Director of Food and Beverage - Armstrong Hotel/Ace Gillett's

About the position

The Director of Food and Beverage oversees all operations of our restaurant and cafe. Possess a deep understanding of dining experiences, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a strong passion for delivering exceptional guest service. As the Director of Food and Beverage, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring outstanding food quality, enhancing guest satisfaction, and driving profitability while maintaining the highest industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the restaurant’s food and beverage department, ensuring smooth service, exceptional food quality, and guest satisfaction
• Coordinate with the Executive Chef and culinary team to develop seasonal menus that align with restaurant’s brand, seasonal trends, and customer preferences
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation, and service in alignment with restaurant goals
• Recruit, train, and develop food and beverage team members, including servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff
• Ensure all staff are knowledgeable of the restaurant’s menu, wine list, and overall guest experience standards
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to ensure continual development
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and motivated work environment that promotes high morale and team cohesion
• Ensure an exceptional dining experience for guests by addressing concerns promptly and proactively, handling guest feedback, and maintaining a presence on the floor during service hours
• Oversee the development and implementation of wine pairings, cocktail suggestions, and special event menus to enhance the dining experience
• Work closely with the marketing team to promote special events, seasonal offerings, and new menu items to guests
• Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring financial goals and targets are met while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction
• Monitor and control food and beverage costs, staffing costs, and operational expenses, implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality
• Analyze and report on monthly financial performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth
• Oversee inventory management, ensuring appropriate stock levels of food, beverages, and supplies while minimizing waste
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to negotiate pricing, quality, and delivery schedules for all food and beverage items
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations
• Work with the marketing team to create and execute strategies for increasing guest engagement and attracting new customers
• Develop and promote seasonal menus, wine pairings, and unique events to elevate the restaurant’s profile within the local community and beyond
• Ensure that the restaurant's food and beverage offerings are aligned with the brand's positioning in the market
• Conduct regular audits of sanitation procedures, food storage, and kitchen operations
• Promote a safe work environment and ensure all staff are trained in safety procedures

Requirements

• Proven experience (5+ years) in food and beverage management
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Extensive knowledge of food, wine, cocktails, and dining service etiquette
• Experience managing large teams in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Excellent financial acumen with a focus on cost control, budgeting, and profitability
• Passion for delivering outstanding guest service and creating memorable dining experiences
• Strong knowledge of inventory management and supplier relations
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or related field preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering the highest quality service
• Creative, innovative, and able to adapt quickly to new trends and ideas
• Strong problem-solving abilities and calm under pressure
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to excellence

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development