Assistant Food & Beverage Director

Full-Time

Job Description

Assistant Director of Food and Beverage

Job Summary:

The Chanler at Cliff Walk’s Assistant Director of Food & Beverage is the ultimate journey curator for the guest dining experience. The Assistant Director of Food and Beverage will report directly to the Executive Chef andwill be responsible for ensuring the staff provide the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction. The goal of the Assistant Director of Food and Beverage is to bring The Chanler at Cliff Walk’s food & beverage vision, with an eye on overall customer experience to fruition, while achieve revenue and profitability goals.

The Mansion

The Chanler reimagined as a magnificent, stately manor residence, extends a warm welcome to guests as a peaceful enclave from bustling Newport, Rhode Island. Inviting guests to relish in the building's storied architecture, chic-European dining options, and gracious hospitality.

Built-in 1873 as a summer home for John Winthrop Chanler, the property exudes history while maintaining the current charm of a regal residence. As a double Forbes five-star property, the mansion draws admirers worldwide by authentically cultivating the guest experience with elegance and natural refinement.

The Mission

To make an impact on a guest's journey by creating memories that last a lifetime. Mansion household staff are the key journey curators, responsible for creating a sense of place and personalization for each guest. We achieve this by working in a collaborative environment, providing training while encouraging an unscripted narrative to tell the brand story and sharing a passion for the heart of hospitality.

The Rewards

• Competitive Salary
• Health, dental, and vision for employees, families, and partners
• 401K
• Free Parking
• Uniforms Included
• Referral Bonus
• Seasonal Staff Meals

Key Responsibilities:

With direction and leadership of the Executive Chef-Director of Food & Beverage you will oversee the food & beverage operations, which include the restaurants, bar, In-Room Dining, wedding events, special events, and holidays at a Forbes five-star level

Works with management team to develop an operational strategy that is aligned with the hotels business strategy and leads its execution. Works with team to put sustainable work processes and systems in place that support the execution of the strategy.

Responsible for establishing and maintaining divisional standards in order to achieve and maintain the “5 star" status.

• Actively be involved in forecasting business levels to ensure proper labor coverage as needed.
• Reviews reports and financial statements to determine divisional operations performance against budget. Works with direct reports to determine areas of concern and establish ways to improve the department’s financial performance. Leads cost containment efforts within operations including organizational restructuring when necessary.

Ensures regular, on-going communication (e.g., pre-shift briefings, staff meetings). Continually communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results and models desired service behaviors in all interactions with guests and internal guests.

• Compare sales against par levels as established by the Executive Chef-Dir of Food & Beverage to ensure that correct purchasing controls are being exercised on a weekly basis.
• Continued cross training for staff members to eliminate additional superfluous hours if possible.
• Oversee and make recommendations for equipment purchases, monitor equipment repairs and ensure equipment is operating correctly or that is it repaired in a safe, timely manner.

Regularly monitor guest feedback & conduct one-on-ones with staff members to determine that they have the correct tools in proper working order to execute their jobs

Sets goals and expectations for direct reports using the performance review process and holds staff accountable for successful performance; coaches team by providing specific feedback to improve performance. Conducts annual performance appraisal with direct reports according to standard Human Resource guidelines.

Support the hotel philosophy concerning, but not limited to, training, hiring and employee relations.

Assist to develop, maintain, and inventory cellar and all other beverage including maintaining the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence wine cellar

Train service team members on wine, wine appreciation & appropriate wine pairings

• Ensure that Wine & all beverage purchases are at appropriate Cost of Goods and priced correctly on the menu
• Assist and develop creative beverage programs that are trendy and profitable

Conduct regular department walkthroughs and random inspections/service audits to ensure quality and consistency.

meetings as necessary, teaching and coaching staff on a daily basis.

Ensures all aspects of work & food handling adhere to all safety and sanitation procedures in accordance with Rhode Island State Health Codes and HACCP plans

Monitor cleaning and maintenance of all service equipment according to sanitation guidelines.

• Inform and or call in any discrepancies of equipment that is not in properly working order to maintain health codes.

Exercises empowerment to take corrective action if noticing something that does not adhere to set criteria as established by The Chanler, Forbes and AAA Criteria.

Displays a “Guest First” attitude & conducts themselves accordingly.

Oversee the planning and execution of special events, banquets and private functions

• All other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field
• Must have previous Forbes 5 Star experience
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in food and beverage management, in a luxury hotel or resort setting
• Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of achieving revenue and profit targets
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Creative and innovative mindset with a passion for culinary excellence
• Knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and best practices
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s payroll and talent management systems.