Director of Food & Beverage

At The Johnstown Estate, we do warm, authentic welcomes particularly well, and constantly strive to deliver a polished service, guest comfort and excellence in everything we do. Our values of Passion,

Customer Focus, Teamwork and Integrity are always forefront in our minds as we passionately care about our guest experience and are committed to being the best in all we do. We are also committed to training and developing our team members and ensuring their journey with us inspires them each day.

The Director of Food and Beverage will oversee all strategic and operational aspects of the Food \& Beverage (F\&B) department. This leadership role is responsible for developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance guest experiences while driving revenue growth and maintaining operational efficiency. The successful candidate will manage all F\&B outlets, including the fine dining restaurant, bar, banqueting, in\-room dining, and catering for special events. This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader with proven experience in a luxury environment, someone who can inspire and develop the team while upholding the hotel's commitment to service excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Role:

1\. Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive three\-year F\&B strategy that aligns with the overall vision and goals of The Johnstown Estate.


• Drive innovation across all F\&B offerings, ensuring that products and services are on\-trend, competitive, and align with guest expectations.


• Collaborate with the General Manager and Executive team on long\-term strategic planning for F\&B operations, including capital investment, new projects, and renovations.


• Lead and manage all F\&B outlets, including fine dining, casual dining, room service, bar, and event catering.

• Develop and manage the annual budget for the F\&B department, ensuring alignment with revenue targets and cost control measures.


• Monitor the financial performance of all F\&B outlets, regularly analysing P\&L statements and key financial indicators. Set clear financial targets for the team and heads of departments (HODs), ensuring they are aligned with the overall goals, and provide regular performance updates to track progress and address any issues proactively.


• Develop and implement strategies to maximize revenue generation, increase profitability, and optimize cost efficiency in line with the budget and in collaboration with the financial controller. Ensure all initiatives are financially sound and contribute to the overall financial goals of the estate.


• Introduce and manage systems for effective stock control, cost of goods sold (COGS), and inventory management to achieve targeted gross profits (GPs). Meet with the stock taker monthly to review performance and ensure all processes are optimized for cost efficiency.

• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and service across all F\&B outlets.


• Oversee the day\-to\-day operations of the department, ensuring a seamless guest experience and operational efficiency.


• Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all F\&B services, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.


• Ensure compliance with all health and safety, food hygiene, and licensing regulations.

• Foster a guest\-centric culture within the F\&B team, ensuring that all services are tailored to deliver luxury experiences.


• Regularly interact with guests to obtain feedback and address any concerns, ensuring that issues are resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.


• Lead initiatives to enhance guest loyalty and repeat business by elevating the dining experience through personalised service and innovative offerings.


• Actively gather and analyse guest feedback, taking prompt action to address concerns and continuously improve the guest experience, ensuring service delivery meets or exceeds expectations.


• Set clear performance targets for the team to enhance guest satisfaction and consistently deliver exceptional service quality.


• Coordinate with the Events and Sales teams to ensure flawless execution of banquets, weddings, conferences, and other special events.

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the F\&B management team, fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and excellence.


• Implement ongoing training and development programs to ensure the F\&B team is equipped with the skills to deliver 5\-star service.


• Conduct regular performance reviews, offering feedback and development plans to improve staff performance and career progression.


• Collaborate with HR to develop and implement a succession plan, ensuring strong leadership continuity and the growth of internal talent to meet future needs of the F\&B department.


• Lead the recruitment of key team members, ensuring the right talent is brought on board to support operational excellence and drive the team toward achieving strategic goals.


• Promote a positive working environment and culture, encouraging staff engagement and reducing turnover.

• Establish strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate favourable terms to ensure quality products at competitive prices.


• Oversee the procurement process for all F\&B products, ensuring timely and cost\-effective ordering while maintaining quality standards.


• Regularly review supplier performance and explore new vendor relationships to keep offerings fresh and aligned with trends.

• Regularly work closely with the Sales \& Marketing teams to develop and implement promotional strategies that drive F\&B revenue.


• Create and oversee special promotions, seasonal events, and F\&B\-themed initiatives to attract both hotel guests and local patrons.


• Participate in community and industry events to enhance the hotel's F\&B profile and expand its presence in the market.


• Ensure all digital and print marketing materials reflect the luxury positioning of the hotel and its F\&B outlets.

• Drive sustainable practices across the F\&B operations, focusing on reducing waste, sourcing locally, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.


• Stay ahead of industry trends and incorporate innovations in food, beverage, and service to continuously enhance the guest experience.


• Lead initiatives that introduce new dining concepts or refresh existing offerings to keep the hotel competitive in the luxury market.

Requirements for the role

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior F\&B management role, ideally within a 4\- or 5\-star luxury hotel or resort environment.

Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing large teams to deliver high\-quality results.

Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of F\&B financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with guests, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.

Organisation: Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise in a fast\-paced environment.

Problem Solving: Strong decision\-making skills with the ability to handle challenges and resolve issues effectively and diplomatically.

Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail, particularly regarding service standards, presentation, and guest satisfaction.

Innovation: A creative mindset with the ability to introduce fresh concepts and improve existing services.

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