Organization: Delaware North

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer (Sportservice)

Reports to: Group President, Sportservice, Patina Group and Delaware North U.K

Location: Buffalo, NY

Search Contact: Prodigy Search

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BACKGROUND

Delaware North 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.

SUMMARY

Delaware North Sportservice is hiring a full-time Chief Operating Officer, Sportservice to join our team in Buffalo, New York. As the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for leading a diverse national portfolio of over 40 premier sports venues through a team of five Vice Presidents of Operations. If you are a leader dedicated to service excellence and seek a culture of bringing company values to life, apply today

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set the vision for premium guest experiences, ensuring best-in-class service across food, beverage, and retail operations with consistent standards and operational discipline 
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with team ownership, venue executives, and key stakeholders to retain clients and deliver on business commitments
• Drive business growth by partnering with leadership and development teams to secure new contracts, leveraging innovation and market insights to expand the portfolio 
• Own full P&L responsibility, leading budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and cost optimization to maximize profitability without compromising quality
• Champion innovation and operational excellence, introducing new technologies, service models, and data-driven strategies to enhance efficiency and revenue
• Develop leadership talent and culture, investing in succession planning, coaching, and engagement initiatives to strengthen team performance and retention

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field; MBA preferred  
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale hospitality operations, ideally within sports, entertainment, or premium services
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-unit operations with full P&L accountability and deep understanding of premium food and beverage operations and trends
• Proven track  record of  driving  innovation,  leading  engagement  efforts, and implementing change across large teams and complex organizations
• Demonstrated expertise in leveraging business intelligence, data analytics, and AI tools to guide decisions and improve performance
• Strong experience in labor and payroll management across large-scale, multi-site operations 

COMPENSATION

• Minimum – Anticipated Maximum Base Salary: $301,500 – $383,700 / year

COMPENSATION

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

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as one of the largest boutique recruiting agencies in North America. Simply, Prodigy Search is Where the Best Brands Come for the Best Talent.

No phone calls please. For any additional questions, please email info@prodigysearch.net.