Assistant Director of Food and Beverage - The Langham, Chicago

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

Directs and organizes the activities of the Food and Beverage Department to maintain high standards of food and beverage quality, service and merchandising to maximize profits. Responsible for the strategic direction and overall financial performance of the food and beverage department in accordance with the priorities and goals set forth by the hotel.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DUTIES:

• Hire, train, supervise, and schedule food and beverage staff/management in accordance with business needs, productivity, service standards and Langham Hotels policies and procedures.
• Develop menus and food and beverage marketing strategies; implement new menus and promotions, such as holiday and special event promotions.
• Observe food and beverage outlet and banquet operations and take the necessary action to ensure all standards are met. Taste test food and beverage products for consistency and quality of execution.
• Respond to guest inquiries or complaints and coordinate special arrangements and requests in food and beverage outlets.
• Assist outlet and banquet managers in coordinating services from other departments, i.e.: maintaining adequate stock of linen and equipment necessary to perform work and serve guests
• Utilize computer equipment to analyze forecast, cost, and revenue reports and make decisions based on that information to ensure profit maximization.
• Maintain effective control of beverage and labor costs among all sub-departments. 
• Maintain sufficient knowledge of market competitors and on trend F&B products and services.
• Perform duties of outlet and banquet managers when necessary to ensure property management coverage is maintained.
• Continuously evaluate the performance and encourage improvement of the colleagues in the food and beverage department.  Plan and administer a training and development program within the department, which will provide well-trained employees at all levels and permit advancement for those persons qualified and interested in career development. 
• Perform duties of line employees as needed under high volume and emergency situations.
• Report for duty as scheduled by direct supervisor according to operating hours.
• Provide maximum levels of guest service while maintaining Langham Hospitality Group standards.
• Perform any general cleaning tasks using standard hotel cleaning products to adhere to health standards.
• Be fully versed in all Forbes service standards, train, reinforce and ensure the proper execution of those standards.
• Other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Standing for 90% of work shift is required.

SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Thorough knowledge of Food and Beverage outlet operations including foods, beverages, supervisory aspects, service techniques, and guest interaction.
• Considerable skill in math and algebraic equations using percentages.
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to move throughout all food and beverage areas and hospitality suites and continuously perform essential job functions.
• Ability to walk, stand and or bend continuously to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, with guests and associates. 
• Ability to use patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger and to collect accurate information to resolve problems.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations during busy periods.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or any other combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities.  High Scholl diploma required.  College degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Position requires 5 years of previous Food and Beverage and management experience.

LICENSES