Open to opportunities

Robert Costello

@robertcostello

Message

Operations and staffing leader specializing in large-scale live events.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek operations or staffing roles in dynamic live-event or hospitality organizations where I can lead large teams, improve staffing systems, and deliver outstanding guest experiences while growing into broader operational leadership.

I am an operations and staffing leader with extensive experience running large-scale live events, hospitality venues, and pandemic-response programs. I plan and direct daily placement and long-term operations for large teams, and I specialize in improving staffing systems and guest experiences.

At Compass Levy I oversee placement of over 600 employees across concessions and special events, implemented an applicant and staff tracking system, and reduced turnover by creating accountability and employee-satisfaction programs. I have negotiated bargaining agreements and represented the company in personnel hearings.

Previously I led beverage, event and guest experience operations for Legends Hospitality and Live Nation, managing 20+ bars, creating artist-specific VIP experiences, analyzing sales data for purchasing decisions, and training large front- and back-of-house teams. I also managed high-volume festival and VIP events internationally, coordinating multi-site food & beverage operations for thousands of patrons.

During COVID I served as a program manager deploying large-scale testing and vaccination sites, overseeing up to 130 sites, training field staff, and managing logistics. I combine operational rigor, people management, and data-informed decision-making to deliver reliable, guest-focused event experiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Staffing and Operations Manager

Current

Compass Levy

Sep 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Plan and direct short- and long-term operations for Compass Levy at Barclays Center, overseeing placement of 600+ employees, implementing applicant/staff tracking to improve recruitment and reducing turnover through accountability and retention programs.

Staffing Operations Management Employee Retention Dispute Resolution Scheduling Performance Management

Beverage and Event Director

Legends Hospitality

Mar 2018 - Aug 2023 (5 years 5 months)

Managed beverage operations and VIP experiences across multiple venues, overseeing 20+ bars, creating event-specific beverage programs, analyzing sales for purchasing, and hiring/training bar personnel for large-scale events.

Event Operations Inventory Control VIP Staff Training Sales Analysis Hospitality

Food and Beverage Coordinator

CID

Jan 2018 - Jan 2022 (4 years)

Developed and executed site operations for weekly festival events of up to 8,000 patrons, built and managed multiple food and beverage stations, and supervised 50+ front- and back-of-house staff for VIP and general festival operations.

Staff Supervision Inventory Control Event Logistics

Program Manager

Impact Health

May 2020 - Jun 2021 (1 year 1 month)

Organized and managed daily operations for up to 130 COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, trained field staff, maintained project plans, supervised large teams, and handled inventory logistics for multi-city programs.

Program Management Operations Staff Training Logistics Inventory Management Change Management Project Planning

Marketing & Sales Manager

The Small Business Expo

Oct 2015 - Mar 2018 (2 years 5 months)

Managed and developed an inside sales team of 8+, promoted and expanded client services, created sales plans and incentives, and drove client acquisition and retention for the largest B2B trade show in the U.S.

Sales Management Account Development Team Leadership Client Relations Event Promotion Strategic Planning CRM Sales Training

Sales Manager

The New England Team, Inc

Jun 2013 - Oct 2015 (2 years 4 months)

Managed and developed a sales team of 14+, improved recruiting lifecycle, maintained SEO/social presence, and sustained personal sales production while performing managerial duties for Fortune 500 clients.

Sales Leadership Recruiting team development Client Management Performance Tracking Social Media

Sales & Marketing Account Executive

Tough Mudder

Nov 2010 - May 2013 (2 years 6 months)

Solicited and negotiated media and sponsorship agreements, built partnerships, and developed integrated marketing proposals to grow a global brand and community for large-scale competitive events.