Food and Beverage Manager for Orient Express Sailing Yachts in London

V.Ships Leisure is looking for a F&B Manager on behalf of Orient Express Sailing Yachts. The Food & Beverage Manager is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and supervision of all food and beverage operations onboard the vessel. This includes restaurants, bars, galleys, and room service in coordination with the butlers’ team. The position ensures exceptional guest experiences through the highest standards of food quality, service excellence, hygiene, and cost control, while maintaining compliance with company policies and maritime regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of all food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, and galley departments.
• Ensure seamless cooperation between the restaurant, bar, and galley teams to deliver a consistent, high-quality guest experience.
• Develop and implement service standards, menus, and beverage programs in line with brand and guest expectations.
• Conduct regular inspections of all F&B areas to ensure adherence to quality, hygiene, and safety standards (USPH, HACCP, or equivalent).

Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets in collaboration with the General Manager and Chief Purser.
• Monitor and control costs (labor, food, and beverage) to achieve or exceed budgeted targets.
• Analyze revenue and expense reports, identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
• Oversee accurate inventory management, stock rotation, and waste reduction initiatives.

People Management & Development

• Lead and mentor the Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager, and Executive Chef, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.
• Conduct regular departmental meetings and briefings to ensure alignment across F&B operations.
• Support recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of F&B personnel.
• Promote career development and succession planning within the F&B division.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Champion a guest-centric culture, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional dining and beverage experiences.
• Monitor guest satisfaction scores, respond to feedback, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Collaborate with the Guest Relations and Entertainment teams to enhance onboard dining experiences and special events.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all F&B operations comply with international maritime, environmental, and sanitation regulations.
• Enforce strict adherence to food safety standards, allergen management, and occupational safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation for audits and inspections (e.g., USPH, ISO, HACCP).

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

• Attain target KPI’s, any deviation of target is required to have an explanation with a plan to reach goal.
• KPI’s will be measured on Guest Satisfaction, Onboard Revenue, Onboard Costs and Crew Satisfaction; goals and expectations will be defined by Orient Express shore management.
• KPI’s are used as a measure for performance of the Hotel Director.

Key Behavioral Indicators (KBI’s)

• All KBI targets are expected to be attained.
• What gets measured, gets managed – daily assessment of costs, revenue, guest and crew engagement is required with adjustments made when targets are not reached.
• You must inspect what you expect – validating performance and standards, supporting and guiding crew to keep on target.
• Feedback – Consistent review of feedback from guests and crew, modify any behaviours or practices as needed and address any challenges with the assistance of shoreside management.
• Management by Walking Around – Visibility is essential, communicate with crew and guests while visually inspecting your surroundings.
• In the Absence of facts, perception becomes reality – Follow Orient Express’s SOPs to ensure you have an objective view of standards. Manage perception by managing standards.
• Adheres to perfect grooming and uniform standards consistently (shaving, body odour, appropriate hairstyle with no non-natural colour, no excessive jewellery, clean hands, clean/pressed uniform as per standard).
• Lead by example: The General Manager is an ambassador of Orient Express’ work philosophy and demonstrates a congenial yet effective management style, treating crew members with respect and fairness at all times.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Languages: Fluent in English. One additional language preferred (French, German, Chinese, Spanish).
• Education: A university degree or equivalent in Hospitality or related field.
• Previous professional experience: Seafaring Hotel Director experience within the Luxury Cruise Industry (5 years) preferred; equivalent experience will be considered as an additional criterion.
• Shipboard experience: Yes.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel & systems.
• Knowledge of budgeting techniques and financial analysis.
• Exceptional communication, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Valid STCW certificates.
• Valid Pre-Employment Medical.
• C1D visa mandatory for all positions.