Director, Food & Beverage - FAIRMONT
Chicago, IL
About the Job
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
At Fairmont, our passion is to connect our guests to the very best of our destinations. Our hotels offer guests extraordinary places, created by combining unique architecture, expressive décor and artistry and magnificent features. Add engaging service and the result is an unforgettable guest experience.
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park features beautifully appointed, extraordinarily spacious guestrooms and spectacular suites, including 84 newly renovated rooms and Fairmont Gold Lounge along with our recently launched pan-Latin Restaurant in partnership with Richard Sandoval Hospitality. Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers a superior and distinctive array of amenities and services, including seasonal pop-ups and luxury event space.
Job Description
The Director of Food & Beverage will lead and oversee all aspects of the food and beverage operations at Fairmont Chicago, ensuring exceptional guest experiences that reflect the luxury and innovation of our brand. With our signature restaurant – Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval, extensive conference and banquet facilities, and curated pop-up experiences, this role demands a creative leader with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, strategic operational management, and a passion for culinary and beverage excellence.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Reporting to the Director of Operations, your key responsibilities will be:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a forward-thinking F&B strategy aligned with the hotel’s vision and financial goals.
- Lead innovative concepts for the restaurant, conference and banquet spaces, and pop-up experiences to elevate guest experiences and brand recognition.
- Stay ahead of trends in luxury dining, beverages, and event design to position the property as a market leader.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee daily F&B operations, ensuring seamless coordination between the restaurant, banqueting, bar, and pop-up events.
- Maintain the concept integrity of Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval through the culinary and service teams and strong partnership with marketing.
- Implement and maintain exceptional service standards across all F&B outlets.
- Develop and monitor operational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
Team Leadership and Development
- Support recruitment and training and inspire a high-performing F&B team, including chefs, managers, servers, and event staff.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Provide support and guidance to all Food & Beverage leaders creating an environment of growth and development.
Guest Experience
- Champion guest satisfaction, addressing and resolving feedback promptly and effectively.
- Work closely with the culinary team to curate unique dining experiences that exceed expectations.
- Personally interact with guests to build relationships and gather insights to enhance offerings.
Financial Management
- Drive revenue growth by developing and executing pricing, promotions, and sales strategies across food & beverage.
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance, identifying areas for cost control and revenue optimization.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to promote dining experiences, conferences, and special events.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience within luxury brands leading service and kitchen teams.
- Previous experience within a Union environment required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of budget planning and financial controls.
- Computer literate in Microsoft Windows applications required.
- University/College degree in a related discipline preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
- Highly responsible & reliable.
- Ability to work cohesively as part of a team.
- Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times.
Additional Information
Visa Requirements: Successful candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.
Why work for Accor?
We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.
By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/
Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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