Director of Food and Beverage

About the role

The Director of Food and Beverage functions as the strategic business leader of the property’s food and beverage/culinary operation, overseeing the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensuring alignment with the brand's service strategy and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Set expectations and hold food and beverage leadership team accountable for desired service behaviors.
• Review financial reports and statements to assess the department's performance against budget.
• Make recommendations for capital expenditure (CAPEX) funding of food and beverage equipment and renovations in line with brand business strategy.
• Work with the food and beverage leadership team to address areas of concern and improve financial performance.
• Establish challenging, realistic, and attainable goals to guide operations and performance.
• Strive to improve service performance.
• Develop and manage Food and Beverage budget.
• Maintain cash and liquor control policies in food & beverage areas and ensure compliance by all employees.
• Focus on maintaining profit margins without compromising guest or employee satisfaction.
• Lead and influence the food and beverage team, fostering mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
• Develop means to improve profit, estimate costs and benefits, explore new business opportunities, and challenge existing processes.
• Ensure regular, ongoing communication within the food and beverage team (e.g., pre-meal briefings, staff meetings, culinary team).
• Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships with direct reports and the entire food & beverage team.
• Develop a food and beverage operating strategy aligned with the brand's business strategy and lead its execution.
• Identify developmental needs of others and coach, mentor, or help improve their knowledge or skills.
• Stay informed about market trends and introduce new food and beverage products to meet or exceed customer expectations, generate increased revenue, and ensure a competitive position in the market.
• Provide services that are above and beyond for customer satisfaction and retention.
• Communicate and assist individuals to understand guest needs, provide guidance, feedback, and individual coaching when needed.
• Review comment cards, guest satisfaction results, and other data to identify areas of improvement.
• Empower employees to provide excellent guest service.
• Estimate cost and benefit ratios, maintaining balance between profit and service satisfaction.
• Share plans to take corrective action based on comment cards and guest satisfaction results with property leadership.
• Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coach and support food & beverage leadership team to effectively manage wages, food & beverage cost, and controllable expenses.
• Hire food & beverage leadership team members who demonstrate strong functional expertise, creativity, and entrepreneurial leadership to meet the business needs of the operation.
• Set goals and expectations for direct reports using the performance review process and hold staff accountable for successful performance.
• Ensure clear communication of expectations and objectives to subordinates; subordinates are encouraged to raise questions and/or concerns.
• Bring issues to the attention of Human Resources as necessary.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably.
• Coach team by providing specific feedback to improve performance.
• Inform and/or update executives, peers, and subordinates on relevant information in a timely manner.
• Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solutions and solve problems.
• Order and purchase equipment and supplies.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED; 6 years experience in the food and beverage, culinary, event management, or related professional area. OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Food Service Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related major; 4 years experience in the food and beverage, culinary, event management, or related professional area.
• Skills and Knowledge: Customer and Personal Service, Management of Financial Resources, Administration and Management, Applied Business Knowledge, Management of Material Resources.

Benefits

At The Ritz-Carlton, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. This includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the demands of the food and beverage operation.

Additional Information

As part of the Marriott International family, The Ritz-Carlton offers a unique opportunity to be part of a global brand leader in luxury hospitality. We believe that everyone succeeds when they are empowered to be creative, thoughtful, and compassionate. Join us and be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of yourself.