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.

Requirements 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.