Director of Food and Beverage & Culinary Pre Opening Ritz Carlton Diriyah

About the Role

The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is seeking a Director of Food and Beverage & Culinary for its pre-opening phase in Riyadh, Ad Dir'iyah. This full-time position involves leading the strategic development and operational launch of all culinary and food and beverage services for a significant luxury hospitality destination in the Middle East.

Role Context and Scope

As a member of the Executive Committee, the Director will provide strategic leadership across all food and beverage operations, including restaurants, bars, banqueting, catering, and in-room dining. This role focuses on curating guest experiences, developing concepts, and establishing a team culture. The Director will collaborate with the General Manager, ownership representatives, and the hotel leadership team to oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive food and beverage strategy. During the pre-opening phase, this role is responsible for establishing service standards, recruiting talent, launching concepts, and laying the groundwork for long-term operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening strategy, positioning, and operational launch for all food and beverage and culinary outlets.
• Develop and execute a food and beverage vision aligned with The Ritz-Carlton brand standards, guest expectations, and ownership objectives.
• Create dining and beverage experiences that differentiate the property within the luxury hospitality market.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability through strategic planning, menu development, outlet positioning, and operational excellence.
• Oversee departmental budgets, forecasting, procurement strategies, cost controls, and financial performance.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire the food and beverage and culinary team, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and collaboration.
• Cultivate relationships with ownership, key stakeholders, suppliers, and industry partners, ensuring high standards of execution.
• Champion service innovation, guest engagement, and continuous improvement across all food and beverage touchpoints.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5-10 years of relevant experience in food and beverage and culinary leadership roles.
• Experience in pre-opening luxury hospitality projects is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive food and beverage strategies.
• Proven track record in team leadership, talent development, and fostering a culture of service excellence.

Work Environment and Company Culture

This role is based at The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah, located in the historic heart of Diriyah, Riyadh. The property aims to blend heritage with contemporary sophistication and The Ritz-Carlton's service standards. Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an environment where diverse backgrounds are valued. The Ritz-Carlton emphasizes its "Gold Standards" which guide daily operations and guest service, promoting creativity, thoughtfulness, and compassion among its associates.

Career Development

Joining Marriott International provides access to global career opportunities across its luxury and premium brands. The company offers industry-leading learning, leadership development, and executive growth programs. This role offers the opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a landmark luxury destination from its early stages and collaborate with hospitality professionals within The Ritz-Carlton brand.