Director of Food & Beverage

The Dewberry Charleston•Charleston, SC

5h•Onsite

About The Position

At The Dewberry Charleston, food and beverage is central to who we are—thoughtful, elevated, and deeply connected to place. We are seeking a Director of Food & Beverage to lead and shape a dynamic, multi-outlet program at one of Charleston’s most distinctive luxury hotels. This role oversees the full scope of Food & Beverage operations, managing both front and back of house with a strong focus on consistency, quality, and financial results. Key priorities include launching a new signature restaurant, guiding two acclaimed, award-winning lounges, refining the in-room dining experience, and partnering closely with banquets and catering. A highly visible leader, this individual will collaborate with senior leadership and ownership to set strategic direction while remaining actively involved in daily operations. Success requires both creativity and discipline—enhancing the guest experience while maintaining strong control over profitability, costs, and operational standards. The ideal candidate brings proven experience as a Director of Food & Beverage in a luxury hotel or resort setting. Candidates with backgrounds as an Executive Chef, Beverage Director, or Restaurant General Manager will also be considered if they demonstrate success with new openings, strong financial acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Experience owning or operating a concept is a plus. We are looking for a leader with presence and perspective—someone who motivates teams, leads from the floor when needed, and understands the nuances of exceptional hospitality. A passion for quality, a hands-on approach, and the ability to drive both culture and performance are essential. The Dewberry is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, bordering Marion Square, just steps from the shopping and dining on King Street, Museum Mile and The Gaillard Center. Offering 153 thoughtfully appointed rooms, world-class service and unparalleled views, The Dewberry occupies the former L. Mendel Rivers (circa 1964) federal building and pays homage to Charleston’s century architectural splendor. The hotel is the result of owner John Dewberry’s vision of “Southern ReimaginedTM,” which he developed over the course of an eight-year renovation and preservation of the building. The Dewberry features several event spaces along with the nationally celebrated cocktail program at the brass bar in The Living Room, the whimsical cocktail lounge Citrus Club, treatments at our urban oasis, The Spa, as well as the curated boutique The Shop. Recognized globally for its excellence, The Dewberry is known among teammates, guests, and the community as a leader in the field of hospitality. As a brand, The Dewberry teammates, experience, and brand are authentic, humble, and innovative operators driven to anticipate needs and exceed expectations.

Requirements

Strong track record of leadership and develop/mentorship skills.
Four-year college degree in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts.
5-10 years as a Food and Beverage Director level title held in a fine-dining group of outlets within a Luxury Hotel Property.
Excellent Written and Oral Communication skills.
Ability to deal with difficult internal and external guests with tact, professionalism and diplomacy.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak in front of large groups or customers and/or teammates.
Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience owning or operating a concept is a plus.

Responsibilities

Create and implement market leading offerings throughout the department in a stylish and contemporary way.
Approves menu items, pricing, and menu designs for all outlets, special events, and banquet events.
Create a service culture which focuses on delighting the customer and surprising them with creativity, anticipation and a high degree of authenticity.
Take responsibility for marketing, sales, profitability and quality service goals for the Food and Beverage Department.
Preparing and executing the operating budget for each department’s revenue outlets; monitors and takes correct action as necessary to help ensure that budgeted sales and cost goals are attained.
Develops a capital budget for all necessary food and beverage equipment; recommends facility renovation needs.
Works with the hotel’s Finance team to identify and develop operating reports for ongoing control of the department.
Research new products and evaluate their cost and profit benefits.
Establishes, updates, and maintains all written standards and procedures for the department as needed.
Responsible for proper cash and charge procedures, guest check analysis, tip reports, ticket controls and daily sales reports and analysis.
Greet guests and oversees actual service on a routine, random basis.
Maintains control of food, beverage and supply costs and inventory by adhering to standards for purchasing and inventory control.
Ensures accuracy of inventory and invoices.
Reviews new techniques for food preparation and presentation to maximize guest satisfaction and minimize food costs.
Helps develop wine lists and wine sales promotion program.
Monitors teammates’ records to minimize overtime and keep labor cost within budget.
Maintains food and beverage personnel records.
Monitors teammate dress codes according to policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain professional business relations with vendors.
Recommends operating hours for all food and beverage outlets.
Maintains records of special events, house counts, food covers, and daily business volumes.
Consults with the team leaders to ensure the highest level of guest satisfaction at minimum cost.
Hire, train, communicate, motivate, and lead food and beverage team to reach their fullest potential.
Assures effective orientation and training of new teammates and that professional development activities for experienced staff are planned and implemented.
Ensure that all new teammates receive the appropriate safety instructions and training; establishes and enforces all safety policies and procedures including OSHA regulations and ensure that appropriate proof of training is documented to the teammate’s personnel file.
Implement and monitor sanitation and cleaning schedules of all food and beverage equipment and facilities.
Ensure all legal requirements are consistently followed, including wage/hour and federal, state or local laws for food safety and the sale/consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Audits and approves payroll as needed.
Maintain a favorable working relationship with all team members to foster and promote a cooperative and authentic climate in food and beverage department.
Address guest complaints and advise the Hotel Manager about appropriate corrective actions taken.
Assure that all applicable hotel policies and procedures are followed.
Represent The Dewberry with professionalism, warmth, discretion, and consistency.
Maintain strong relationships with local vendors, cultural institutions, and preferred partners.
Actively protect and elevate The Dewberry’s brand reputation and guest loyalty.