Dir Food & Beverage B

About the Role

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is seeking a Director of Food & Beverage to lead the strategic business operations of the property’s food and beverage and culinary departments. This full-time role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and encompasses Restaurants/Bars, Room Service, and Banquets/Catering. The Director will be responsible for developing and implementing departmental strategies, ensuring alignment with brand service initiatives, and meeting target customer needs while maximizing financial performance and employee satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the food and beverage budget, monitoring sales to achieve revenue goals and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure cash and liquor control policies are implemented and followed across all food and beverage areas.
• Set clear expectations for the food and beverage leadership team, holding them accountable for service behaviors and performance.
• Review financial reports to assess performance against budget and make recommendations for CAPEX funding.
• Lead, influence, and encourage team members, fostering mutual trust and cooperation.
• Identify and implement strategies to increase profits and create value through process improvements and innovation.
• Ensure regular communication within all food and beverage areas, including briefings and staff meetings.
• Develop and execute a food and beverage operating strategy aligned with the brand’s business objectives.
• Identify developmental needs of team members and provide coaching, mentoring, and support.
• Stay informed of market trends and introduce new food and beverage products to enhance customer experience and maintain a competitive market position.

Customer Service and Human Resources

• Ensure exceptional customer service by understanding guest needs, providing guidance, and empowering employees.
• Review guest satisfaction results and comment cards with the team, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, setting performance standards and monitoring progress.
• Coach the food and beverage leadership team on effectively managing wages, food and beverage costs, and controllable expenses.
• Hire leadership team members who demonstrate strong functional expertise, creativity, and entrepreneurial leadership.
• Ensure fair and equitable treatment of all employees and address issues with Human Resources when required.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in food and beverage operations, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, analyze financial reports, and improve departmental financial performance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to lead and influence a diverse team.
• Proven track record of ensuring exceptional customer service and guest satisfaction.
• Ability to identify and implement new business opportunities and drive necessary change.

Additional Responsibilities

• Inform and update executives, peers, and subordinates on relevant information in a timely manner.
• Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates through various communication channels.
• Analyze information and evaluate results to choose optimal solutions and resolve problems.
• Estimate food, liquor, wine, and other beverage consumption to anticipate purchasing needs.
• Order and purchase necessary equipment and supplies.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within a dynamic hotel environment. The role requires a strategic leader capable of managing diverse food and beverage operations and fostering a collaborative team culture.