US Pavilion F&B Senior Manager - World Expo 2027, Belgrade (US National Only)

Job Purpose

The Pavilion F&B Senior Manager holds overall accountability for the food, beverage and retail operation of the USA Pavilion at World Expo 2027. As the most senior on-site TGP representative, the post holder leads the management team, owns the commercial result, and is the operational face of the pavilion to Trivandi, the U.S. Department of State and Expo protocol partners. The role combines full P&L ownership with the judgement, presence and discretion required to host Heads of State, diplomats and official delegations in a national pavilion representing the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Operational leadership

• Own the end-to-end F&B and retail operation, from pre-opening mobilisation and team build to daily trading, VIP events and close-down.
• Lead, coach and hold accountable the on-site management team (F&B Manager, Executive Chef, Assistant Manager) and set the standards, rotas and daily operating rhythm for the whole team.
• Act as the primary on-site point of contact for Trivandi and the State Department Expo Unit on all F&B, retail and hospitality matters.
• Translate the approved pavilion concept (the American diner F&B offer and the retail programme) into a consistent, deliverable daily operation.

Commercial and financial ownership

• Own the F&B and retail P&L, delivering the revenue, cost and EBITDA targets set in the feasibility model and reporting performance to TGP and Trivandi.
• Control labour, cost of goods and operating costs against budget; manage the revenue-share mechanics and reconciliation with the client.
• Drive revenue across trading, events and experiences, and identify opportunities to grow spend per head without eroding standards.
• Approve procurement, supplier terms and stock levels, working within Serbian import and sourcing constraints.

Standards, safety and compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Serbian food-safety law (HACCP), the Expo organiser food-safety regime, health and safety, and licensing.
• Maintain TGP operating standards, SOPs and brand standards across every shift and outlet.
• Own the risk, incident and business-continuity picture for the operation, including surge days and adverse conditions.

People and team

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management for the pavilion team, within Serbian labour law and Expo accreditation requirements.
• Build a high-performing, service-led culture that embodies American hospitality and represents the pavilion with pride.
• Manage staff welfare, accommodation, rostering and morale across an intense, fixed-term operating period.

Expo, VIP & Protocol Responsibilities

• Act as a senior representative of the USA Pavilion and, by extension, the United States, upholding the standards of conduct, discretion and presentation expected at a national pavilion hosting Heads of State, diplomats and dignitaries.
• Own the F&B and hospitality delivery for VIP and protocol events: national days, diplomatic delegations, Commissioner-General and State Department visits, sponsor receptions and official ceremonies, working to agreed protocol orders of service, seating, and flag / anthem etiquette.
• Coordinate with Trivandi, the U.S. Department of State Expo Unit, Expo organiser protocol teams and pavilion security on accreditation, guest lists, timings and access for high-profile visits.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality on guest identities, movements and event details; brief and hold the team to the same standard.
• Plan for surge demand, extended operating hours and peak-day / national-day footfall typical of a World Expo, without compromising service standards or food safety.
• Proven senior F&B / hospitality operations leadership, ideally including large-scale events, high-profile venues or pavilion / expo environments.
• Full P&L ownership with strong commercial, budgeting and cost-control acumen.
• Ability to represent an organisation credibly to government, diplomatic and senior client stakeholders.
• Calm, decisive leadership under pressure, sound judgement, and absolute discretion.
• Strong knowledge of food-safety, health-and-safety and licensing compliance.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder-management and team-leadership skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• United States citizenship (mandatory for this role).
• Degree or equivalent in Hospitality Management, Business or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in F&B / hospitality operations, with at least 5 years in a senior or general-management role carrying P&L responsibility.
• Experience of VIP, protocol, diplomatic or major-event hospitality strongly preferred.
• Food-safety and health-and-safety certification (e.g. HACCP / ServSafe or equivalent).

Acknowledgement

This job description reflects the principal duties of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the USA Pavilion at World Expo 2027. The post holder is expected to carry out reasonable additional tasks as required by the management team.