Director of Food & Beverage

Director of Food & Beverage

Leadership Position Profile
Position Summary

The Director of Food & Beverage serves as a key member of Cottonwood Country Club's Leadership Team and is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of all food and beverage operations throughout the Club. This position provides vision, leadership, and direction for all dining venues, banquet operations, beverage programs, and member hospitality experiences while fostering a culture of service excellence, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director works collaboratively with the Executive Chef and fellow department leaders to deliver exceptional experiences that enhance the value of membership. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position requiring an individual who leads by example, builds meaningful relationships with members and staff, and is actively engaged throughout the Club.

At Cottonwood Country Club, hospitality extends beyond serving meals; it is about creating memorable experiences for our members and their families. The Director of Food & Beverage is expected to champion this philosophy in every aspect of the operation.

Leadership Philosophy

The Director of Food & Beverage is expected to lead with integrity, professionalism, humility, and accountability. Success in this position is measured not only by financial performance, but by the development of people, the strength of relationships with members, and the consistent delivery of exceptional hospitality.

This leader embraces the Club's "One Club, One Team" philosophy by supporting fellow department leaders and recognizing that every interaction contributes to the overall member experience.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction for all food and beverage operations, including the Grill Room, Activity Lounge, Court 3, Banquets, Club Events, and seasonal dining operations.
• Develop and execute departmental goals aligned with the Club's strategic objectives.
• Participate as an active member of the Club's Leadership Team, contributing to long-range planning, capital improvement initiatives, and operational enhancements.
• Continuously evaluate industry trends, member feedback, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure exceptional service standards are consistently delivered throughout every dining venue and Club event.
• Maintain a highly visible presence throughout daily operations, leading by example and engaging regularly with members and staff.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration between front-of-house and culinary teams to ensure seamless service execution.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing levels, operating procedures, and service standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Lead service recovery efforts and resolve member concerns promptly, professionally, and effectively.

Financial Stewardship

• Maintain full responsibility for the department's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, labor management, purchasing, inventory control, and cost management.
• Monitor departmental revenues and expenses while ensuring responsible stewardship of Club resources.
• Develop pricing strategies and beverage programs that maximize member value while supporting the Club's financial objectives.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with vendors while negotiating favorable pricing and service agreements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, coach, mentor, and evaluate all front-of-house team members.
• Develop future leaders through ongoing coaching, performance management, cross-training, and professional development.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture where employees are engaged and empowered to succeed.
• Conduct regular department meetings and service training to reinforce expectations and promote continuous improvement.

Member Experience

• Build meaningful relationships with members by maintaining a visible and approachable presence throughout the Club.
• Partner with the Executive Chef to continually enhance menus, beverage offerings, and dining experiences.
• Assist in planning and executing member events, holiday celebrations, wine dinners, specialty promotions, and Club traditions.
• Promote an atmosphere of genuine hospitality that reflects the values and culture of Cottonwood Country Club.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including Utah DABC requirements, health department regulations, food safety standards, and workplace safety policies.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, organization, and professional appearance throughout all food and beverage operations.
• Protect Club assets through sound inventory controls, cash handling procedures, and operational best practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of progressive food and beverage leadership experience, preferably within a private club, resort, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing service teams while delivering exceptional guest and member experiences.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets, labor costs, inventory, purchasing, forecasting, and profitability.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships with members, employees, vendors, and fellow department leaders.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Equivalent leadership experience will be considered.
• Private club experience, CMAA involvement, CCM pursuit, ServSafe certification, and advanced beverage knowledge are preferred but not required.

Success in This Role

The successful Director of Food & Beverage will:

• Deliver exceptional hospitality that enhances the value of membership.
• Build a highly engaged, service-oriented, and accountable team.
• Consistently achieve departmental financial objectives through responsible fiscal management.
• Foster strong partnerships with the Executive Chef and fellow department leaders.
• Demonstrate highly visible leadership while cultivating meaningful relationships with members.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve operations, service standards, and the overall member experience.
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence that reflects the traditions and values of Cottonwood Country Club.

Compensation & Benefits

Cottonwood Country Club offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain exceptional hospitality professionals.

Compensation

• Competitive annual salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Bonus opportunity
• Cell phone reimbursement

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Leave)
• Paid Holidays
• Complimentary employee meals while on duty
• Professional Attire Allowance
• IRA Retirement plan (if applicable)
• Continuing education and leadership development opportunities
• Industry conference and educational support, as approved
• Employee discounts on select Club amenities and services, where applicable

Cottonwood Country Club is committed to investing in the professional growth of its leadership team. Directors are encouraged to pursue continuing education, professional certifications, and industry involvement that support both personal development and the long-term success of the Club.

Why Cottonwood Country Club?

Cottonwood Country Club is one of Utah's premier private clubs, serving over 550 member families in the heart of Holladay. Our Club is built upon a tradition of exceptional hospitality, family-centered experiences, and continuous improvement. We are committed to investing in our people, fostering leadership, and creating an environment where both our members and employees thrive. If you are passionate about hospitality and inspired to lead with integrity, professionalism, and service, we invite you to become part of our leadership team.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify responsibilities as business needs evolve.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per hour