General Manager - Huntington Place Convention Center

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.

Perks

401K Match, Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation Pay and Sick Pay

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location: We are seeking an experienced General Manager for the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, MI.

Unit Description:

Huntington Place is a premier convention center located in downtown Detroit along the International Riverfront. The facility spans approximately 2.4 million square feet, including over 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 40,000-square-foot Grand Riverview Ballroom, and more than 100 meeting and banquet rooms. It hosts major events such as the North American International Auto Show and serves over a million visitors annually.

Job Overview:

The General Manager of the Convention Center is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, operational excellence, financial performance, and guest satisfaction of the facility. This includes overseeing event planning and execution, sales and marketing, facility maintenance, budgeting, and staff management. The GM ensures the center operates efficiently, meets revenue targets, and provides a high-quality experience for all clients and guests.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement short and long-term business plans aligned with strategic goals.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, including revenue forecasting, expense control, and capital improvements.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure profitability through cost-effective operations.
• Build partnerships with tourism boards, hotels, businesses, and other stakeholders to increase bookings.
• Troubleshoot and resolve event-related issues as needed.
• Oversee scheduling, logistics, vendor coordination, and customer service standards.
• Work closely with clients and internal departments to ensure successful planning and execution of events.
• Foster a positive work environment focused on teamwork, performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Provide coaching, professional development, and succession planning

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in facility, hospitality, or venue management (convention center experience preferred).
• Experience managing contract food & beverage with experience with a focus on banquets and concessions.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with past P&L responsibility of at least $10M.
• Experience working in an union environment is required.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with a variety of organizational functions and divisions to accomplish tasks.
• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management; Ability to promote and participate in team environment concepts.
• Self starter who can work independently and on several tasks/projects simultaneously, and who can contribute to
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems timely and effectively.

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Why Join Sodexo Live!?

At Sodexo Live!, we're proud to be experience makers, creating unforgettable moments for people across a wide range of industries and events. We bring that same commitment to our team members by offering a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one, additional benefits include:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.