At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead F&B development across Europe, from concept to opening and beyond.
- Company: Join Hilton, a global leader in hospitality with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy incredible travel perks, stock purchase discounts, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for extensive travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on guest experiences and sustainability in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: 10 years of F&B experience, strong leadership, and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you drive the end-to-end F&B development for Hilton across Europe, from concept through opening and post-opening reviews.
You will partner with owners, developers, architects, and brands to deliver concepts that blend guest excellence with commercial performance.
You’ll lead design sign-off, pre-opening planning, and continuous improvement, while shaping Hilton’s F&B capabilities and sustainability focus.
This is a high-impact, cross-functional leadership position at a continental scale.
- Pay / Benefits
- Incredible travel perks – 110 nights discounted travel
- ESPP – employee stock purchase program at 15% discount
- Paid parental leave
- Personalized caregiving support
- Crisis concierge and mental health resources
- Care for All wellbeing and EAP services
Responsibilities
- Lead F&B concept development to ensure operational excellence, commercial success, and outstanding guest experiences
- Own the design sign-off process for Front and Back of House, ensuring efficient workflows and compliance with standards
- Manage pre-opening planning, value engineering decisions, and post-opening reviews for new venues
- Drive CAPEX review processes and develop tools/resources for hotel teams across Europe
- Coach and mentor team members and present to senior leadership and regional stakeholders
- Collaborate with owners, developers, architects, operators, and brand teams throughout the development cycle
- Champion sustainability throughout project lifecycle and introduce innovative operational solutions
- Provide subject-matter expertise for masterplan, conversions, and third-party projects
- Key requirements
- 10 years of extensive operational hotel/restaurant experience (F&B front & back of house)
- Strong knowledge of F&B including product, culinary, beverage, catering, equipment, design, and workflows
- Proven project management capability
- Leadership and influencing skills with cross-functional impact
- Excellent verbal and written communication, including executives
- Ability to build relationships across multiple functions and levels
- Hands-on willingness and ability to think long-term beyond own team
- Customer-centric mindset and strong problem-solving abilities
- Strong IT skills (Auto CAD, Excel, Power Point)
- Willingness to travel extensively
- University degree or Associates Diploma in Hospitality Management (or extensive relevant experience)
- collaboration
- leadership
- influencing
- Auto CAD
- Excel
- Power Point
Director Food & Beverage, Development & Openings Europe in Watford employer: Hilton Hotels Corporation
At Hilton London Tower Bridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and wellbeing of our team members. With a vibrant work culture that encourages professional development and offers extensive benefits such as discounted travel, mental health resources, and generous leave policies, we create an environment where hospitality professionals can thrive. Located conveniently next to London Bridge station, our hotel not only provides easy access to the city but also fosters a sense of community and support among our staff, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Food & Beverage, Development & Openings Europe in Watford
✨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 Hilton Hotels Corporation. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hilton Hotels Corporation
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hilton Hotels Corporation 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 Food & Beverage, Development & Openings Europe in Watford
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 Hilton Hotels Corporation 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 Hilton Hotels Corporation
✨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!
