Director Food & Beverage - Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Xanterra Travel Collection; Keystone (SD); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee housing

On-site meals

Laundry facility

Wi-Fi

Shuttle service

Career growth

Discounts

Referral bonus

No state income tax

Job summary

Xanterra Travel Collection at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is seeking a Food & Beverage Director to lead year-round operations across seven outlets, an employee dining room, and seasonal banquets. You’ll drive culinary innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences for a team of about 80 staff.

The role offers a demanding yet rewarding environment with growth opportunities, and requires strong leadership, budgeting, and regulatory compliance in a national park setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Food & Beverage management experience in a high-volume resort or park setting.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting and P&L accountability.
• ServSafe Managers and TIPS certifications required.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Dayforce, and POS systems.
• Ability to motivate and mentor employees at all levels.
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with Driver Safety Program.
• Willing to “pitch-in” and contribute to team tasks.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead Food & Beverage team to foster collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Coordinate with the Kitchen Manager to determine and monitor standards and establish the strategic direction of the department.
• Cultivate a learning environment that develops future leaders and promotes continuous improvement.
• Partner with corporate leadership to implement company-wide strategies and initiatives.
• Ensure seamless front-of-house and culinary operations to deliver superior guest satisfaction.
• Monitor guest feedback and service scores weekly; implement action plans to improve results.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and encourage creativity in menu development and presentation.
• Develop and execute annual operating budget.
• Review monthly P&L statements, analyze variances, and adjust forecasts as needed.
• Drive margin improvement programs and utilize KPIs for data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee adherence to all applicable laws, codes, and regulations (liquor, health, OSHA, ADA, EEOC).
• Ensure compliance with National Park Service contractual obligations, US Food Code, and sanitation standards.
• Conduct a physical audit weekly and share feedback, suggestions, and direction with the General Manager.
• Maintain satisfactory scores on all inspections and evaluations.
• Collaborate with internal resources to deliver ongoing training in customer service and technical skills.
• Ensure all staff meet required certifications and training schedules.
• During off peak at Mt. Rushmore, the F&B Director will be willing & capable of deploying and assisting in the management of F&B operations at the Oasis, located in Death Valley, California for up to one-month per year, during Q1 (peak season at the Oasis), as assigned.
• Understand and actively support Company’s Mission Statement, Core Values, and Sustainability efforts.

Skills

Lead teams

Budgeting

P&L accountability

ServSafe & TIPS

Communication

MS Office

Dayforce

POS systems

Driver's license

Tools

Dayforce

POS systems

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Live. Work. Explore. as a part of our Food & Beverage team at Mount Rushmore National Memorial! Located in the beautiful Black Hills region of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open year-round and operates retail shops and a variety dining outlets serving convenient grab-and-go meals and coffee. No matter what your job is, you will be a proud steward of the park and play an essential role in providing warm and friendly hospitality to all our guests.

We’re hiring Food & Beverage Director to Live. Work. Explore. in Mount Rushmore!

Job Summary

The Food & Beverage Director leads a year-round operation, featuring seven food outlets during peak season, an employee dining room, and banquets during the off-season. This role is responsible for culinary innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences while managing a team of approximately 80 employees.

The Details

Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Start Date: as soon as possible
Pay: $70,800 annually
Schedule: Typical schedule is 40 hours, 5 days per week (may include weekends, evenings, and holidays)

Why Mount Rushmore National Memorial?

We are a welcoming community who work hard, share a real passion for the environment, and enjoy crafting memorable experiences for our guests. As part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, we are the primary authorized concessionaire in Mount Rushmore, and proud stewards of the park.

Life in Mount Rushmore

• Employee housing (dormitory-style or RV site) and on-site employee meals (cafeteria-style)
• On-site laundry facility, Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth), employee shuttle service available during peak season
• Fast-paced, exciting work environment with plenty of upward mobility and growth opportunities
• Meet people of all ages from all over the country and world
• The adventure of a lifetime!

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Disability Insurance
• 401k with match
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Learning and Development Programs

Perks

• Black Hills VIP Training Pass discounts for local attractions
• Retail, lodging and travel discounts
• Planned employee trips and activities
• $350 referral bonus program
• No state income tax deductions in South Dakota

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead Food & Beverage team to foster collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Coordinate with the Kitchen Manager to determine and monitor standards and establish the strategic direction of the department.
• Cultivate a learning environment that develops future leaders and promotes continuous improvement.
• Partner with corporate leadership to implement company-wide strategies and initiatives.
• Ensure seamless front-of-house and culinary operations to deliver superior guest satisfaction.
• Monitor guest feedback and service scores weekly; implement action plans to improve results.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and encourage creativity in menu development and presentation.
• Develop and execute annual operating budget.
• Review monthly P&L statements, analyze variances, and adjust forecasts as needed.
• Drive margin improvement programs and utilize KPIs for data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee adherence to all applicable laws, codes, and regulations (liquor, health, OSHA, ADA, EEOC).
• Ensure compliance with National Park Service contractual obligations, US Food Code, and sanitation standards.
• Conduct a physical audit weekly and share feedback, suggestions, and direction with the General Manager.
• Maintain satisfactory scores on all inspections and evaluations.
• Collaborate with internal resources to deliver ongoing training in customer service and technical skills.
• Ensure all staff meet required certifications and training schedules.
• During off peak at Mt. Rushmore, the F&B Director will be willing & capable of deploying and assisting in the management of F&B operations at the Oasis, located in Death Valley, California for up to one-month per year, during Q1 (peak season at the Oasis), as assigned.
• Understand and actively support Company’s Mission Statement, Core Values, and Sustainability efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Food & Beverage management experience in a high-volume resort or park setting.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and P&L accountability.
• ServSafe Managers and TIPS certifications required.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Dayforce, and POS systems.
• Ability to motivate and mentor employees at all levels.
• Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and compliance with company Driver Safety Program
• Willing to “pitch-in” and help the team with tasks.
• Must be a positive team player with flexible schedules who like to have fun and have the passion to work.

Physical Requirements

• Constantly handling.
• Frequently standing, walking, sitting, reaching outward, and lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally reaching above shoulder, climbing, crawling, squatting/kneeling, bending, lifting/carrying over 11 pounds and pushing/pulling.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.