Executive Director, Food & Beverage Development

ACCOR; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 360,000 - 740,000; Full time

Job summary

Raffles and Fairmont brands under ACCOR in the United Arab Emirates seek a Senior F&B development professional to lead and support innovative F&B concepts across the portfolio. Translate brand strategy into distinctive, commercially successful dining experiences for new openings, renovations and strategic projects, driving guest satisfaction and revenue.

You will oversee end-to-end concept development, pre-opening support, governance with stakeholders, industry innovation, and

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in luxury hospitality F&B development.
• Experience with multi-property or corporate F&B development.
• Strong ability to translate brand strategy into actionable concepts.
• Proven track record in pre-opening and lifecycle management of outlets.
• Excellent stakeholder alignment and management skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Concept Development & Positioning: lead end-to-end F&B concept development aligned with brand standards.
• Project Delivery & Pre-Opening Support: oversee execution from concept to pre-opening.
• Stakeholder Alignment & Governance: liaise with owners and key stakeholders, ensure governance.
• Industry Intelligence & Innovation: monitor trends and translate insights into offerings.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: assess post-opening performance and refine concepts.

Skills

Concept development

Pre-opening

Stakeholder management

Financial projections

Market research

Job description

Role Overview

Lead and support the development and implementation of innovative Food & Beverage concepts across the Raffles and Fairmont brands. Ensure that new openings, renovations, and strategic F&B projects deliver distinctive, commercially successful, and brand‑aligned dining experiences, translating the overarching brand strategy into tangible, compelling restaurant, bar, and experiential offerings throughout the portfolio, enhancing guest satisfaction and driving revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Concept Development & Positioning – Lead end‑to‑end development of innovative, commercially viable F&B concepts from ideation to detailed proposition, ensuring alignment with Raffles and Fairmont brand standards and market trends. Define unique selling propositions and positioning for all new and renovated outlets to ensure competitive differentiation and guest appeal. Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities for brand innovation. Develop detailed business cases, including financial projections, operational requirements, and risk assessments.


• Project Delivery & Pre‑Opening Support – Oversee successful execution of F&B development projects from concept approval through to pre‑opening, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Collaborate closely with internal development, design, and operations teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration. Provide guidance during design and construction phases, prioritizing operational efficiency and guest experience. Develop and implement pre‑opening strategies, including operational manuals, service standards, and initial menu development in collaboration with culinary teams.


• Stakeholder Alignment & Governance – Act as primary F&B development liaison with hotel owners and key stakeholders, effectively communicating project vision, progress, and securing buy‑in. Facilitate decision‑making by presenting clear, data‑driven recommendations and managing expectations. Establish and maintain robust governance processes for concept approval, ensuring all projects meet brand guidelines, operational feasibility, and financial targets. Build strong relationships with internal departments (Operations, Technical Services, Procurement, Marketing) to ensure collaborative execution and successful activations.


• Industry Intelligence & Innovation – Continuously monitor global F&B trends, innovations, and best practices in the luxury hospitality sector. Translate market insights into actionable strategies and innovative offerings that enhance brand reputation and guest experience. Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within the F&B development process. Identify and evaluate potential partnerships with chefs, restaurateurs, and third‑party operators to enhance the portfolio.


• Performance Monitoring & Optimization – In collaboration with operations, contribute to post‑opening reviews to assess performance against objectives and identify areas for refinement. Develop scalable F&B concepts and operational models that can be adapted across a global portfolio.

Qualifications

Senior F&B development professional with 10–15+ years of experience in luxury hospitality, including multi‑property or corporate F&B development. Proven track record in hotel‑based F&B operations and standalone restaurant/bar development and concept creation. Demonstrated skills in concept development, pre‑opening projects, and full lifecycle of outlet creation and renovation. Strong exposure to luxury or premium environments, with deep understanding of guest expectations and service standards. Excellent stakeholder alignment and management skills, industry awareness, and innovative thinking.