Food & beverage director
Job purpose:
As the Director of Food & Beverage at a prestigious private membership club, you will be responsible for ensuring that all food and beverage operations meet the highest standards of quality and service. This includes overseeing daily operations, managing and developing staff, optimizing financial performance, planning and executing events, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.You will be at the forefront of driving member satisfaction and loyalty by delivering exceptional dining and service experiences.
Main Activities and Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning:Develop and execute strategic plans to optimize food and beverage sales and profitability. Collaborate with the management team to establish financial and operational targets.
Analyse market trends, competitor offerings, and member preferences to continuously evolve and enhance the club’s food and beverage offerings.
Ensure alignment with the club’s image by maintaining consistent quality and service standards across all outlets.
Operations Management: Oversee the daily operations of all food and beverage outlets, ensuring smooth service and high-quality execution.
Conduct regular team meetings or briefings prior to each service to ensure clear communication of goals and expectations.Monitor cleanliness and maintenance of premises, kitchen equipment, and facilities involved in food and beverage preparation, storage, and consumption.
Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations, as well as company policies and standard operating procedures.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management:Collaborate with the Executive Chef, Head Chefs, Restaurant & Bar Managers, Sommelier, to define and maintain optimal stock levels for all products, balancing quality and cost-effectiveness.
Oversee inventory control processes, ensuring that stock levels are monitored, orders are placed on time, and wastage is minimized.
Work closely with suppliers to secure high-quality products and negotiate favourable terms.
Regularly analyse sales trends and profit margins, adjusting procedures and inventory management to optimize profitability.
Staff Recruitment & Development: Lead recruitment efforts for the food and beverage department, ensuring the selection of talented and dedicated staff.
Implement comprehensive training programs for all team members to enhance their skills in product knowledge, service standards, and customer relations.Provide ongoing feedback and performance evaluations to staff, creating opportunities for growth and career development.
Ensure that the team is well-versed in operational protocols and safety standards.
Customer Service & Members’ Relations:Foster a customer-centric culture across all food and beverage operations, ensuring that every guest and member enjoys a personalized, high-quality experience.
Address member and guest complaints or concerns promptly, ensuring resolutions are handled professionally and efficiently.
Develop and implement strategies aimed at enhancing member satisfaction and fostering long-term loyalty.
Engage directly with members, gathering feedback and making recommendations to improve the overall dining experience.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration:Work closely with other department heads (e.g., Kitchen, Events, HR, Finance) to ensure seamless collaboration across the club.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to contribute to broader decision-making processes.
Oversee relationships with external service providers, including cleaning companies, ensuring quality standards are maintained.
Financial Management & Reporting:Contribute to the annual budget planning process, working closely with the General Manager, Executive Chef, CFO, and HR Manager to set financial targets.
Monitor financial performance and regularly report on key metrics, including sales, costs, and margins.
Prepare weekly and monthly reports, analysing performance against budgetary targets and recommending adjustments where necessary.
Monitor and manage inventory costs, food and beverage pricing, and profitability.
Event Planning & Execution:Lead the planning and execution of special events, banquets, and private dining experiences, ensuring flawless execution from start to finish.
Collaborate with event teams to create bespoke experiences that align with the preferences of members and guests.
Ensure all special events are well-coordinated, well-attended, and meet the highest standards of quality and service.
General Department Oversight: Oversee all additional activities as they arise, particularly those related to the above-mentioned responsibilities.
Ensure all Food & Beverage services are executed to the highest standards, adhering to both company expectations and guest satisfaction goals.
Key Competencies: Prepare and manage annual budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Develop, implement, and monitor departmental policies, procedures, and service standards.Possess a comprehensive understanding of hygiene and safety regulations within the food and beverage industry.
Expertise in inventory management, budgeting, and financial reporting.
In-depth knowledge of the organoleptic characteristics of food and beverages, along with preservation methods.
Proficient in computerized POS systems and the MS Office Suite.
Skilled in using Retex, Syrve, and Seven Rooms.
Prepare and adhere to the F&B departmental budget.
Oversee the maintenance, updating, and ownership of selling prices and POS systems.
Review and verify voids, discounts, staff meals, staff discounts, and all complimentary sales in POS systems, ensuring adherence to the Club’s discount policy.
Ability to establish and implement operational processes and procedures.
Collaborate with restaurant management and finance teams to resolve F&B-related issues.
Monitor and assess actual labor costs, working with HR and Finance to ensure efficient labor scheduling that balances service quality and cost control.
Oversee the creation, proofing, updating, and printing of menus.
Strong leadership and team-building skills, fostering a positive work environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
Capacity to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently under pressure.
Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive decision-making approach.
Proven success in identifying, hiring, inspiring, and developing talent, guiding teams in their professional growth.
Deep understanding of the importance of attention to detail and excellence in service and hospitality.
Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment, telecommunications, lighting, and room temperature control.
Proven track record in successfully operating restaurant businesses, particularly across multiple locations.
Strong oral and written communication skills when interacting with members, guests, and staff.
Exceptional organizational skills to ensure special events are meticulously planned and flawlessly executed.
Extensive knowledge of the market and the meeting industry.
Consistently prioritize the needs of members and guests while remaining adaptable to changing priorities.
Maintain high standards of quality control for both food and beverage offerings.
Implement and oversee F&B sales and marketing programs.
Regularly evaluate team members and provide constructive feedback on performance.
Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in achieving their financial and operational objectives.
Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Extensive experience in food and beverage management, ideally within a similar high-end or private membership club setting.Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, including experience with inventory management, cost control, and financial reporting.
Proficiency in Italian and English (both written and spoken).
A passion for delivering exceptional service and a deep understanding of member and guest satisfaction.
Join our Team
If you are an experienced and visionary leader with a passion for hospitality and food & beverage excellence, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our Food & Beverage operations and enhance the member experience.Apply today and bring your expertise to a dynamic, high-end environment where quality and service excellence are our top priorities.