health regulations.
• Experience working with point-of-sale systems, budgeting, and staffing management.
• Completion of ServSafe training within 90 days of hire.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of concessions, food service, hospitality, or event operations management experience related to the responsibilities specified above.
• Experience in sports and entertainment venues, arenas, stadiums, or large-scale event facilities strongly preferred.

Work Environment:

• Full-time onsite position based at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Periods of standing and/or walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and push carts up to 300 pounds at times.
• Fast-paced event venue environment with varying schedules based on the event calendar.
• Must be able to work during events, including nights and weekends.

Why join our team at Ralph Engelstad Arena?

• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a world-class facility supporting Division I collegiate sports.
• Live in a community that is 9.3% more affordable than the average U.S. community. For more information on living in Grand Forks: https://grandforksiscooler.com/
• Be a part of a team focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance, including FSA/HSA contributions.
• Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Unlimited employee referral bonuses.
• 403b/retirement matching.
• Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability offered at no cost to employee.
• Discount classes at University of North Dakota for employee, spouse, & dependents.
• Choice Fitness/YMCA membership & Sioux Shop discount.

Salary

• $80,000-$85,000 base salary depending on qualifications.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

 

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Erika Thorson, the Human Resources and Recruiting Coordinator, at erikat@theralph.com.

 

This position will be open until June 5^th, 2026.