Director of Food & Beverage - Twin Farms

Relais & Châteaux•Barnard, VT

10d•$85,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Food & Beverage will oversee restaurant service for two dining venues, beverage programming, in-room dining, events, and the overall guest dining experience. This leader will work closely with the Executive Chef, General Manager, and department leaders to ensure seamless communication, thoughtful planning, strong team development, and consistent execution across all front-of-house food and beverage outlets. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, polished hospitality professional with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of luxury service, and the ability to balance creativity, operational discipline, financial responsibility, and genuine care for both guests and team members. Forbes Four-Star/Five-Star and/or Relais & Châteaux experience is strongly preferred.

Requirements

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive Food & Beverage leadership experience, preferably in luxury hotels, resorts, fine dining, private clubs, or high-end hospitality environments.
Prior experience as a Director of Food & Beverage, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, Restaurant General Manager, or similar leadership role preferred.
Strong knowledge of luxury service standards, fine dining, wine and beverage service, and personalized guest experiences.
Proven ability to lead, train, motivate, and hold teams accountable.
Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, labor management, forecasting, inventory, and cost control.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in a fast-paced, high-touch environment.
High attention to detail and commitment to exceptional guest service.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods.
ServSafe, TIPS, or similar certifications preferred or required within an established timeframe.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work in dining rooms, kitchens, storage areas, event spaces, and outdoor service environments as needed.
Ability to bend, reach, climb stairs, and move throughout the property during service and operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Forbes Four-Star/Five-Star and/or Relais & Châteaux experience is strongly preferred.
Warm, polished, and professional presence.
Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to support the team wherever needed.
Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Calm and gracious under pressure.
Collaborative and communicative across departments.
Passion for hospitality, food, wine, service, and creating memorable guest experiences.
Respect for tradition, excellence, and the details that define luxury hospitality.

Responsibilities

Lead, support, and develop the Food & Beverage team, including managers, supervisors, servers, bartenders, hosts, and support staff.
Set clear expectations for service standards, communication, professionalism, and accountability.
Foster a positive, respectful, and service-focused team culture.
Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and evaluate team members in partnership with Human Resources and property leadership.
Provide consistent feedback, mentoring, and development opportunities for the team.
Ensure staffing levels align with business needs, guest expectations, and budget goals.
Ensure all food and beverage experiences reflect the luxury standards and personalized service culture of Twin Farms.
Maintain a visible floor presence during service periods, events, and peak guest times.
Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly and professionally to feedback, concerns, and special requests.
Partner with the Culinary team to ensure menu knowledge, dietary needs, timing, presentation, and service flow are well communicated and executed.
Support a culture of thoughtful hospitality, attention to detail, and genuine guest connection.
Oversee daily Food & Beverage operations, including dining room service, bar service, private dining, in-room dining, events, and special experiences.
Create and maintain operating procedures, service standards, opening and closing checklists, training materials, and communication tools.
Lead pre-shift meetings and ensure the team is informed of guest preferences, dietary restrictions, VIPs, events, and operational priorities.
Coordinate closely with Culinary, Housekeeping, Front Office, Maintenance, Spa, and other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.
Monitor service flow, reservations, staffing plans, supplies, equipment, and overall readiness.
Ensure cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards are maintained in all Food & Beverage areas.
Oversee the beverage program in partnership with the appropriate leadership team members.
Ensure strong knowledge and execution of wine, spirits, cocktails, non-alcoholic offerings, and pairing experiences.
Support training and education around beverage service, responsible alcohol service, and product knowledge.
Monitor beverage inventory, cost controls, ordering, and presentation standards.
Manage Food & Beverage budgets, labor costs, purchasing, inventory, revenue goals, and expense controls.
Review financial performance regularly and identify opportunities for improvement.
Support menu pricing, service charges, event pricing, and cost management in collaboration with property leadership.
Ensure accurate payroll review, scheduling, invoice processing, and administrative reporting.
Use data, guest feedback, and operational observations to improve performance and efficiency.
Partner with leadership and relevant departments to plan and execute private dining, special events, celebrations, tastings, and unique guest experiences.
Ensure event details are clearly communicated and executed according to guest expectations.
Support creative programming that enhances the Twin Farms experience while maintaining operational feasibility and service excellence.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and employment regulations.
Maintain high standards for food safety, cleanliness, equipment care, and workplace safety.
Ensure team members are properly trained on policies, procedures, emergency protocols, and responsible service standards.
Uphold Twin Farms policies and model professionalism, discretion, and respect at all times.