Director of Food & Beverage

Job description / Role

Company Description

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida'a Kuwait is situated on a stunning beach with white sand merging into azure waters. Located just 15 minutes from Kuwait International Airport and ten minutes from Kuwait's well-known shopping district in Salmiya, our 5 star hotel has a location that suits both business and leisure travellers alike. Shopping destinations, restaurants and a cinema complex are also located nearby for those who would like to discover the city.

Job Description

Director, Food & Beverage

As the Director Food & Beverage you will provide vision and leadership that fosters an engaged team and ensures quality, efficiency and superior service in the Food and Beverage division. The successful Director of Food & Beverage is a leader who will balance all stakeholders' expectations by driving new and dynamic Food & Beverage experiences for our guests that go beyond the food and beverage itself. The Director Food & Beverage will provide innovative learning experiences for the Food and Beverage colleagues' base that drives the definition of luxury and ensures the brand continues to elevate its reputation.

What is in it for you:

- Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide.
- Learning programs through our Academies and the opportunity to earn qualifications while you work
- Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
- Ability to make a difference in the local community through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21

What you will be doing:

- Supports to General Manager in his assignment and assures that set objectives are understood and implemented in the operation.
- Lead, manage and inspire the Food & Beverage Division, including Outlets, Banquets, Culinary, and stewarding, ensuring all service standards are followed.
- Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts, creating a destination of choice for both Hotel and external guests.
- Ensuring optimal performance by being a consistent presence on the floor to support and lead the team to deliver service excellence.
- Work closely and in partnership with the culinary & stewarding teams to ensure that all food & beverage service aspects exceed guest expectations and promote teamwork as a strong component of the luxury service culture.
- Follow up on guest complaints with the leadership team and ensure appropriate internal follow up, including implementing training resolutions and effective performance management where applicable.
- Maintain a first class and positive visual impact within the outlets including ambiance, cleanliness, orderliness, décor and service flows.
- Ensure the implementation and adherence of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits!
- Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service
- Liaise with other all the Food & Beverage departments to ensure that all resources are being effectively utilized and that the entire division operates as a unified force.
- Analyze Food & Beverage business trends to develop accurate forecasts and strategies to maximize profits.
- Prepare annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Assist in the preparation of the Hotel's annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein.
- Provide vision and creativity in renovation opportunities.
- Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets.
- Drive revenue and profit through the development and implementation of strategies, practices and promotions while maintaining the integrity of the overall concept.
- Implement effective control of food, beverage, labour and operating expenses throughout the Food & Beverage division.
- Manage the beverage inventory and ensuring cost controls are in place. Effectively monitor and continue to develop Food & Beverage controls.
- Ensure the effective scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing levels that satisfy guest and business needs, while following the Collective Agreement.
- Demonstrate, and hold the team accountable to, the highest standards of internal and external luxury customer service at all times.
- Have a great knowledge of the Collective Agreement and its applications within the department and hotel.
- Demonstrate a talent-based approach to recruitment, including creating, evaluating and executing effective recruitment, training, retention, development and leadership strategies for the department.
- Drive and promote the growth and development of internal talent.
- Effective performance management through focus on development, training, problem resolution, maintain up-to-date records on performance and audits, attendance, grooming, service deficiencies, schedules, labor costs/payroll, and late/absenteeism.
- Participate in regularly scheduled departmental meetings.
- Ensure the achievement of Employee Engagement Survey objectives. Foster and maintain high team spirit within the different departments.
- Coordinates on a day-to-day basis with outlet managers the smooth running of the operation.
- Develop and maintain a safety culture within the department and ensure departmental adherence to and awareness of Health & Safety standards.
- Ensure the safety, repair, maintenance and sanitation of both front and heart of house restaurant operations per provincial health regulations & Enclosure standards.
- Ensures that all policies and standards of the other departments, (personnel, accounting, engineering, etc.) which affect F&B are implemented, understood, communicated within the department and adhered to by all F&B personnel.
- Work a flexible schedule that meets business demands, including evenings/nights, weekends and holidays.
- Analyze data and trends to create strategies for improvement, while being innovative and upholding the standards.
- Develops and supports Profit Centers in supporting Centre Managers, honoring their "Management Charters" and allowing them independence and authority necessary true Centre Manager status.
- Provide leadership and participate in relevant community events and hotel events.
- An active member of our Hotel's Executive Committee
- Assures that, standards of quality and procedures established for the Food & Beverage Department are understood and implemented in all food and beverage outlets and departments.
- Supports the General Manager in insuring that professional development opportunities are made available to members of the F&B management group whether in the form of "cross training", "special courses" advancement and promotion, or in some other form.
- Ensures that, high standards of professional conduct and ethics are adhered to by yourself and your staff in dealing with colleagues, employees, customers, vendors, contractors and the community in which the hotel is located.
- Should be familiar with the major relevant Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Operational Standards relevant to her area of responsibility as well as the local/domestic policies and procedures and consider them within her/his daily scope of work.

Requirements

Your experience and skills include:
- Previous Food & Beverage experience in a senior leadership role with broad operational knowledge required.
- Five years' experience in 5 Star Hotels.
- Previous luxury resort experience preferred.
- University/College degree in a related discipline preferred.
- Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required.
- Proven ability to analyze data and trends to create strategies for improvement.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Highly responsible & reliable
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work cohesively as part of a team.
- Ability to focus attention on guest and colleague needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times.

Your team and working environment:
- Hospitality employees worldwide making this a great place to develop lifelong connections.
- Fast-paced, upscale, luxury hotel.

About the Company

A caring employer providing respect, training and career development for our employees. An attractive employer offering more than 100 professions across the 5 continents.

We are much more than a world leader. We are 250,000 hoteliers with the same shared passion for welcoming. We take care of millions of guests in our 4,300 addresses and on our digital platforms. As an operator and franchisor (HotelServices), owner and investor (HotelInvest), we invest all our energy into making "Feel Welcome" resonate as the finest hotel promise.

From luxury to economy and in every corner of the globe, AccorHotels'​ more than 20 brands meet all the needs of business and leisure travelers seeking comfort, attention and high-quality services.