Our client is one of the industry leaders in the Southern Africa safari market with a significant and growing presence in Botswana. In addition to developing new properties our client is also undertaking an exciting and committed rejuvenation program, upgrading a number of existing properties in their quest for luxury and exceeding customer expectations.
This property is currently in the final stages of a refurbishment and design program and will creatively combine new and contemporary features with the traditional.
On behalf of our client HIH is currently looking for an experienced F&B manager.
In your role as Food and Beverage Manager, you are responsible for the complete day to day and strategic management of property’s culinary operations with the overall objective to exceed internal and external customer expectations.
Further role specifics and responsibilities are given below;
- Understand customer needs and wants, willing to guide and advise re selections of food and beverage. This is a boutique lodge with many returning guests and as such developing knowledge of guest requirements and preferences is important
- Work closely with Executive Chef to ensure exciting, appetizing menus that appeals to a wide range of customer tastes whilst still retaining the overriding traditional experience
- Deal with all customer concerns tactfully and diplomatically at all times and in a timely manner
- Maximising revenues across the F&B function without compromising quality or creativity
- Recruit, train, and manage the F&B team
- Work in conjunction with GM and CFO to establish department budgets and work within those agreed guidelines
- Ensure that the company HSE and HR associated policies are followed throughout the course of department operations
- Work closely with suppliers and other service providers to optimize economies of scale and hence drive savings whilst maintaining quality in line with brand values
- Minimize food and beverage wastage at every opportunity
- Ensure restaurants and kitchen are operating in full accordance with fire and safety regulations and that all team members are aware of these
- Establish healthy 2-way working relations with other hotel departments and sharing best practices where possible
- 3-5 Years F&B experience of which 2 years should be in a senior capacity. Candidates with safari/lodge experience will be preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree or Vocational Diploma in Culinary discipline or Hospitality related subject
- Extensive knowledge of food and beverage including nutritional information, source of produce, etc.
- Comfortable living in remote area for extensive periods of time
- Should be knowledgeable with regards wine varieties, food pairings, origins, makers etc. A WSET qualification would be advantageous
- A strategic thinker who is looking to improve the contribution of the F&B department to the overall hotel net operating profit
- Calm, measured, professional demeanor and personal appearance
- Passionate about service excellence and able to influence team accordingly
- Good communication skill, being able to develop trust and relationships with guests/diners quickly
- Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining focus on priorities
- Passionate about training and developing others in your team
