At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and menu development across multiple restaurants in a stunning Caribbean location.
- Company: Join a dynamic hospitality group focused on excellence and guest experience.
- Benefits: Full relocation support, housing allowance, and an idyllic expat-friendly lifestyle.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a vibrant, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the food and beverage identity while enjoying life in paradise.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary leadership and experience in high-volume food & beverage settings.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Food & Beverage Director
Location
Caribbean
Please Note
This is a full time international position in the Caribbean, and offers full relocation in an idyllic expat friendly location, with housing allowance provided.
Position Summary
The Director of Food & Beverage is responsible for leading menu and product development, overseeing recipe creation, and driving culinary innovation across all restaurants within Group .
This role plays a key part in shaping the group’s food and beverage identity through continuous research, trend analysis, and collaboration with internal teams to ensure quality, consistency, and profitability.
The ideal candidate will be a culinary leader with strong operational insight and a passion for excellence in guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Product & Menu Development
- Develop and standardize all menu items, ingredients, and recipes across the restaurant group.
- Oversee and coordinate product cuttings, menu tastings, and the implementation of new items.
- Partner with purchasing and operations to ensure high-quality, cost-effective ingredients are used.
- Maintain menu alignment with brand identity and evolving food trends.
- Research & Culinary Innovation
- Conduct ongoing research into culinary trends, new ingredients, preparation techniques, and guest preferences.
- Evaluate product performance and lead continuous menu enhancements.
- Collaborate with chefs, suppliers, and consultants to keep offerings competitive and compelling.
- Cost Control & Recipe Management
- Ensure all recipes are costed effectively to maintain food cost targets (e. g., 29% or below).
- Regularly review existing recipes and make improvements based on guest feedback, operations input, and performance analysis.
- Leadership of Menu Committee & Development Team
- Lead the Menu Committee and Product Development Team.
- Set clear timelines for menu development and ensure interdepartmental collaboration.
- Host regular development meetings with agendas, testing outcomes, and documented decisions.
- Strategic Menu Direction
- Conduct regular reviews of menu performance using internal data and industry benchmarks.
- Work closely with marketing and design teams to implement effective menu engineering strategies.
- Provide insights for placement, pricing, addition, or removal of menu items.
- Training & Implementation Support
- Develop comprehensive how-to guides, menu kits, and training materials.
- Assist with the creation of visual aids and content for back-of-house and service teams.
- Support the Corporate Training team in developing and rolling out new recipes and kitchen procedures.
- Communication & Collaboration
- Foster strong communication across departments including operations, marketing, training, and purchasing.
- Maintain a proactive relationship with restaurant teams to ensure smooth menu rollouts and address any concerns or requests promptly.
- Industry Engagement & Development
- Stay informed on trends through trade shows, workshops, and culinary events.
- Build and maintain industry relationships to bring innovation and fresh perspectives to the business.
- Participate in relevant professional organizations where beneficial.
- Budget & Team Management
- Create and manage departmental budgets.
- Recruit, train, and evaluate members of the Food & Beverage Development team.
- Support promotional initiatives and advertising campaigns as required.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Proven leadership in a high-volume, multi-unit food & beverage setting
- Strong culinary knowledge with the ability to balance creativity with cost control
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point)
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
- Ability to lead in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Job Requirements
- Ability to work independently and manage projects under minimal supervision
- Flexible availability, including occasional nights or weekends
- Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities
- Effective at problem solving and implementing creative solutions
- Willingness and ability to travel as required
- Comfortable working with a diverse team and across departments
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food & Beverage Management, or a related field
- Red Seal certification and/or Executive Chef experience strongly preferred
- 5–10 years’ experience in a senior leadership role within a restaurant or hospitality environment
- Additional industry certifications considered a plus
Director of Food And Beverage in Cheltenham employer: GAP Talent
Join a prestigious hotel and resort group as an MEP Project Manager in the stunning Caribbean, where you will not only lead high-profile projects but also enjoy a vibrant island lifestyle. The company fosters a supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on employee growth, offering competitive salaries, relocation support, and a comprehensive expat benefits package. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in a luxurious setting while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in hospitality construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Food And Beverage in Cheltenham
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like GAP Talent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to GAP Talent
Don't be shy about reaching out to GAP Talent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Food And Beverage in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about GAP Talent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at GAP Talent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
