Director of Food and Beverage

Job Title: Director of Food & Beverage
Location: theWit Hotel – Chicago, IL
Reports To: Vice President of Food and Beverage

Role Overview
The Director of Food & Beverage is the creative and cultural leader of theWit’s dining and nightlife experiences, including ROOF, State and Lake Chicago Tavern, in-room dining, and banquets. This role blends operations, entertainment, and guest engagement to deliver unforgettable, high-energy hospitality that matches the hotel’s vibrant, design-forward atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion the guest experience across all F&B outlets by being highly visible on the floor, building relationships, and anticipating needs before guests ask.
• Lead ROOF’s rooftop bar and entertainment-driven environment, ensuring seamless service during high-volume nights and special events.
• Oversee State and Lake Chicago Tavern, aligning food, beverage, and service with its neighborhood-tavern feel and elevated American cuisine.
• Partner closely with the Executive Chef and bar leaders to create seasonal menus, craft beverage programs, and unique activations that reflect Chicago’s culinary scene and theWit’s brand.
• Collaborate with Sales, Events, and Marketing to design and execute banquets, rooftop activations, and group events that drive revenue and social buzz.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse F&B team, fostering a culture of genuine hospitality, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Monitor guest feedback and online reviews, using insights to refine service standards and implement creative service recovery.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all health, sanitation, and liquor regulations.
• Develop and manage department budgets, labor plans, and cost controls while protecting the guest experience and brand identity.

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive F&B leadership in a lifestyle, luxury, or high-volume urban hotel, rooftop, or restaurant environment.
• Proven success managing bar, restaurant, and event/banquet operations with strong financial and analytical skills.
• Passion for hospitality, entertainment-driven environments, and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build, coach, and retain high-performing, service-focused teams.
• Strong knowledge of current culinary, cocktail, and nightlife trends, especially in major city markets like Chicago.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred; High School Diploma or GED required. Illinois food safety and alcohol service certifications required or obtained upon hire.

About theWit and Its Outlets
theWit sits in Chicago’s theater and entertainment district and is known for its bold design and energetic atmosphere. ROOF, perched 27 stories up, offers skyline views, handcrafted cocktails, and dynamic nightlife, while State and Lake Chicago Tavern provides a warm, neighborhood-inspired tavern experience with contemporary American fare. The Director of Food & Beverage curates how guests eat, drink, and celebrate at theWit, shaping the property’s reputation as a must-visit downtown destination.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation : $120,000 per year

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Our offerings include:

• Medical Plans: Choice of three plans to meet your healthcare needs.
• Dental Plans: Two options for dental coverage.
• Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine eye care and eyewear.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): To support work-life balance.
• Accident/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness plans (new for 2026).
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Plan for your future with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Employer-provided coverage with additional voluntary options.
• Short-Term Disability (STD): Employer-provided coverage to support you during temporary disability.
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD): Additional protection for extended disability.
• Commuter Benefits: Save on transit and parking expenses.
• Pet Insurance: Options to support your furry family members.
• Hilton travel discounts and employee room rates worldwide
• Career growth and training opportunities
• Access to wellness programs and employee appreciation events

Please note that eligibility for certain benefits may vary depending on your employment status. Detailed information, including plan summaries and enrollment instructions, will be provided during onboarding or upon request. This summary complies with applicable state laws and is subject to change based on legislative updates or company policies.