Food & Beverage Director (Fine Dining)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Pension plan

Subsidized meals

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a visionary Food & Beverage Director to lead multiple outlets in a renowned culinary institution. The role oversees strategy, guest experience, and profitability.

You will mentor chefs, sommeliers, and service staff, manage budgets, and ensure HACCP compliance while driving culinary innovation and superior service across venues and banqueting.

This senior leadership opportunity requires 7+ years in F&B with director experience and willingness to relocate to Durban.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Food & Beverage management with at least 3 years in a Director-level role in a fine dining or luxury hotel setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-outlet F&B operations and drive profitability.
• Strong knowledge of culinary trends, beverage management, and guest experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. HACCP knowledge is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the F&B strategy, including menu engineering, pricing, and promotions.
• Manage daily F&B operations across multiple outlets to ensure quality and service.
• Lead, train, and motivate the F&B team including chefs, sommeliers, service staff, and bar managers.
• Control costs, manage inventory, and optimize procurement to maximize profitability.
• Ensure health, safety, and hygiene regulations compliance.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Create beverage programs including wine lists and cocktails.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and trends.
• Oversee banqueting and events with flawless execution.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

F&B management

HACCP

Menu development

Budgeting

P&L management

Supplier relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned culinary institution in Durban, is seeking an experienced and visionary Food & Beverage Director to lead their exceptional dining establishments. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the food and beverage operations, including multiple restaurants, bars, and banqueting services. You will be instrumental in driving culinary innovation, maintaining the highest standards of service, and ensuring profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the fine dining landscape, a passion for creating memorable guest experiences, and strong leadership capabilities to mentor and inspire a large team. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the culinary future of a prestigious venue in a vibrant coastal city.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall food and beverage strategy, including menu engineering, pricing, and promotional activities.
• Manage all daily F&B operations, ensuring exceptional quality and service delivery across all outlets.
• Lead, train, and motivate the F&B team, including chefs, sommeliers, service staff, and bar managers.
• Control F&B costs, manage inventory, and optimize procurement processes to maximize profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Create and implement innovative beverage programs, including wine lists and cocktail menus.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and culinary trends.
• Oversee banqueting and event services, ensuring flawless execution of catered functions.
• Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements to enhance guest satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Food & Beverage management, with at least 3 years in a Director-level role within a high-end hotel or fine dining establishment.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-outlet F&B operations.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, fine dining practices, and beverage management (wine, spirits, cocktails).
• Strong financial acumen, with proven ability in budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with HACCP and other food safety standards.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work demanding hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health and pension benefits, and subsidized meals. You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a talented team, access to ongoing professional development, and the chance to lead culinary innovation at a premier establishment. This role provides significant career growth potential within a respected hospitality group.