A group of diverse employees inside a Pizza Ranch restaurant, all wearing black uniforms and caps, smiling and engaging with each other in a lively atmosphere.

Events & Partnerships Manager

Management
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About Us:

At Gravy Train, we're doing more than just serving legendary pizza—we're building a culture of growth, community connection, and exceptional service. Our Iowa City Pizza Ranch location is a high-energy hub, and we are looking for a dynamic Partnerships & Events Manager to join our mission. If you are passionate about building local relationships, thriving in fast-paced environments, and creating memorable experiences, you'll find a unique home here. We believe our team is our greatest asset, and we are committed to empowering you to lead, innovate, and make a real impact on our community.

Position Summary:

This is not your average Manager role. As the Partnerships & Events Manager, you are the heartbeat of our off-site operations. You will lead the strategy and execution of our presence at iconic venues like Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena, turning every game day and special event into a legendary guest experience. You'll be the bridge between our brand and the community, driving growth, leading a high-energy events team, and managing operations at some of the most exciting spots in Iowa City. If you love the electricity of a big event and the art of relationship building, this is the unique opportunity you've been looking for.

About Us:

At Gravy Train, we're doing more than just serving legendary pizza—we're building a culture of growth, community connection, and exceptional service. Our Iowa City Pizza Ranch location is a high-energy hub, and we are looking for a dynamic Partnerships & Events Manager to join our mission. If you are passionate about building local relationships, thriving in fast-paced environments, and creating memorable experiences, you'll find a unique home here. We believe our team is our greatest asset, and we are committed to empowering you to lead, innovate, and make a real impact on our community.

Position Summary:

This is not your average Manager role. As the Partnerships & Events Manager, you are the heartbeat of our off-site operations. You will lead the strategy and execution of our presence at iconic venues like Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena, turning every game day and special event into a legendary guest experience. You'll be the bridge between our brand and the community, driving growth, leading a high-energy events team, and managing operations at some of the most exciting spots in Iowa City. If you love the electricity of a big event and the art of relationship building, this is the unique opportunity you've been looking for.


Key Responsibilities:

· Drive Growth: Lead and execute community partnership events.

· Own the Event Experience: Oversee all operations and concession sales at premier venues, including Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena, ensuring seamless execution for every event.


· Lead & Inspire: Recruit, train, and champion a high-energy event staff, providing regular coaching and feedback while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.


· Cultivate Community: Build enduring partnerships that make Pizza Ranch the automatic choice for local businesses, schools, and organizations.


· Operational Excellence: Maintain high standards in food quality and service, precise inventory control, and cost management for off-site events.


· Strategy & Collaboration: Work side-by-side with the Iowa City leadership team to plan, strategize, and hit ambitious growth targets.


· Track Success: Maintain accurate performance records and use data to refine our approach and maximize impact.

Schedule & Availability:

· Must be available for all major events at Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena and community events, catering pickups, fundraisers, etc.

· Flexible hours with a combination of in-store and off-site responsibilities

What We're Looking For:

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

· Excellent communication and leadership abilities

· Previous sales, marketing, or event coordination experience preferred

· Self-motivated and goal-oriented

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-driven environment

· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required

Why Join Our Team?

· Competitive pay

· Fun, energetic team environment

· Opportunity to grow your career with a locally-owned franchise

· Be part of a company that truly values community and hospitality

A man in a Pizza Ranch uniform, including a cap and polo shirt, smiling and gesturing with his hands while talking to a colleague in a restaurant setting.

Events & Partnerships Manager

171 Hwy 1 West
Iowa City, Iowa, 52246 Get Directions »
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I started as a part time employee and have seen lots of changes over the years. My ownership group cares about us, is a phone call away and is always willing to listen and come in and help in the restaurant when they can. What I like best about working here is getting to build relationships with the guests that come in, even if they only come in once a year.  They come in and still remember you and are excited to still see you here. 

Lori - Fairmont Assistant General Manager

I came to Minnesota from Mexico three years ago with only basic English, and Pizza Ranch gave me my very first job here. I began as a back of house team member, grew into an assistant manager role, and later transitioned to a part-time manager position while pursuing a career on Education. During this time, I’ve improved my English, built connections, and developed valuable leadership skills. Pizza Ranch has been an incredible place for growth and support on my life, and I’m grateful to still be part of this team.

Margoth - Owatonna Assistant Manager
A man and a woman wearing Pizza Ranch uniforms and hats are smiling at each other while reviewing a menu or flyer inside a restaurant with an orange wall and a digital screen behind them.

Lead Our Culture

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Management plays a vital role in shaping and nurturing our workplace culture. Leaders set the tone for how teams work together, how guests are treated, and how our values come to life every day. By modeling respect, gratitude, and service-minded leadership, managers create an environment where team members feel valued and inspired to give their best. From celebrating wins to guiding through challenges, great management fosters connection and purpose—helping every employee see how their work contributes to something bigger than themselves.

A strong workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through consistent actions that align with who we are and what we believe. When managers live out The Pizza Ranch Way, reinforce our Key Business Drivers, and uphold our Mission and Vision, they help ensure that every guest and team member experiences the heart behind our brand.

Our Culture

The Management Experience

Managers play a critical role in driving the performance and profitability of their restaurants. They are responsible for turning strategy into results—analyzing sales trends, managing food and labor costs, and making data-driven decisions that support long-term growth. By closely monitoring daily operations and key performance metrics, managers ensure the restaurant runs efficiently while maintaining the high standards guests expect. From forecasting inventory to optimizing menu mix and pricing strategies, they balance cost control with delivering exceptional value and quality.

Strong financial performance is a cornerstone of successful leadership at Pizza Ranch. Managers take ownership of their restaurant’s bottom line, using tools and insights to identify opportunities for improvement and to celebrate achievements along the way. It’s a role that challenges leaders to think like entrepreneurs—aligning operational excellence with business results, all within the framework of the Pizza Ranch mission and values.

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