At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the food and beverage operations at a luxury country hotel and wellness retreat.
- Company: A prestigious hotel in West Dorset focused on farm-to-fork dining.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, relocation assistance, and staff accommodation support.
- Other info: Immediate start with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing service standards and creating bespoke guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven F&B leadership experience in luxury settings and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
A Head of Food and Beverage is needed for a farm-to-fork luxury country hotel and wellness retreat in West Dorset. This is a senior, hands-on F&B leadership role with full ownership of daily service, bespoke events, SOPs, and team performance.
Permanent, full-time position with an immediate start. Salary up to £60,000 gross per annum, depending on experience, plus package. Relocation assistance available where required, including staff accommodation or rental support.
The concept, offering, and setting are established. The priority is to appoint a Head of F&B who leads from the front, brings structure to the operation, raises service standards, and embeds SOPs for consistency and accountability.
What you will lead:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service across the property.
- Private dining, bespoke guest experiences, retreat groups, family stays, and corporate events.
- SOPs, planning, mise-en-place, and performance benchmarks.
- A small service team including multiple supervisors. Rota planning, labour-cost awareness, daily briefings, and performance management.
- Stock, procurement, supplier relationships, and audit processes across food, beverage, and OS&E.
- FSA and HACCP compliance, food safety, hygiene, and health and safety.
Reporting to the General Manager, working closely with the Head Chef and Hotel Manager in weekly operational meetings.
What you bring:
- Proven experience as a Head of Food and Beverage, F&B Manager, or equivalent senior F&B leadership role within luxury hotels, retreats, private members' clubs, or premium restaurants. This is not a step-up role.
- Strong hands-on floor leadership with visible presence in service.
- Experience implementing and enforcing SOPs and service standards.
- Strong people leadership: coach, develop, manage.
- Planning capability across rotas, service preparation, and team efficiency.
- Calm, professional communication and strong presence under pressure.
- Flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Strong advantage: event service or retreat programming experience; VIP or UHNW guest experience; WSET Level 2 or similar; track record of improving service standards within an operation that requires tighter structure and leadership.
Head of Food and Beverage for a Luxury Country Hotel and Wellness Retreat in West Dorset employer: Oplu (formerly Chace People)
Join a prestigious luxury country hotel and wellness retreat in West Dorset, where you will lead a dedicated team in delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training, relocation assistance, and a supportive work culture that values innovation and excellence. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a stunning location, surrounded by the beauty of the countryside.
Contact Details:
Oplu (formerly Chace People) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food and Beverage for a Luxury Country Hotel and Wellness Retreat in West Dorset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in luxury hotels or retreats. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting event or a small pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary vision and leadership style. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and give them a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to pop up. Reach out directly to hotels and retreats you admire, even if they’re not hiring. A well-crafted email expressing your passion for their establishment can put you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food and Beverage for a Luxury Country Hotel and Wellness Retreat in West Dorset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous roles in F&B leadership, especially in luxury settings. We want to see how you've led teams and improved service standards, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Specific About Your Skills:When you’re detailing your skills, focus on the specifics like SOP implementation and team management. We love a candidate who can demonstrate their hands-on approach and planning capabilities.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the job description. Mention your experience with bespoke events and your ability to raise service standards – it’ll make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our luxury country hotel and wellness retreat!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oplu (formerly Chace People)
✨Know Your F&B Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of food and beverage operations, especially in a luxury setting. Be ready to discuss your experience with SOPs, service standards, and how you've improved team performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you motivate and develop your staff to ensure top-notch service.
✨Demonstrate Event Planning Expertise
Since the role involves bespoke events and private dining, be ready to talk about your experience in planning and executing successful events. Discuss any unique guest experiences you've created and how you manage logistics.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Familiarise yourself with FSA and HACCP compliance, as well as food safety regulations. Expect questions on how you've ensured hygiene and health standards in your previous roles, and be prepared to discuss your approach to audits.
