Director of Restaurants

Recess; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Complimentary daily team meals

Employee discounts at properties

Job summary

Recess Hotel & Club is seeking an experienced and inspiring Director of Restaurants to lead and elevate our dining operations across multiple outlets. You will drive guest experiences, develop teams, and oversee budgets to achieve financial performance in a luxury hospitality setting.

The ideal candidate has a strong leadership presence, a track record of building high-performing teams, and a commitment to thoughtful hospitality.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in food & beverage, preferably luxury/lifestyle hotel
• Ability to lead multiple outlets and deliver strong operational results
• Strong leadership presence with track record of developing teams and driving engagement
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Strong business acumen including budgeting, forecasting and cost control
• Exceptional interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
• Solutions-oriented mindset with decisive action and high standards of presentation

Responsibilities

• Oversee dining outlets, ensuring consistency with brand standards
• Lead and inspire outlet leaders and front-of-house teams
• Drive operational excellence focusing on service quality, efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Partner with culinary, beverage, and brand teams for cohesive dining experiences
• Engage with guests and club members, resolving concerns professionally
• Maintain high standards for food & beverage quality, presentation, and service
• Develop and manage annual budgets and monitor financial performance
• Set goals for outlet performance and hold leaders accountable
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and alcohol regulations
• Oversee inventory management and implement tracking controls
• Collaborate with other departments to support events and guest experiences
• Provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities for staff

Skills

Leadership

Operations leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Cost control

Communication skills

Time management

Presentation standards

Job description

Recess is where the everyday takes a break.

Recess Hotel & Club is bringing a new kind of hospitality to the heart of Savannah. Housed within the historic Manger Building, Recess blends a 221-room lifestyle hotel with a members club, rooftop pool, French brasserie, wellness club, coworking spaces, and lively social venues—all designed around one simple idea: life is better when there's room to play.

Recess is the newest project from Left Lane , the team behind Hotel Bardo Savannah. In just one year, Bardo has earned Condé Nast Traveler's inaugural Triple Crown distinction —recognizing hotels that have achieved the publication'sHot List,Gold List, andReaders' Choice Awards—along with the inaugural Michelin Key designation and recognition fromTravel + Leisureas one of the Best New Hotels of the Year. It's this same commitment to thoughtful hospitality and unforgettable experiences that we're bringing to Recess.

We're building more than a hotel. We're building a team of people who believe great hospitality is thoughtful, personal, and a little unexpected. Whether you're welcoming guests, creating memorable meals, keeping the operation running seamlessly, or leading a team, every role helps shape the Recess experience from day one.

If you're curious, collaborative, and excited by the opportunity to build something from the ground up, we'd love to meet you.

Find and seek. Stay here, play here. Welcome to Recess.

About the role

Recess Hotel & Club is seeking an experienced and inspiring Director of Restaurants to lead and elevate our dining operations.

The Director of Restaurants is responsible for the overall success of all restaurant operations, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight while driving exceptional guest experiences, team development, and financial performance. This individual will lead restaurant leaders and teams across multiple outlets, ensuring consistency in service standards, operational excellence, and alignment with the vision and values of Recess Hotel & Club.

The ideal candidate is a passionate hospitality professional with a strong leadership presence, a commitment to excellence, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams. Through their leadership, they will foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and genuine hospitality while delivering memorable experiences that strengthen guest loyalty and drive business success.

What you'll do

• Oversee dining outlet, ensuring consistency in service, execution, and alignment with brand standards
• Lead, develop, and inspire outlet leaders and front-of-house teams, creating a culture of accountability and engagement
• Drive operational excellence across all outlets, with a focus on service quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction
• Partner with culinary, beverage, and brand teams to deliver cohesive and well-executed dining experiences
• Actively engage with guests and club members, anticipating needs and resolving concerns with professionalism and care
• Establish and maintain high standards for food and beverage quality, presentation, and service
• Develop and manage annual budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement strategies to achieve revenue and cost targets
• Set clear goals and expectations for outlet performance, tracking progress and holding leaders accountable
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations
• Oversee inventory management and implement effective tracking and control processes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to support programming, events, and overall guest experience
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities for leaders and team members

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in food and beverage, preferably within a luxury or lifestyle hotel environment
• Proven ability to lead multiple outlets and deliver strong operational and financial results
• Strong leadership presence with a track record of developing teams and driving engagement
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Strong business acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to think critical and act decisively
• High standards for presentation, professionalism, and service execution

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and move banquet equipment as needed.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules based on business demands.

Why Recess?

Build something from the beginning.

• Join the opening team behind one of Savannah's most anticipated lifestyle hotels and help shape the guest experience from day one.

Take care of yourself.

• Medical, dental, vision, and wellness benefits for eligible full-time team members
• Company-matched 401(k) with fast vesting
• Up to 20 days of paid time off, paid holidays, and a paid birthday
• Complimentary daily team member meal

Experience the brand.

• Complimentary two-night stay at HotelRecess & Club Savannah
• Team member discounts on dining, Saltgrass Spa treatments, retail, and The Cooking School at Saint Bibiana
• Complimentary fitness classes

Travel farther.

• Employee rates at select Leading Hotels of the World properties
• Discounts at Highgate hotels worldwide

Grow with Left Lane.

• Referral incentives and guest recognition programs
• Career development opportunities across a growing hospitality portfolio
• The opportunity to help shape one of hospitality's most exciting lifestyle brands