Director of Food & Beverage

Our client is currently building out a new boutique hotel in Starkville, Mississippi and is searching for their opening Food & Beverage Director. The hotel is slated to open in August 2027.

The Director of Food and Beverage is responsible for maintaining a profitable department with high-quality products and exceptional service levels. The Director of Food and Beverage is expected to generate ideas to promote business, foster a positive work environment with low turnover, maintain revenue and payroll budgets, and meet budgeted productivity while delivering the highest levels of service in a fine dining atmosphere.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Monitor industry trends, take appropriate action to maintain a competitive and profitable operation, including updating beverage lists and menu items as necessary;

·       Prepare the F&B budget and monitor department performance accordingly;

·       Work with the General Manager and keep informed of F&B issues as they arise;

·       Coordinate and monitor all phases of loss prevention in the F&B department, conduct monthly inventories, and research any cost variances to budget;

·       Comply with all local liquor laws, and health and sanitation regulations;

·       Interview candidates for front-of-house F&B positions and follow standards for hiring approvals;

·       Conduct daily shift meetings, monthly departmental meetings, and ensure on-going guest service training and compliance of SOP’s and personal appearance standards;

·       Conduct and/or attend all required meetings, including pre-event and post-event meetings;

·       Provide employees with the training, tools, and environment they need to deliver an exceptional fine dining experience;

·       Develop and implement strategies and practices that support employee engagement;

·       Maintain product consistency by conducting inspections of seasonings, portions, and appearance of food;

·       Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.

GUEST SERVICE & SATISFACTION

·       Create an unforgettable dining experience in the restaurant and the banquet facilities;

·       Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner;

·       Actively participate in all hotel required meetings and trainings;

·       Maintain high standards of The Hotel’s personal appearance and grooming requirements.

·       Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions;

·       Must be effective in handling problems, developing a positive departmental culture, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary;

·       Perform other duties as requested by management

JOB REQUIREMENTS

·       College degree and five years of related experience in a food and beverage capacity;

·       Strong verbal and written communication skills;

·       Significant attention to detail;

·       Complete understanding of NOI profitability and budget goals;

·       Knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, state health department rules and regulations, and state liquor laws and regulations;

·       Computer skills required – experience with Hotel information systems preferred;

·       Excellent guest services skills;

·       Demonstrated commitment to diversity and success in working with diverse constituencies to support an inclusive environment.

·       Strong and effective interpersonal skills including the ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individual needs.