Vice President of Operations, Sportservice
Req ID: 42756
Job type: Full-Time
Subsidiary: Sportservice
The opportunity
Delaware North Sportservice is hiring a full-time Vice President of Operations, Sportservice to join our team in Buffalo, New York. As the Vice President of Operations, you will be responsible for driving premium guest experiences and operational excellence across a portfolio of Sportservice venues. If you are passionate about hospitality, and are looking for complex, stimulating work leading high performing teams, apply now.
Pay
Minimum – Anticipated Maximum Base Salary: $168,700 – $231,900 / year
In addition to base salary, we offer an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, or a role-based, uncapped sales incentive plan. The advertised pay range represents what we believe at the time of this job posting, that we would be willing to pay for this position. Only in special circumstances, where a candidate has education, training, or experience that far exceeds the requirements for the position, would we consider paying higher than the stated range. Information on our comprehensive benefits package can be found at https://careers.delawarenorth.com/benefits/.
What we offer
At Delaware North, we care about our team members’ personal and professional journeys. These are just some of the benefits we offer:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with up to 4% company match
- Annual performance bonus based on level, as well as individual, company, and location performance
- Paid vacation days and holidays
- Paid parental bonding leave
- Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement
- Generous friends-and-family discounts at many of our hotels and resorts
What will you do?
- Champion premium guest experiences by setting elevated service standards and delivering high-touch, high-value interactions that define the Sportservice brand
- Serve as the executive liaison for key venue partners, fostering trust, aligning on shared goals, and driving initiatives that enhance client value and operational outcomes
- Support and guide General Managers in achieving operational excellence across service execution, compliance, labor productivity, and venue readiness, while reinforcing accountability
- Utilize data and analytics to inform strategic decisions, optimize labor and cost structures, and proactively address business challenges without compromising guest satisfaction
- Drive financial performance by leading revenue growth, forecasting, budgeting, and profitability planning in collaboration with unit and corporate finance teams
- Lead innovation in large-scale operations, integrating emerging technologies and service models to improve speed, quality, and revenue, while scaling improvements based on feedback and trends
More about you
- Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field; MBA preferred
- Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership in multi-unit hospitality operations, with a focus on food and beverage, premium services, or retail
- Strong operational and financial acumen, including experience managing P&Ls and using analytics to guide decision-making
- Experience in major sports league environments such as NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL is highly preferred
- Proven success in developing client relationships and leading strategic business partnerships
- Willing and able to travel 50% or more to support in-market operations and client engagement
Shift details
Day shift
Who we are
Our business is all about people, and that includes you. At Delaware North, you’re not just part of a team — you’re part of a global legacy: a family-owned company with 100+ years of history behind it. Our operations span the world, offering you unique paths to growth and success.
Who says you can’t love where you work? With jobs in iconic sports arenas, stunning national parks, exciting casinos, and more, we pride ourselves on giving the world great times in great places. And whether you’re interested in restaurants, hotels, sports, gaming, operations, or retail, part-time or full-time, we’re invested in helping you achieve your career goals.
Together, we’re shaping the future of hospitality — come grow with us!
Delaware North, along with its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer, showcasing job opportunities and considering applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Based on a foundation of family and hospitality
When the Jacobs family started their humble popcorn and peanuts stand more than a century ago, they had no idea the venture would grow into one of the world’s largest privately owned hospitality companies. Delaware North has thrived for three generations, serving guests at iconic venues worldwide through innovation, integrity, and dedication.
Our team members are the heart and soul of our business, creating unforgettable guest experiences every day — from the first tee as the official catering partner of the PGA of America Championships and domestic Ryder Cup to a first-class meal at a dream Disney® location. We proudly offer countless growth and learning opportunities, guided by top-tier hospitality mentors.
Find connection, purpose, and growth at Delaware North.
Based on a foundation of family and hospitality
When the Jacobs family started their humble popcorn and peanuts stand more than a century ago, they had no idea the venture would grow into one of the world’s largest privately owned hospitality companies. Delaware North has thrived for three generations, serving guests at iconic venues worldwide through innovation, integrity, and dedication.
Our team members are the heart and soul of our business, creating unforgettable guest experiences every day — from the first tee as the official catering partner of the PGA of America Championships and domestic Ryder Cup to a first-class meal at a dream Disney® location. We proudly offer countless growth and learning opportunities, guided by top-tier hospitality mentors.
Find connection, purpose, and growth at Delaware North.
U.S. benefits
Every team member has the right to feel comfortable, safe, and secure at work. See what your Delaware North benefits package includes.
Employee
assistance program
For all team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Flexible work
schedules
For all team members
Training and
development
For all team members
Health, dental, and
vision insurance
For eligible team members
401(k) with up to
4% company match
For eligible team members
Paid time off
and holidays
For eligible team members
Performance
bonuses
For eligible team members
Paid parental
bonding leave
For eligible team members
Employee discounts
(varies by location)
For eligible team members
Weekly
pay
For hourly team members
U.K. benefits
Work at some of the coolest venues in the U.K. and the world, and feel safe and secure while you do what you love.
