Director of Food and Beverage

Job Title: Director of Food & Beverage

Reports To: VP of Operations

Department: Operations – Food & Beverage

Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt

Location: Nashville, TN

About José Andrés Group

José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

Position Summary

The Director of Food & Beverage (F&B) is the senior leader responsible for the strategy, performance, and guest experience across all F&B outlets. This role sets the operational vision, drives revenue and profitability, leads and develops a high-performing team, ensures brand standards, and cultivates strong partnerships with Culinary, Beverage, Marketing, and Finance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Planning

Build and execute the annual F&B business plan: revenue goals, margin targets, marketing calendar, and staffing model.

Translate strategy into quarterly/monthly priorities, playbooks, and KPIs for outlet leaders.

Champion JAG values and brand standards; protect concept integrity while adapting to local market needs.

Multi-Outlet Operations & Guest Experience

Oversee daily execution across all F&B venues, ensure consistent standards of service, quality, and cleanliness.

Establish non-negotiables and inspection routines (pre-service lineups, line checks, floor presence, recovery protocols).

Monitor guest feedback (NPS/ratings, surveys, social); drive action plans and measure improvement.

Financial Performance & P&L Ownership

Own F&B P&L: forecasting, pricing, mix, margin management, and month-end reviews with variance analysis.

Optimize labor through smart scheduling, productivity targets, and in-shift deployment; balance experience with efficiency.

Drive COGS control via menu engineering, vendor negotiation, waste reduction, inventory accuracy, and portioning discipline.

Culinary & Beverage Partnership

Partner with Culinary and Beverage leadership on menu strategy, seasonality, innovation, and brand-appropriate storytelling.

Approve new items, features, and cocktail programs; ensure training and SOPs precede launch.

Maintain robust allergy, dietary, and cross-contact protocols.

Banquets, Catering & Events (as applicable)

Lead sales strategy and execution for banquets and private dining: pricing, packages, staffing, and service standards.

Forecast and manage event pipelines; coordinate with Sales/Events on BEO accuracy, timelines, and profitability.

Ensure flawless execution and post-event reviews to drive repeat business.

Talent, Culture & Compliance

Recruit, select, and onboard strong leaders (Outlet Managers/AGMs/Bar Managers); build a bench and succession plans.

Develop teams through coaching, performance management, and documented feedback; recognize great work.

Ensure compliance with DOH/health codes, alcohol service laws, labor regulations, and company policies.

Revenue Growth, Marketing & Partnerships

Collaborate with Marketing on LSM, promotions, partnerships, content, and PR to grow traffic and check average.

Leverage reservations/CRM tools, pacing strategies, and dynamic floor plans to maximize revenue.

Technology, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Ensure disciplined use of systems (POS, KDS, reservations, inventory, scheduling); maintain data integrity.

Review dashboards and KPIs weekly; run post-mortems to capture learnings and iterate SOPs.

Lead R&M/capex prioritization for F&B assets; maintain a safe, well-equipped operation.

Openings & Special Projects

Lead F&B openings/renovations: critical paths, hiring, training, tastings, soft-open, and stabilization (30/60/90).

Drive special activations (pop-ups, cocktail launches, seasonal programs) that align with brand and deliver ROI.

Required Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive F&B leadership in upscale/fine dining, luxury hotel, or multi-unit environments; prior Director-level scope strongly preferred.
• Proven track record owning a multi-outlet P&L with measurable revenue growth and margin improvement.
• Expertise in service standards, banquet operations, beverage programs, and food safety compliance.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to develop managers and large hourly teams.
• Proficiency with POS/reservations (e.g., MICROS/Toast, Resy/SevenRooms/TOCK), inventory, scheduling, and Google Workspace.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and events.
• Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
• On-floor leadership during peak periods; stand/walk for extended periods.
• Lift/push/pull up to 30 lbs. occasionally; frequent movement between outlets and service areas.
• Exposure to variable temperatures, noise, and cleaning chemicals; slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You

Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus

Comprehensive health & wellness benefits

Retirement savings plans

Employee dining discounts

Professional development and growth within a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity Employer

José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person