About Us:
16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.
Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Position Summary
As Floor Operations at Empty Bottle, you will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests while upholding a high standard of hospitality. Candidates must be skilled in effective de-escalation and resolution of guest disputes, enforcing and championing a welcoming and inclusive environment, and working as part of a team. This position calls for someone with experience across all aspects of the service industry, including restaurants, venues, and bars, who can confidently lend a hand in any necessary position. Think of this role as a swiss army knife for venue operations.
In addition to guest facing support, this person will also take on light repairs and maintenance and be able to carry tasks from inception to completion. By bringing dependability, attention to detail, and a steady presence, you will help ensure that Empty Bottle continues to deliver a safe, positive, and memorable experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Set up, tear down, and move equipment and furniture as needed to accommodate events, including setting the house with chairs, trash cans, and other necessary items.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless event execution, including preparing day and pass sheets and supporting pre and post show activations.
- Handle a fast paced environment with composure and strong problem solving skills.
- Accurately handle cash and account for box office, coat check, and merchandise banks. Upon training, this role may be expected to handle show settlement on occasion.
- Engage and interact with guests, artists, and staff in a friendly and professional manner.
- Enforce the house code of conduct and advocate for inclusivity, respect, and a welcoming environment.
- Be present on the floor during the run of show, addressing guest concerns promptly and effectively and liaising between departments to resolve issues.
- Maintain the cleanliness and presentation of all guest facing areas throughout the event.
- Supervise and execute opening and closing procedures for venue operations.
About You:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in event operations, hospitality, or a similar live-event environment.
- Bartending experience is required. You’re comfortable working behind the bar and understand bar operations in a high-volume, live-music setting.
- Familiarity with Empty Bottle, its history, and the broader Chicago music venue scene is strongly preferred. You understand what makes Empty Bottle unique and how it fits into the local music community.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Flexible schedule with required availability on evenings and weekends. Open availability during the week of Lollapalooza (late July/early August) and on New Year’s Eve is required.
- Comfortable addressing a crowd. This role regularly involves directing large groups of guests politely and professionally, as well as leading daily pre-shift meetings that inform and motivate staff.
- Strong customer service and communication skills. You’ll interact with guests, artists, and artist management and should be able to handle a wide range of situations in a calm, professional manner.
- Experience managing and leading staff, with the ability to problem-solve crowd flow and operational issues in real time.
- Able to think proactively, anticipate needs, and adjust quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable solving problems under pressure while working collaboratively with a team.
- Basic IT proficiency, including Google Workspace, is preferred. Experience with TicketWeb (or similar ticketing platforms) and Toast (or similar POS systems) is a plus.
- This role requires frequent standing, walking, and moving throughout the venue during events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Application Requirement
- Please include a brief cover letter or written statement explaining your connection to Empty Bottle, your familiarity with the Chicago music scene, and why you’d be a good fit for this role.
Position Details
- Job Type: Full-Time Non Exempt
- Compensation: $19 - $25/ hourly.
- Benefits: Health insurance with employer contribution; voluntary dental, vision, short-term disability, accident, and hospital coverage; employer-paid life insurance; voluntary life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; PTO; and complimentary or discounted tickets to shows at 16 On Center venues (Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, SPACE, and Empty Bottle), subject to availability.
