Director, F&B

Churchill Downs•Richmond, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Food & Beverage provides leadership and strategic planning for all facets of Food & Beverage department operations in a fast-paced gaming and entertainment environment. The role is accountable for guest experience, revenue, profitability, operational consistency, product quality, team performance, and compliance, while maintaining Company quality and Food & Beverage standards. The Director leads and develops department team members and leaders, establishes operating standards and plans, and directs assigned outlets, including restaurants, bars, concessions, and buffets. The position manages financial performance and controllable costs, oversees menu and beverage programs, inventory, suppliers, and service quality, and partners with property leadership and Marketing on property priorities, promotions, events, and guest needs. The role also ensures compliance with applicable health, safety, food handling, sanitation, alcohol service, gaming, and other regulatory requirements and Company policies. Regular onsite presence is required. Business travel may be required to support other Company properties. Work may involve long or varied hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events, depending on business needs. The work environment can be moderate to loud, with varying crowds, flashing lights, and possible exposure to smoke in some property areas.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including developing leaders, managing performance, and building effective teams.
Ability to think strategically, translate business objectives into operating plans, and plan over a one-to-three-year horizon as appropriate to the position.
Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, inventory management, and analysis of operating results.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public-speaking capabilities as appropriate to the position.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality and gaming environment.
Strong knowledge of restaurant and beverage operations, including menu development, costing, labor management, food and beverage trends, service standards, and hospitality operations.
Knowledge of wine, food, spirits, and beverage operations commensurate with property offerings.
Digital literacy and proficiency with systems and computer programs used in Food & Beverage operations.
Ability to obtain and maintain racing and/or gaming licenses as required in applicable jurisdictions; must pass required background investigations and licensing requirements.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Progressive Food & Beverage leadership experience in a restaurant, casino, hotel, racing, entertainment, or comparable hospitality environment.
Experience leading multiple Food & Beverage outlets and managing financial performance, labor, service, and operational standards.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale gaming and hospitality operations with responsibility for financial performance, regulatory compliance, team member engagement, and guest satisfaction.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead hiring, training, development, performance management, and efficient deployment of Food & Beverage team members and leaders.
Plan and organize workloads, staffing levels, schedules, and assignments; set performance expectations and hold team members accountable.
Establish and maintain department standards, operating procedures, service expectations, goals, budgets, staffing plans, and administrative processes.
Direct assigned Food & Beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, concessions, buffets, and other operations, ensuring leadership coverage and daily operating requirements are met.
Analyze operating reports and financial results; manage revenue, labor, food and beverage costs, expenses, inventory, and other controllable costs to achieve budget and profitability objectives.
Manage restaurant and beverage operations to maximize profitability while maintaining product quality, service standards, food safety, and guest satisfaction.
Oversee menu and beverage program development, pricing, costing, and POS accuracy; evaluate offerings for quality, guest demand, operational feasibility, and financial performance.
Review operational performance and implement changes to improve service, effectiveness, productivity, and financial results.
Work with suppliers on product specifications, purchasing, inventory, and departmental needs while following procurement and cost-control procedures.
Maintain appropriate inventory controls and ensure products and supplies are properly received, stored, secured, and accounted for.
Maintain cooperative relationships with property leadership and other departments to align Food & Beverage priorities with property goals, events, promotions, and guest needs.
Promote guest satisfaction through visible leadership, timely resolution of service concerns, and interaction with guests and team members.
Partner with Marketing and property leadership on promotions, events, offerings, and initiatives to attract guests and increase Food & Beverage revenue.
Enforce compliance with health, safety, food handling, sanitation, alcohol service, gaming, and other regulatory requirements, as well as Company policies and departmental procedures.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.