Job-ID: Category: Food and BeverageLocation: Watford, Hertfordshire, United KingdomWorkplace: HybridSchedule: Full timePosted: Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Across EuropeHilton is seeking an experienced and commercially minded F&B Director to drive the development and opening of world-class Food & Beverage concepts across Europe, including the UK & Ireland.This is a unique opportunity to influence how Hilton's newest hotels come to life, leading the end-to-end F&B development journey from concept creation and design through to opening, operational handover and post-opening review. Working with hotel owners, developers, architects, operators and brand teams, you will ensure every F&B venue delivers exceptional guest experiences, strong commercial performance and operational excellence. What You'll DoLead F&B Concept DevelopmentYou will build and develop innovative F&B concepts that deliver:Operational excellenceCommercial successOutstanding guest experiencesYou'll partner with owners, development teams and brand stakeholders to create concepts that are achievable, commercially viable and aligned with Hilton's standards and long-term vision. Drive Design ExcellenceYou'll own the design sign-off process across both Front and Back of House environments, ensuring:Efficient operational workflowsCompliance with Hilton Development Design StandardsEffective kitchen, bar and buffet installationsAppropriate equipment specificationsSpace-efficient planning solutionsYou will also lead owner and project meetings while managing external consultants throughout the development cycle. Deliver Commercially Successful OpeningsWorking closely with Operations & Technology, Regional F&B Directors and General Managers, you will:Lead F&B pre-opening planningDrive value engineering decisionsManage snagging and operational handover processesEnsure asset quality and operational readinessConduct post-opening reviews and continuous improvement initiativesYour focus will be on ensuring every new venue opens successfully and performs from day one. Act as a Trusted F&B ExpertAs a recognised subject matter expert, you will:Support masterplan, conversion and third-party projectsDrive CAPEX review processes for F&D initiativesDevelop tools, resources and best practices for hotel teamsChampion sustainability throughout the project lifecycleIntroduce innovative operational solutions and emerging industry trendsDeliver presentations to senior leadership and regional stakeholdersCoach, mentor and develop wider team members, including internsYou will play a key role in elevating Hilton's F&B capabilities across Europe while helping shape the future of the function. Key PartnershipsSuccess in this role requires collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, including:VP Architecture & Construction and European teamOperations Leadership (CE & UK)Development teams across EMEAF&B Development & Operations DirectorsAD&C teamsPre-opening teamsF&B Brand ServicesGeneral ManagersOwners
Asset Managers and ConsultantsFinance and HR teams QualificationsRequired QualificationsUniversity degree or Associates Diploma in Hospitality Management, or extensive relevant experience in lieu thereof. Preferred QualificationsA second language would be desirable.ResponsibilitiesSpecific Job Knowledge, Skill and AbilityThe individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to perform the essential functions of the job:Demonstrates extensive operational experience in hotels/restaurants - both front & back of house - 10 years.Excellent knowledge of F&B - including product, culinary, beverage, catering, equipment, design, build & operational workflows.Demonstrates Strong Project Management capability.Shows Leadership outside of direct team via excellent Influencing and Motivational skills.Verbal & Written Communication skills - up to executive level.Ability to Build Relationships across multiple functions & levels - both internal & external.Able to work in Detail without losing sight of Strategic Priorities.Acts as Business Owner for the new hotels - thinking long-term and beyond their own team.Shows willingness to be hands-on as necessary.Customer-centric - sees the customer first and last in everything.Critical thinking - has the ability to invent, critique and simplify.Strong IT skills, predominantly AutoCAD, Excel & PowerPoint.Capacity to Work Independently - shows Resilience and a "Can-Do" Attitude in the face of setbacks.Flexibility to travel extensively. About the organizationHow We'll Help You ThriveAt Hilton, the hospitality we're known for doesn't end with our guests. We proudly invest in our Team Members' wellbeing, supporting you through all of life's moments. When you join Hilton, our exceptional care extends to you with unmatched perks and benefits, including
- :Incredible travel perks - Enjoy 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40 USD/night at our
(EAP)Benefits availability may vary depending on Team Member's location as well as terms and conditions of employment and are subject to the terms and conditions of each specific program/plan.About the companyJoin an Award-Winning Workplace Culture - At Hilton, we don't just deliver exceptional experiences for our guests-we build an exceptional workplace for the Team Members who make it all possible. As a global leader in hospitality, we've welcomed more than 3 billion guests worldwide, all while staying true to our founding vision: to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality. Our award-winning culture has earned us repeated recognition on the World's Best Workplaces list by Great Place to Work and Fortune. With our suite of world-class brands, and a company-wide commitment to providing the best stay for every guest, we're setting new standards for the future of travel. Whether you're starting your career or exploring something new, Hilton supports your journey every step of the
- world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel program
- Own a piece of Hilton - Through our employee stock purchase program (ESPP), you can invest in Hilton shares at a 15% discount to help build your financial future
- Paid parental leave - Because family matters. We offer paid leave for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parents
- Personalized caregiving support - Access dedicated caregiving concierge services to help navigate caregiving for yourself and your loved ones
- Crisis concierge - In times of loss, our Crisis Concierge offers a single, compassionate point of contact for both practical support and emotional care
- Mental health resources - Your wellbeing comes first. Through our Care for All hub, we provide resources to help our Team Members to care for themselves, care for members of their team, and care for their loved ones. Eligible Team Members receive free counseling and support through our best-in-class Employee Assistance Program
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Director Food & Beverage, Development & Openings Europe in Watford employer: Hilton Group
Klarent Hospitality is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where team players thrive in a fast-paced environment. With a focus on employee growth, we provide extensive learning and development opportunities, alongside fantastic benefits such as discounts on food and accommodation, free use of our Leisure Club, and recognition awards. Located conveniently near the M4 and M5 motorways, DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North not only boasts modern amenities but also fosters a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and guests.
