Head of F&B for Luxury Lifestyle & Wellness Retreat

Location: Dorset, UK
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Negotiable (DOE)
Benefits: Voluntary Pension, up to 10% Bonus based upon KPIs, Private Medical, 25 days Annual Leave + Public Holidays, Subsidised Accommodation if Required.

Job Overview:

The Oplu Team is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to lead the Food & Beverage (F&B) Department at a luxury lifestyle and wellness retreat based in West Dorset. This is a senior position, with overall responsibility for the F&B operations and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the entire F&B service team. As the Head of F&B, you will be responsible for ensuring that all food and beverage offerings meet the highest standards while fostering a culture of exceptional service and hospitality. You will take the lead in managing and training the service team, implementing best practices, and driving guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the F&B Service Team to achieve market-leading standards in food and beverage service, emphasising high-quality service at all times.
• Take the lead in ensuring operational excellence, implementing best-practice F&B and hospitality services throughout all areas, and driving continuous improvement across the department.
• Enhance guest experiences through impeccable visual, physical, and sensory interactions, ensuring every guest feels valued.
• Act as the key ambassador for the client, representing the ethos and values of the retreat in all interactions and operational activities.
• Oversee and manage the F&B Team's performance, including coaching, training, and continuous development to ensure the team is operating at the highest level of service excellence.
• Work alongside other department heads to plan and implement strategies to increase revenue, improve profitability, and maintain operational efficiency.

Food & Beverage (F&B):

• Supervise the implementation of established procedures for 5-star dining/formal plated food and drink service across various guest services.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of menus, including ingredients, preparation, availability, pricing, and pairings. Ensure the team is well-versed in these details to confidently guide guests.
• Take responsibility for up-selling food, drinks, activities, experiences, and events to increase revenue and profitability, setting the standard for the rest of the team.
• Ensure the team maintains cleanliness and exceptional presentation standards at all times, particularly during service.
• Monitor and uphold cleanliness, sanitation, and presentation standards in all F&B areas, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in 5-Star Hotel / Fine Dining / Formal Plated Service, with a track record of leading teams in high-end hospitality settings.
• Leadership experience in managing and developing teams, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff to consistently deliver top-tier service.
• A presentable, cheerful, and professional demeanour, with a focus on maintaining personal hygiene and wearing an appropriate uniform at all times.
• Availability for weekend and evening work, as well as outdoor work as required.
• A proactive, enthusiastic, and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to build strong working relationships and foster a positive work environment.
• A passion for delivering exceptional guest service, reflecting the ethos of the client in every aspect of appearance, character, and guest interaction.

Training:

• Essential: Mews CRM, Basic Food Hygiene, HACCP, Manual Lifting
• Voluntary: First Aid at Work, Fire Safety

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are only able to contact candidates who are successfully shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of submitting your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.