Food & Beverage Director jobs in Des Moines, IA

FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR

The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center at Iowa State University is seeking a Food & Beverage Director.

The Gateway is the largest, full-service, hotel and conference center in Ames, Iowa; with 187 guest rooms, a three-meal restaurant, and 18,000 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting space.

Summary 

The Food & Beverage Director is responsible to ensure first class hospitality is being delivered in an enthusiastic manner that exceeds guest expectations. Lead the food & beverage team to satisfy our guests and groups to enhance the perception of our quality, creativity, and reputation.  Be engaged with our connection and history to support the missions of Iowa State University.

Responsibilities

• Be professional, highly visible and “hands-on” in all areas of the Food and Beverage Operations.  
• Plan, direct, communicate, assign and delegate responsibility and authority for the operation of the various food and beverage departments, e.g. banquets, conference services, restaurant, room service, kitchens, and stewarding.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop departmental teams to ensure highest level of hospitality service.
• Oversees departmental leadership and work schedules to ensure staffing in accordance with business demands.
• Manage employee and team performance to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Works toward continuous improvement of guest and employee satisfaction, along with operational efficiency and productivity.

• Manages inventories, supplies, and equipment.        
• Uses all available on the job training tools for employees; leads on-going training initiatives and conduct training.
• Enter data and update the Micros system.  
• Processes payroll and gratuity distribution accurately.  
• Monitors guest and group satisfaction and creates action plans to address systems and performance improvement.
• Update and deploy pricing strategy to continually grow revenue.
• Effectively manage and be in control of equipment and supply inventories.  
• Engages with sales staff and meeting planners to best represent the food & beverage division.  
• Ensures billing timeliness and accuracy.  
• Develops and implements strategies to achieve employee and guest satisfaction goals as measured by our comment cards and Internet feedback results.

• Troubleshoot and investigate discrepancies to improve systems and individual performance.
• Ensure that food & beverage front-of-house and back-of-house are clean, organized, and maintained, to exceed guest and employee expectations.
• Submit work orders to facilities department of items that need repaired or replaced.
• Participate in all monthly inventories of China, Glass, Silver, Uniforms, Linens, Food and Liquor and ensure its accuracy.
• Implement and monitor effective cost controls of food, beverage, and labor.
• Participate in Manager on Duty coverage requiring constant monitoring throughout the hotel.
• Maintains the highest safety and security standards for hotel guests and employees.
• Follows up with accident investigations and works proactively to ensure a safe work environment.

Qualifications 

• The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/experience.
• 2-3 years of work experience in a related position in the hospitality industry preferred.

• Knowledgeable about food safety and handling in accordance with federal and state regulations, codes, and laws.  
• Knowledgeable about proper alcohol service and state laws pertaining to alcohol service.  
• Must be able to work flexible shifts including holidays and weekends.
• Experienced with food and beverage industry standards.        
• Ability to effectively manage, lead, and inspire internal and external customers.  
• High level of professionalism, patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.  
• Strong working knowledge of Micros, Microsoft Excel and Word required.
• Additional computer systems experience including payroll processing and Outlook are preferred.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently, without direct supervision as part of a cohesive team.
• Ability to think clearly, analyze and resolve problems, while exercising good judgment.
• Knowledgeable of federal, state and local laws governing equal employment opportunity and civil rights, occupational safety and health, wage and hour issues, and labor relations.

Reporting Relationships:

       Direct Reports:  Banquet Manager 

                                        IowaStater Restaurant Manager

The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.