At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise food and beverage operations for an exceptional guest experience.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Lakeside, part of Warner Hotels Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team where your ideas truly matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while showcasing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-outlet F&B operations and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Head of Food & Beverage Join our team at Lakeside, part of the Warner Hotels Group.
This hotel on Hayling Island has spa facilities, a cabaret restaurant, and overlooks a lake near the Hampshire coast.
Warner Hotels are looking for a Head of Food and Beverage , for Lakeside Coastal village on Hayling Island The Head of Food and Beverage is a hands-on leader with a passion for hospitality and operational excellence.
You'll bring strong commercial acumen, people leadership skills, and the ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences across the hotel.
The Head of Food and Beverage is a leadership role, driving and optimising all food and beverage operations across the hotel to deliver outstanding guest experiences while achieving commercial targets.
In this role, you'll manage multiple restaurants and bars, working closely with Food & Beverage Managers and the Executive Chef to ensure seamless daily operations, exceptional service levels and full compliance with health, safety and licensing regulations.
You will develop, coach and retain a high-performing multi-outlet team, owning labour and cost control to meet P&L targets.
Responsibilities: Operational Delivery - Oversee day-to-day operations across restaurants, bars, and outlets, ensuring smooth service, effective shift handovers, and strong front-line leadership.
Implement Central Initiatives - Execute Head Office menus, promotions, and revenue-driving initiatives locally, maintaining consistency and commercial impact.
Financial Performance - Take ownership of P&L delivery for Food & Beverage, controlling costs (labour, waste, stock) and achieving departmental targets through tight execution and reporting.
Labour & Rota Management - Create efficient rotas, manage labour spend, and ensure adequate cover to meet service standards.
Guest Experience - Champion service excellence, monitor quality, and coach teams to deliver memorable moments for every guest.
People Leadership - Recruit, train, develop, and performance-manage the F&B team, fostering engagement, morale, and succession planning.
Compliance & Safety - Guarantee 100% compliance with food safety, health & safety, and licensing requirements; manage audits and corrective actions.
Collaboration & Deputising - Support Duty Management shifts, deputise for senior leaders, and work closely with Sales, Events, HR, and Procurement teams.
Continuous Improvement - Identify efficiencies and service enhancements, piloting and scaling improvements within Head Office guidelines.
Governance - Operate within approved financial and procurement processes, escalating issues outside delegated authority to the General Manager.
You will need to have: Proven experience in multi-outlet F&B operations with strong knowledge of cost control and P&L management.
A track record of delivering exceptional service standards and enhancing guest experiences consistently.
Demonstrable ability to build and lead high-performing teams -setting clear expectations, coaching for success, and driving engagement through regular performance reviews.
Commercial know-how in revenue delivery , including upselling strategies, maximising covers and spend per head, and using data to inform local decisions.
Thorough understanding of compliance requirements across food safety, licensing, and health & safety.
Strong operational and commercial execution skills , with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Technical proficiency with EPOS, stock control, and rostering systems, plus solid skills in MS Excel and reporting.
Outstanding organisational and problem-solving ability , with reliable delivery, attention to detail, and effective stakeholder management.
Ready to discover your glow?
Be part of something more than a hotel - where your personality shines and your ideas matter.
If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: Warner. recruitment@warnerhotels. co. uk Please note: Unsolicited CV's from agencies will not be considered
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food & Beverage - Lakeside in Essex, Grays
✨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 Warner Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Warner Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Warner Hotels 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 Head of Food & Beverage - Lakeside in Essex, Grays
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 Warner Hotels 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 Warner Hotels
✨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!
