Lovedale, Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter NSW Australian & New Zealand owned and operated for more than 30 years, Rydges operates quality city, suburban, and resort-style hotels in key destinations across Australia and New Zealand, with a refreshingly down-to-earth approach.Rydges provides genuine local hospitality with quality essentials alongside its trademark 'too easy' service.Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a premier 418 room resort and sprawling playground in the heart of wine country, where there's something special for everyone.2024 Winner - NSW Awards for Excellence as Regional Superior Hotel, Best Innovation Project & Workplace Health & Wellbeing Property.The resort features three distinct Food and Beverage outlets.The breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant is renowned to both locals and in house guests.In the evening, we transform this space to an elevated Modern Australian menu featuring local Hunter Valley produce.Vista Bar is the resort lobby bar featuring classic cocktails and pre-dinner snacks.For a lively indoor scene or laid-back beer garden, Lovedale Bar + Grill serves up everything from pizzas, steaks and burgers matched with beers and ciders from Sydney Brewery, brewed right here on site!Alongside all of this, the resort also boasts being the largest Regional Conference and Events Centre in New South Wales and has room to accommodate intimate gatherings of 10 or milestone moments hosting up to 1,100 attendees in our largest venue, or across all 15 meeting rooms.Outside of work, you will be living the Hunter Valley lifestyle with great food and wine at your doorstep, and only 1 hour to the stunning beaches and city vibe of Newcastle!About the role We are seeking a dynamic Director of Food & Beverage to lead the operations of our $20 million Food & Beverage Department in the iconic Hunter Valley Wine region.Imagine the opportunity to work alongside over 150 vineyards AND create exceptional experiences for our guests on over 700ha of land – we are truly a huge operation!As a crucial member of the senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our food and beverage strategy including a rebrand of our renowned Redsalt Restaurant!This is your chance to showcase your creativity and leadership in a vibrant wine region, building meaningful relationships with local winemakers and food artisans.Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Actively participate in the hotel's leadership team to develop and execute a cohesive food and beverage strategy that aligns with our overall vision.Culinary Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Chef to design creative, seasonal menus, and partner with Venue Managers to curate outstanding beverage offerings across restaurants, bars, in-room dining, and events.Innovative Experiences: Collaborate with Venue Managers to create and implement exciting new offerings that enhance guest experiences and celebrate local flavours.Financial Oversight: Monitor budgets and control costs related to food, beverage, and labour.Utilise EVT scheduling tools to enhance payroll efficiency and productivity through careful people planning and regular meetings.Guest Relations: Address guest comments and complaints promptly, including feedback on social media, to foster continuous improvement and strengthen relationships.Talent Development: Lead recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning initiatives, fostering a culture that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent.Performance Management: Implement EVT tools for managing team performance, ensuring consistent feedback, check-ins, and robust Personal Development Plans for all team members.What we need from you?These are the desired skills and experience for this role: Extensive Experience: Significant experience managing a large-scale, multifaceted food and beverage operation, demonstrating a strong understanding of the industry.Project Management Expertise: Excellent project management skills with the ability to think creatively and develop unforgettable food and beverage activations and experiences for our guests.Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a passion for delivering results and fostering the development of your team.Relationship Management: Proven ability to manage complex relationships, demonstrating an aptitude for interacting positively with guests, staff, owners and third-party partners, reflecting well on the hotel and the brand.Required Certifications: Valid certifications, including NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol and a current driver's license.Benefits and Perks Be surprised and delighted by our generous EVT & Rydges Resort Hunter Valley employee benefits from the very first day on the job!Paid Parental Leave for all full-time employees Paid Wellbeing Day for all full-time employees Wellbeing program that includes access to coaching sessions each year plus access to a variety of well-being resources for you and your family.Free duty meals on shift provided, free golf, free onsite carparking plus an extensive list of hotel benefits!50% off stays at EVT hotels – Rydges, QT, Atura, Lylo and more.$2 movie tickets, plus Moonlight, Gold Class, Candy Bar discounts and more.Awesome winter and summer savings and discounts at Thredbo.Rapid career growth opportunities through our EVT network.Local community involvement, volunteering and charitable giving.Become part of Australia and NZ's largest and most diverse experiences company!#J-18808-Ljbffr