Director of Food & Beverage

Sensei Porcupine Creek

Job Description

Position: Director of Food and Beverage

Location: Rancho Mirage, CA

Reporting: General Manager

About Sensei:

Founded by Dr. David Agus and Larry Ellison, our ecosystem of products and experiences is designed with one intention: to empower you to grow well and lead the world toward greater wellbeing.

Based on Dr. Agus philosophy, Sensei believes we can guide our guests to greater wellbeing by offering experiential movement, rest and nourishment classes and programs. The launch of the Retreats wellness brand took place on Lanai, Hawaii in partnership with Four Seasons lodging and food offerings by Nobu. In this location, Sensei Porcupine Creek, Sensei is operating the lodging operation, as well as world-class golf, tennis, spa, fitness, movement, nutrition, meditative, enrichment and body assessment facilities. In addition, Sensei will run the F&B operation, as part of a licensing agreement with Nobu. Sensei programs and continuing learning sessions are high-touch, evidence-led and supported by the latest technology. You can read our story here.

Job Position Description:

Sensei Porcupine Creek is looking for an experienced and innovative Director of Food Beverage to be a part of the Retreats Executive Management Team. The Director will provide effective leadership and management for all outlets, staff, and aspects of the Food and Beverage operations and will ensure consistent quality and exceptional culinary experiences in a luxury setting for our esteemed guests. The Director will manage the food and beverage budget and forecasting, labor costs, operating expenses, vendor relations, inventory control, and revenue generation. The Director will work collaboratively with the food and beverage teams and culinary partners to create and implement cutting edge menus, wine lists, and amenities and deliver exceptional service experiences that represent the quality and expectations of the Sensei brand and mission.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the selection, training, development and evaluation of employees and managers in the Food & Beverage Division, ensuring superior quality in product and service is consistently delivered by a well-trained team of passionate professionals

• Develop budgets, forecasts, and metrics to maximize profitability in the division and the hotel operations and maintain efficient financial management 

• Control labor and operating expenses through effective planning and budget strategies

• Manage to annual budget and P&L goals in coordination with retreat and company financial objectives

• Develop and implement policies for compliance, safety, and seamless operating standards

• Ensure that all standards of cleanliness, safety and sanitation within the food and beverage facilities are maintained and regularly inspected

• Work closely with the General Manager and other Division Heads to deliver extraordinary culinary experiences

• Continually design and implement innovative products and practices that align with the company's culture, mission, and goals

• Ensure the staff understands and consistently practices Sensei programs and services with regards to the culinary experience that reflect Sensei and Nobu standards

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for all food and beverage operations and assure staff adheres to all SOPs and service protocols

• Develop and implement ongoing service training programs for Front of the House food and beverage staff

• Lead by example with the ability to mentor and inspire 

• Establish and communicate clear expectations aligned with the Sensei Culture and brand standards

• Mentor and coach staff to ensure continued growth and effective succession planning

• Maintain and demonstrate a strong commitment to ensure employees are well cared for in their daily work and that wellbeing activities and opportunities for growth are provided

• Work with the Executive Chef to plan and implement creative and cutting-edge menus for all outlets and events

• Evaluate and address guest comments and reviews regarding culinary outlet experiences, analyze root causes and create resolution and mitigation strategies

• Be knowledgeable of existing and emerging health and safety protocols associated with COVID-19 and how they apply to our staff management and business practices

• Understand the Sensei mission, philosophy and brand standards and develop a team culture around the core company mission

• Maintain and monitor execution and follow-though of agreed upon daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly communication meetings and resulting action items and initiatives as directed by the General Manager

• Be familiar with and proficient in the Sensei technology used on-site

Traits We Value

• Commitment to a healthier living environment and embracing the Sensei Way and philosophy espoused and science identified in Dr Agus teachings and writings

• Collaborative mentality and the ability to recognize how to get things done as a team

• Self-confidence and composure to accept critique, process it, and apply the learnings to improve

• Resourceful and adaptable, understanding that a big idea can come from anywhere

• Open to learning, developing new skills and professional experiences 

• Loves a good challenge

• Resourceful and adaptable

• A strong sense of curiosity

• Embraces feedback and constantly seeks to improve

• Collaborative and knows how to get things done as part of a team

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Benefits commensurate with company policy for position

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401k and FSA plans 

• Subsidized gym membership

• Cell phone bill reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex (including gender identity or expression; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, disability (including association or relationship with an individual with a disability), marital status, National Guard obligation, genetic test results, arrest and court records, reproductive health decision, domestic or sexual violence victim status, breastfeeding requirements, assignment of income for child support obligations, or credit history or report

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Food and Beverage Manager in a luxury hospitality setting

• Experienced in opening a luxury resort

• Proven ability to develop and effectively manage budgets, forecasts and P&Ls

• Strong organizational, computer and leadership skills with attention to detail 

• Ability to meet the demands and deadlines and to be efficient and productive in a dynamic environment

• Familiar and comfortable with technology and applications such as Excel, Word, Asana, Slack

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Provide supportive clear direction with an ability to analyze and problem solve while remaining curious and engaging people warmly and openly

• Ability to recruit, retain, develop, motivate, and inspire a team 

• Strong personal commitment to wellness and motivated to live the Sensei Way

• Discerning attention to detail and dedication to brand presentation

• Performs additional duties as requested by manager

• Must have valid authorization to work in the U.S.

• Physical Requirements

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and lift

• Ability to work flexible schedules including holidays, weekends, and evenings

• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments in a range of weather conditions