Director of Food and Beverage

Highgate • Key West, FL, US • 3d ago

Yearly

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com

Location

Located in historic Old Town, Southernmost Beach Resort expands over 6 acres on a serene part of the island with Atlantic Ocean front views, gorgeous Key West architecture, and all the amenities you desire in a beach resort. Just a short walk or bike ride from Key West’s boutique shops, art galleries, eclectic restaurants, and non-stop nightlife, the resort spans over two city blocks and offers guest rooms that are located within easy reach of both the beach and world-famous Duval Street.

Overview

The Director of Food & Beverage is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all property food and beverage operations, while maintaining a profitable F&B department and high quality products and service levels. He/she is expected to market ideas to promote business; reduce employee turnover; maintain revenue and payroll budgets; and meet budgeted productivity while keeping quality consistently high.

Responsibilities

Leads all food & beverage operations across restaurants, bars, banquets, and special venues, ensuring consistent service standards.
Drives financial performance through budgeting, forecasting, cost control, menu engineering, and revenue optimization.
Maintains a strong daily presence in the operation, supporting teams, resolving issues, and ensuring smooth execution across a large, spread‑out property.
Recruits, trains, and develops managers and staff while fostering a positive service culture and ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
Oversees supply chain and inventory planning, proactively managing the logistical challenges of island operations.
Partners with culinary, sales, and marketing teams to enhance guest experience, develop programming, and execute events and banquets.
Implements strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, sustainability, guest satisfaction, and overall F&B quality.

Qualifications

At least 6 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 4-year college degree and at least 3 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and 4 or more years of related experience.
Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
Long hours sometimes required.
Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing nametags.
Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
Perform other duties as requested by management.
Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.