Job Description

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur is where sky, sea, mountains, and redwoods converge to create a setting of unmatched beauty and tranquility. A luxury resort deeply rooted in authenticity and connection, we offer personalized, intuitive service that transforms every guest experience.

As part of the Hyatt Hotels family, we are proud to be recognized as a Forbes Four-Star resort and to hold Two Michelin Keys for excellence in hospitality. These honors reflect our commitment to exceptional service, innovative experiences, and an unwavering attention to detail.

We are seeking an accomplished hospitality leader to oversee and elevate our food and beverage program. This role requires strategic vision, strong operational discipline, and the ability to lead and inspire a diverse, high-performing team within a luxury resort environment.

Position Overview

The Director of Food & Beverage provides strategic and operational leadership for all food and beverage and culinary operations at Alila Ventana Big Sur. Reporting to the Resort Manager, this role is responsible for the overall performance, quality, and financial results of all dining outlets, bars, in-room dining, special events, and culinary operations.

The Director of Food & Beverage has direct oversight of Culinary, with the Executive Chef reporting into this role. This leader sets the vision for service excellence, ensures alignment with Hyatt brand standards, and consistently upholds the expectations of a Forbes-rated and Michelin-recognized property. The Director of Food & Beverage partners closely with Culinary, Rooms, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, and Wellbeing to deliver a cohesive, elevated guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee all food and beverage and culinary operations, ensuring consistent execution of luxury service standards across all outlets and events

• Provide direct leadership and accountability for food and beverage leaders and culinary leadership, including the Executive Chef

• Establish clear expectations, operational standards, and performance accountability across food and beverage and culinary teams

• Partner closely with Culinary leadership to develop menus, beverage programs, and dining experiences aligned with guest expectations and brand values

• Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, sanitation standards, and all licensing requirements

Financial Management

• Own the overall financial performance of food, beverage, and culinary operations, including budgeting, forecasting, labor planning, and P&L accountability

• Analyze key financial metrics and implement strategies to drive revenue, manage costs, and optimize profitability across all outlets and events

• Oversee pricing strategies, product selection, and promotional initiatives

• Manage vendor relationships and purchasing strategies to ensure quality, consistency, and favorable terms

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop food and beverage leaders and culinary leadership, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Build strong succession planning and bench strength across food and beverage and culinary teams

• Oversee performance management, coaching, and development plans

• Partner with Human Resources to support hiring, onboarding, training, engagement, and retention initiatives

Guest Experience & Engagement

• Maintain a visible and engaged leadership presence across food and beverage outlets

• Proactively engage with guests to personalize experiences and resolve concerns in real time

• Monitor and analyze guest feedback, online reviews, and survey results and translate insights into meaningful operational improvements

• Collaborate with resort leadership, Marketing, and Wellbeing to align offerings with guest demographics, seasonal trends, wellness programming, and resort initiatives

Cross-Functional Partnership, Innovation & Sustainability

• Partner with Engineering to ensure facilities, equipment, and preventive maintenance programs support operational excellence, food safety, and service continuity

• Stay current with luxury hospitality trends, service innovations, and evolving guest expectations

• Champion sustainability initiatives including responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and operational efficiency

• Collaborate cross-functionally to create seamless guest experiences that reflect Alila and Hyatt brand values

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range : $130,000 – $160,000, based on experience and qualifications

• Comprehensive Hyatt benefits package including hotel and travel discounts, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement

• Ventana Big Sur benefits such as complimentary daily meals and eligible transportation perks

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive food and beverage leadership experience, preferably within a luxury resort or fine dining environment

• Proven success leading integrated food, beverage, and culinary operations with full financial accountability

• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, labor optimization, and cost control

• Deep understanding of luxury service standards, Forbes inspection criteria, and guest-experience execution; prior experience in a Forbes- or Michelin-recognized property strongly preferred

• Food Safety and Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certifications strongly preferred

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills

• Proficiency in POS systems, restaurant management platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving history

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods

• Ability to walk and drive across uneven and varying terrain throughout the resort’s grounds

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-volume environments, including exposure to heat and humidity

• Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Equal Opportunity Statement

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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