Pt “Garden of Lights Nightly Concessions/Sales Manager”

This is a temporary, seasonal, part-time position with hours increasing significantly during the event period.
The Garden of Lights Concessions & Sales Manager plays a key leadership role in the successful execution of the annual Garden of Lights event hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. This position includes two primary phases of responsibility: pre-event planning and preparation (July–November) and on-site concessions and retail operations during event nights.
Working as part of the Event Management Team under the direction of the VP of Engagement, this role oversees all concessions and retail sales operations to ensure efficient service delivery, strong financial performance, and an exceptional guest experience. The Concessions & Sales Manager is authorized to make operational decisions within established policies and will escalate safety, legal, or financial concerns as appropriate.
Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide direct supervision and coordination of concessions and retail staff, contractors, and volunteers—up to 30 individuals per night—ensuring alignment with operational procedures, service standards, and event goals

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Pre-Event:
In collaboration with the VP of Engagement and the Event Management Team:

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for concessions and retail operations 
• Establish pricing strategies for food, beverages, and merchandise 
• Identify, source, and procure inventory, supplies, and equipment 
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and product orders 
• Design and implement point-of-sale (POS) systems and transaction processes 
• Develop inventory control systems, including storage, tracking, and restocking procedures 
• Create staffing plans and schedules based on projected attendance 
• Recruit, train, and schedule staff and volunteers for concessions and sales roles 
• Develop and deliver training programs emphasizing customer service, efficiency, and compliance 
• Establish policies for: 
  1. Fraud prevention
  2. Refunds and exchanges
  3. Customer inquiries and issue resolution
• Coordinate with Event Management Team on crowd flow and queue management planning

May include other duties as they arise assigned by the VP of Engagement
On Event Nights:

• Oversee all concessions and retail sales operations on-site
• Supervise staff and volunteers to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery
• Step into operational roles as needed to support team effectiveness
• Ensure full compliance with health department regulations and safety standards
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate real-time restocking
• Address and resolve customer service issues promptly and professionally
• Track nightly sales and prepare daily financial and operational reports
• Coordinate with event leadership regarding staffing levels, inventory needs, and operational concerns
• Make real-time decisions to address operational challenges

Post-Event: 

• Participate in post-event evaluation and debrief sessions
• Analyze sales performance, inventory management, staffing effectiveness, and operational outcomes
• Develop recommendations to improve concessions and retail operations for future events
• Collaborate with the Event Management Team and VP of Engagement on continuous improvement strategies
• Success in this role will be measured by sales performance, operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, customer satisfaction, and effective management of staff and resources. 

College-Wide Competencies: INTEGRITY– Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and transparency in all interactions within the college. Upholds the college's values, policies, and standards, and serves as a role model for others by consistently doing what is right, even when faced with challenges and pressures EXCELLENCE– Strives to achieve the highest standards of quality in all aspects of work, demonstrating dedication to continuous improvement, delivering quality results, contributing to the overall success of the college and its mission. RESPECT– Demonstrates an appreciation for the dignity of individuals within the college. Treats students, colleagues, and community members with kindness, fairness, and consideration to foster a welcoming culture. Respects differing viewpoints and contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment. OPPORTUNITY– Demonstrates the ability to recognize, create, and seize opportunities that contribute to personal growth, student success, and the advancement of the college's mission. Encourages and supports others in identifying and leveraging opportunities for improvement, innovation, and development. Actively seeks ways to maximize potential and foster a culture of continuous learning and progress. HELPFULNESS– Demonstrates a commitment to service by being approachable, responsive, and proactive in providing support to students, colleagues, the community, and environment (both physical and cultural) of the college. Fosters a positive and collaborative culture where individuals feel valued and empowered to seek assistance and resources. It helps create a culture of belonging and engagement in which students can learn and achieve success.

Associate’s degree in hospitality, business, event management, or a related field OR equivalent work experience Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in concessions, retail sales, food service, or event operations Experience supervising staff, teams, or volunteers in a fast-paced environment Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems and cash handling procedures Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills

Preferred education and experience:

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or related field Experience managing high-volume seasonal events or festivals Knowledge of inventory management and vendor coordination Familiarity with health department regulations for food service Experience creating staff schedules and training programs Experience working with volunteers in a nonprofit or community-based setting

Additional Responsibilities:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other Duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate and/or necessary by: President / Senior Leadership Team / Dean / Department Head / Supervisor