See what your Delaware North benefits include.
Competitive
weekly pay
Casual and hourly team members
Training and
development
with Attensi, our award-winning training app
33-day holiday allowance
(including bank holidays)
for permanent team members
Favorable pension
contributions
for permanent team members
Employee discounts
and perks
Access to Drewberry App
Benefits
Food and beverage
discounts
Reward and
recognition program
Training and
development
Backing of a
global company
Flexible work
schedule
Employee assistance
program
Hourly benefits
Weekly
pay
For hourly team members
Employee discounts
(varies by location)
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Flexible work
schedules
For all team members
Training and
development
For all team members
Salary benefits
Employee
assistance program
For all team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Flexible work
schedules
For all team members
Training and
development
For all team members
Health, dental, and
vision insurance
For eligible team members
401(k) with up to
4% company match
For eligible team members
Paid vacation days and holidays
For eligible team members
Performance
bonuses
For eligible team members
Paid parental
bonding leave
For eligible team members
Employee discounts
(varies by location)
For eligible team members
Casual benefits
Competitive
weekly pay
Training and
development
Flexible work
schedules
Work at some of the world’s coolest venues
Permanent benefits
33-day holiday allowance
(including bank holidays)
Favourable pension
contributions
Employee discounts
and perks
Training and
development
Benefits
Food and beverage
discounts
Reward and
recognition program
Training and
development
Backing of a
global company
Flexible work
schedule
Employee assistance
program
Salaried benefits
Health, dental, and
vision insurance
For eligible team members
401(k) with up to
4% company match
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Time off
and holidays
For eligible team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Hourly benefits
Weekly
pay
For hourly team members
Employee discounts
(varies by location)
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Flexible work
schedules
For all team members
Training and
development
For all team members
Salaried benefits
Health, dental, and
vision insurance
For eligible team members
401(k) with up to
4% company match
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Time off
and holidays
For eligible team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Hourly benefits
Weekly
pay
For hourly team members
Employee discounts
(varies by location)
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Flexible work
schedules
For all team members
Training and
development
For all team members
Salaried benefits
Health, dental, and
vision insurance
For eligible team members
401(k) with up to
4% company match
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Time off
and holidays
For eligible team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Hourly benefits
Weekly
pay
For hourly team members
Employee discounts
(varies by location)
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Flexible work
schedules
For all team members
Training and
development
For all team members
Salaried benefits
Health, dental, and
vision insurance
For eligible team members
401(k) with up to
4% company match
For eligible team members
Employee assistance
program
For all team members
Time off
and holidays
For eligible team members
Referral
bonuses
For all team members
Team member life
A job at TD Garden means being in on the action at one of Boston’s most iconic venues. With a seating capacity of nearly 20,000, TD Garden hosts unforgettable events, from Boston Bruins and Celtics games to major concerts and live entertainment. When you’re serving up game-day energy and helping fans have an amazing experience, your days are fast-paced, exciting, and full of variety.
Team member journeys
Artem’s story
Executive Chef, Lincoln Ristorante
Artem began his journey as a cook, later being promoted to sous chef and then executive chef.
September 2014
April 2018 to September 2019
March 2022 to present
Madeline’s story
Senior Analyst
After being hired as a front desk agent at the Westin, Madeline sought out mentorship from company leaders and quickly worked her way up to manager, then director, before landing herself a corporate senior analyst role.
April 2017
December 2017
October 2018
February 2022
August 2024
Becki’s story
Concessions Chef
Starting as a prep cook, Becki was promoted to a restaurant supervisor and then concessions chef in her first year. By her third year, she was a certified sous chef.
March 2016
March 2017
March 2017 to present
March 2019
March 2023 to present
Yuhi’s story
Director of Culinary
After working as a line cook and then sous chef, Yuhi left to pursue other interests before returning as an executive chef and being promoted to a director position.
(Rockefeller Center)
October 2003
May 2005
(Rockefeller Center)
April 2012
Morimoto Asia Orlando
January 2016
Patina Orlando
June 2022
Francesco’s story
Boxes Manager, Emirates Stadium
After Francesco helped alleviate issues as a stadium box waiter, he was given new challenges and promotions leading up to his current role as boxes manager.
2009 to 2010
2010 to 2013
2013 to present
Nicola’s story
Business Support Manager, Wembley Stadium
Starting with the eventual goal of becoming a full-time boxes manager at Wembley Stadium, Nicola successfully worked her way up from private box waiter.
February 2012
August 2013
March 2014
March 2015
September 2016
January 2017
August 2019
September 2023 to present
Yolen’s story
Yolen was a casual supervisor for only a couple months before she was offered a full-time functions manager position and then moved on to Human Resources, where she’s currently head of Human Resources services & solutions for Australia and New Zealand.
2009
2009
2010
2011
2012
2023
Nicole’s story
Nicole’s journey began as head chef at Box Hill Tafe in 2003. After several upward transitions working in different areas, she landed her current role as manager procurement systems based at the Australia head office.
