Retail F&B Operations Manager - Full Time

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes our western heritage, cultures and community spirit with a vision to create a world-class, year-round gathering place for the community. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, the Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer-based organizations in the world governed by a Board of Directors with over 2,500 passionate volunteers and 1,200 year-round employees.

As an organization that exists for the benefit of the community, inclusion and equity are woven into our core values of western hospitality, pride of place, integrity and commitment to the community. The world-class, year-round gathering place we have built for the community also welcomes visitors from around the world and those who are new to the local community. We know that blending diverse cultures with our long-standing traditions makes community spirit thrive.

Note: The closing date for this opportunity is: November 18, 2026

Position Summary

The Retail F&B Stampede Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, staffing, and oversite execution of retail food and beverage operations across a diverse portfolio of venues and events. This role works with programing and operational teams to build the F&B service to match the venues.

The key focus of this position is working with internal teams to execute on the F&B service model delivering exceptional guest experiences. They will act as the conduit to centralize and execute work back plans, space design, menus, staffing, assets and budgets.

Create a structure aligning with year-round F&B operations, working closely with the Stampede Time Retail F&B Operations Manager to build out processes, training, standards, menu that will scale up for 10-day and large events.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive workforce strategy to recruit, train, engage, and retain a strong 10-day team.
• Create succession plans and leadership development opportunities for team members.
• Establish project and admin support to fulfill execution tasks.
• Outline and schedule the tasks to be completed for execution
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, hospitality, and continuous improvement.
• Design onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and employee recognition programs within F&B
• Work with Manager F&B Retail and Stampede Entertainment Venues to map labour deployment and schedules.

Operations Management

• Oversee the planning and tactics for the F&B venues to be day zero operationally ready.
• Ensure consistent execution of service standards, food quality, alcohol service and management, cleanliness, and guest experience expectations.
• Develop operational plans and staffing models for 10 day, concerts and festivals.
• Collaborate with event organizers and internal stakeholders to ensure successful event execution.
• Monitor and improve operational processes to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Respond proactively to operational challenges.

Financial Management

• Work within the budget targets for labour costs, inventory controls, and operating expenses.
• Support the Manager F&B Retail & Stampede Entertainment to analyze sales, labour, and inventory data to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Food Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, health standards, liquor regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain safe work environments and promote a culture of safety throughout operations.
• Ensure each venue manager is knowledgeable on safety audits and inspections of their locations.
• Ensure all staff complete required certifications and training programs.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee inventory and asset planning, ordering, receiving, and distribution for F&B 10-day retail operations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure product availability and quality.
• Minimize waste through effective inventory controls and forecasting.
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance requirements.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Champion exceptional customer service standards across all venues.
• During 10-day monitor service and audit areas to compile continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the overall fan and guest experience at events.
• Support innovative food and beverage offerings that align with customer preferences and event demographics.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Working with Manager, F&B Retail & Stampede Entertainment Venues to support departmental goals and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with F&B Retail Stampede Operations Manager, to design the foundation for 10-day GMC operations.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support programing, business growth opportunities and seamless event delivery

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Food Service Management, or F&B projects.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in food and beverage, concessions, high volume liquor service, hospitality or retail operations.
• Experience managing multi-unit food and beverage operations in high-volume environments.
• Proven success leading large projects or teams with significant seasonal staffing requirements.
• Experience in live events, sporting venues, exhibition centres, festivals, or entertainment venues is considered a strong asset.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, projects and labour
• Excellent organizational and event planning capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, operational best practice, responsible alcohol management and menu design.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Proven record of project management and operational success.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, POS systems, inventory management systems, and workforce scheduling software.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as 10-day approaches
• Ability to travel between venues and event locations as required.
• Ability to work in both office and operational environments.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.

Success Measures

The Retail F&B Stampede Operations Manager will be evaluated on:

• Development of a strong F&B venue design and operational work back schedules
• Development of admin team to support process, onboarding, training design, etc.
• Strong innovative beverage & food program for each venue
• Creating strategies to align with revenue, profitability and experience targets
• Building a structure for the contract venue managers, staffing and engagement
• Regulatory Food safety, CFD and AGLC and regulatory compliance performance.
• Venues operational readiness.
• Achievement of departmental and organizational objectives.

Benefits

The Calgary Stampede offers a unique and exciting work environment, an excellent total compensation package and the opportunity for advancement and employee training.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume. All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.