Director of Food & Beverage
Full job description
Director of Food & Beverage
JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT
Iconic 5+8-room Hilton Sydney is located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and is steps from Town Hall station and the QVB Light Rail stop. Amongst our operations, we are home to glass Brasserie, heritage listed Marble Bar and one of the largest Conferencing & Event spaces in Australia.
As Director Food and Beverage, you will report directly to the General Manager and be responsible for overseeing and managing the operations in Conferencing & Event Operations, Lobby Lounge, Room Service, glass Breakfast, glass Brasserie, Zeta Bar and Marble Bar. As a senior leader of Hilton Australasia’s flagship hotel, you will be responsible for leading daily activities to ensure team members are well trained and managed, excellent guest experiences provided, and performance targets met.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Hotel Strategy and Management
Lead from the front and with passion setting an example for your team and inspiring great performance
Work in conjunction with the hotel’s Commercial team to maximise revenue potential and profitability of all F&B Outlets including C&E
Maintain a high level of product, hotel and local area knowledge including up and coming industry trends
Monitor and review costs for all outlets, particularly payroll cost and beverage cost ensuring costs are within budget/forecast
Coordinate regular communication meetings to ensure all Food & Beverage leaders are well informed of hotel activities and strategy
Ensure that the appearance and condition of all outlets are consistently at their best. Monitor departments daily and ensure that housekeeping or engineering requirements are managed as timely and cost effectively as possible
Monitor and complete returns for incentive programs in F&B Outlets, ensuring that any incentives are achieving their intended aim of maximising profitability
Oversee the development of exciting menus and costing
Ensure all Food & Beverage team are fully trained and committed to upselling
As needed, liaise with Stewarding and F&B contractors to arrange outsourced staff – negotiate rates and contracts as required
Oversee monthly stock takes and inventory system management across F&B operations
Manage relationships with suppliers, in conjunction with the Purchasing Manager and inform the Supplier and Purchasing Manager of any substandard products
Ensure information systems in F&B departments are being used to maximum efficiency, within hotel operating guidelines. This includes point of sale systems and cash handling
Collaborate effectively with above property leadership to implement Region-wide Food & Beverage promotions and activations
Act as the point of contact for the restaurant consultant, coordinating and managing day to day activities
Alongside your F&B leaders, Executive Chef, and in collaboration with the hotel’s marketing team, create and implement marketing activations to achieve budget, forecast and agreed upon profit margins
Coordinate the entertainment strategy of the outlets and manage relationships with key entertainment partners
Ensure the hotels impact on Environmental Social Governance (ESG) is at the forefront of your mind when making decisions
Quality and Standards
Take a hands-on approach to overseeing the F&B Operation ensuring all guests receive their requirements in a timely manner, according to Hilton Brand Standards
Ensure the operation is in line with hotel standards of the HACCP program (Hazard, Analysis, Critical Control Point)
Ensure recording of required HACCAP tracking is performed as per standards, maintaining the accuracy of recording procedures
Initiate and conduct regular product knowledge sessions for all F&B team members with particular emphasis on up-selling
Be fully conversant with the hotel security, emergency and evacuation procedures and ensuring all personnel are completely trained in such procedures and to regularly conduct regular emergency procedure checks
Complete audits as required to ensure all legal requirements are met i.e. RSA audits, licensing, capacity restrictions etc.
Work at all times within HR best practices and the Hilton values
Adhere to and enforce policies and procedures for the F&B department
Ensure a high level of clear and concise communication is maintained with the General Manager, fellow leadership, and all other hotel departments, being receptive to other departments operational and accounting requirements
Guest Experience
Ensure guest expectations are surpassed on every occasion and should we fall short of achieving this, ensure that the guest has been contacted, and a satisfactory outcome is reached
Review, analyse and communicate guest satisfaction and quality assurance results, actively developing strategies and actions to improve and keep satisfaction scores above the benchmark
Promote the Hilton Honors loyalty program ensuring particular emphasis on enrolment and the satisfaction of all members
Assist and ensure the smooth and hassle-free running of various serving periods
Ensure all inquiries and requests are handled in a polite and efficient manner
Support the Commercial team with client visits to the Food & Beverage outlets
Create rapport with regular guests, conferencing & events clients and PCOs
Ensure a consistently high standard of presentation is maintained by all team members in line with hotel policy
Team Culture
Utilise the hotel’s recruitment system to recruit new team members following approved manning forecasts and budgets
Welcome, induct and train new team members as per Hilton’s Brand Standards ensuring training records are kept updated and training completed within required timeframes
Ensure team members are well managed by having clear and personalised objectives
Review performance on a regular and consistent basis. Ensure pulse checks, mid-year and annual reviews take place during the required time frame and emphasize personal and skills development
In conjunction with Human Resources, create and implement retention and succession plans
Deal effectively with instances of poor performance liaising with the hotel’s Human Resources department as necessary
Ensure communication between the Food & Beverage departments, and all other areas of the hotel is professional, efficient and thorough
Act as a mentor and coach, providing guidance and recommendations to department leaders and managers
Ensure regular communication meetings are held within all areas of Food & Beverage and that Hilton’s priorities, strategy, vision and values are known throughout the department
Create and implement action plans to respond to annual Team Member Survey feedback and improve Hilton Sydney’s workplace
Ensure that work schedules and rosters are written according to hotel needs and in compliance to the relevant industry award
Effectively manage team member leave balances including annual leave & time in lieu owed
Ensure that any overtime or irregularities are properly recorded and managed
Oversee timekeeping and attendance system sign off at the end of each payroll period
THE PERSON – QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Innovative, dynamic, and hands-on leader with a consistent and high level of attention to detail
Passion for culinary and dining trends with view to ensure Hilton Sydney is the market leader
Sound financial & commercial acumen, with experience in drafting, analysing, and managing budgets and forecasts
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Outstanding coach, mentor and leader, committed to personal development
Excellent cost control and profit generating skills
A demonstrated ability to conduct detailed analytics of revenue and propose strategies to address any concerns
Exceptional stake holder management skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholder expectations including General Managers, Hilton leadership and owners
Valid NSW Responsible Service of ******* Competency Card
A degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management or equivalent is advantageous
Previous similar leadership experience in international hotel chains
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO JOIN THE HILTON SYDNEY TEAM?
Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. Joining this award-winning Great Place to Work culture means:
A competitive compensation package including annual bonus plan, complimentary gym Platinum Fitness First membership and on-site parking
A monthly dry-cleaning allowance for your business wardrobe
110 discounted travel nights per year for you, your friends or family to enjoy at any of our 8000+ hotels located in 138 countries and territories around the world
Food & Beverage discounts so you don’t just stay when you travel but also enjoy dining experiences
Flexibility so you can Thrive and make space for what matters most
Working alongside an experienced and dynamic leadership team in our hallmark property, this role provides an exceptional opportunity for growth and Hilton career progression