February 2003
October 2004
December 2005
November 2012
April 2013
July 2017
March 2020
Jesica’s story
HR Manager, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
Jesica started as a seasonal retail cashier before being hired as HR operations partner and then promoted to HR manager only two months later.
March 2013
March 2021
May 2021
Shawn’s story
VP of Operations, Atlanta, GA
Shawn started as a general manager before moving to various positions around the country, working at Rangers Ballpark, Jacobs Field, and more before his current promotion to vice president of operations for Sportservice.
1994-1998
1998
1998-2001
2001-2002
2002-2015
2015-2018
2018-present
Pia’s story
General Manager, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, MN
Beginning her journey as a management trainee at Boston Garden, Pia worked her way up the managerial ladder to her current general manager position.
September 1991
April 1992
1994
1995
1996
1998
1999
August 2009
May 2016
June 2017
Philip’s story
Director of Gaming, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, Cross Lanes, WV
Philip’s journey began as IT director for Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, where he was promoted and served in various roles before landing in his current table games director position.
May 2000
November 2000
2022
2022
Amanda’s story
Assistant General Manager, TD Garden, Boston, MA
Beginning her career as a bartender/supervisor in Nashville, it wasn’t long before Amanda worked her way up to assistant general manager in Boston.
July 2014
March 2017
September 2018
March 2022
May 2024
Amela’s story
Vice President, Human Resources, Boston Bruins, Boston, MA
Starting out as a Human Resources manager in 2012, Amela Vautour then became director of Human Resources for TD Garden and worked at our North Australia and New Zealand office before ending up as vice president, Human Resources, for our Boston division.
June 2012
August 2016
August 2018
October 2020
February 2023
Matthew’s story
Executive Sous Chef, Tenaya at Yosemite, Fish Camp, CA
Starting as a line cook in Yosemite National Park, Matthew completed a training program and worked positions in various divisions and locations before landing back at Yosemite as a Tenaya sous chef.
March 2015
August 2017
August 2017
January 2018
July 2018
February 2019
July 2019
April 2021
Erin’s story
General Manager, Yellowstone General Stores, West Yellowstone, MT
Erin started as a summer intern before working her way up through several managerial roles to her current position as general manager.
Summer 2008
May 2009
December 2009
December 2010
March 2013
January 2015
February 2018
December 2020
CHEFS® OVERVIEW
Delaware North is proud to offer an industry-leading, one-year program for emerging culinarians looking to develop their skills and progress their careers. Created in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America, CHEFS (Culinary & Hospitality Excellence for Future Success) provides hands-on executive chef mentorship, training, and coursework that results in ProChef I certification and a clear path to career success.
UK locations overview
Get excited. Working in one of the world’s coolest venues hardly feels like work at all. Between great teammates and the roar of the crowd, the atmosphere is electric with a job at a famous stadium or other iconic locations in London or Derby. Looking to be in the middle of the action? You’re in the right place.
Australia and New Zealand locations
Working in one of our Australia or New Zealand locations means joining a hardworking team at some of the region’s most thrilling venues. From the excitement of Marvel Stadium and Melbourne Cricket Club to the luxury of Lizard Island and Mindil Beach Casino Resort to the buzz of Auckland Airport, the opportunities are endless. Every day brings something new in these incredible places.
Working at a Sportservice location means being at the heart of the action in some of the most famous venues across the country. Between iconic national and major league ballparks, stadiums, arenas, fields, and courts, every experience brings something new — whether you’re delighting guests at epic games or concerts.
The Sportservice life
If you love sports, you’ll love the chance to serve excited fans in the suites, work behind the scenes, or manage concessions. Each day promises the fun and excitement of a thrilling game, match, concert, or other special event. Be part of a team that delivers memorable experiences in fast-paced, dynamic environments — excitement guaranteed.
Who doesn’t want a job with a view? Our Parks & Resorts locations offer the chance to work in some of the world’s most iconic settings. Between Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Sequoia, the Rockies, and so many more, each day brings a new opportunity to explore. Whether you’re at Tenaya at Yosemite or Westin Buffalo, discover unique experiences, cool jobs, and unforgettable memories. Start your next journey here.
The Parks & Resorts life
Life’s an adventure — and that’s especially true working in our Parks & Resorts division. Whether surrounded by the stunning views of Niagara Falls or the serene beauty of Shenandoah, our team members’ days are filled with wonder and excitement. Watch the videos for a glimpse of what it’s like to work in these incredible locations. From unforgettable moments to breathtaking scenery, it’s more than just a job.
Culinary life
UK team member life
Life here
Serving fans at the AFL Grand Final. Offering a warm welcome at Auckland Airport. Sharing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef at Lizard Island. Delaware North team members in Australia and New Zealand help create unforgettable moments every day. Be part of a team dedicated to making each guest experience truly exceptional across world-class airports, stadiums, resorts, and casinos.
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