Oxford Suites Bellingham - Food & Beverage Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Oxford Suites Bellingham is looking for a dynamic Food & Beverage Lead to join our team! This is a hands-on lead role where you'll spend much of your time behind the hotel bar while helping ensure the success of our entire food and beverage operation.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality and has a strong understanding of both front- and back-of-house operations. From preparing our complimentary breakfast and stepping in as a Bistro cook to crafting cocktails and delivering exceptional guest service at the bar, you'll lead by example and support the team wherever needed.

If you're a versatile hospitality professional who enjoys working alongside your team, creating memorable guest experiences, and making an impact every day, we'd love to hear from you!

What We Offer:
Competitive pay and performance-based incentives
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for peace of mind
401(k) with profit sharing to invest in your future
Generous paid time off so you can recharge
Exclusive discounts at our properties—because you deserve great getaways, too!
Ongoing training, leadership development, and career growth opportunities

Ready to be part of something exceptional? Apply today and let’s create memorable guest experiences together!

POSITION SUMMARY: The Food & Beverage Lead is responsible for supporting all aspects of the hotel's food and beverage operations, ensuring exceptional guest service, consistent food and beverage quality, and efficient daily execution. This is a hands-on role that is expected to be proficient in all areas of the department, including breakfast service, line cooking, bartending, serving, banquet and event execution, and food preparation. The Food & Beverage Lead serves as a resource for the team, providing training and operational support while stepping into any position as business needs require. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of service and hospitality while helping ensure smooth daily operations. The Food & Beverage Lead takes pride in creating memorable guest interactions, supporting fellow team members, and fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and service excellence throughout the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties and responsibilities of this position are to be performed with exceptional caring and genuine guest service upholding the Oxford Collection of hotels standards and culture at all times.

FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE (80%):

• Provide exceptional guest service by anticipating and responding to needs, inquiries, and dining concerns while ensuring a seamless experience
• Ensure accurate and timely service of food, beverages, and additional requests, maintaining high standards of efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Lead by example, exceeding customer expectations through proactive service, recognizing special occasions, and acknowledging repeat guests
• Maintain expert knowledge of the menu, specials, and promotions, accurately inputting orders into the POS system while confirming guest preferences, dietary needs, and special requests with the culinary team
• Retrieve and deliver food and beverages efficiently, ensuring accuracy and a smooth dining experience
• Multi-task with strong attention to detail, ensuring compliance with sanitation, cleanliness, safety, and alcohol control policies
• Support and prepare service teams for their shifts, leading pre-shift stand-up meetings as needed while assisting with inventory control, ordering, and banquet execution
• Train and mentor new employees in both FOH and BOH as needed, reinforcing Oxford service and cultural standards to ensure consistency in guest experience.
• Train and become proficient in both FOH and BOH process's including but not limited to cooking, presentation, ordering and inventory.
• Maintain flexibility to cover both AM and PM BOH shifts as needed.
• Attend weekly Banquet Event Order (BEO) meetings as needed, assisting with all aspects including but not limited to ordering, cooking, pre function set up, execution of service and cleaning as needed.
• Serve as a point of contact for the team during assigned events, ensuring seamless banquet execution as needed.

Perform all tasks in compliance with federal, state, local, food safety and sanitation requirements and Oxford Collection of hotels safety standards and security procedures. Be knowledgeable about and able to respond to emergency situations. Report any maintenance repairs needed immediately to their supervisor or General Manager.

GUEST RELATIONS (15%):

• Always provide a high level of customer service, taking time with our guests to ensure every aspect of their stay is up to expectations
• Welcome guests warmly and respond to guest requests in a timely, friendly and efficient manner
• Communicate clearly and effectively with guests and kitchen staff, effectively listen, understand, clarify, and resolve concerns raised by coworkers and guests
• Maintain integrity, confidentiality, and sensitivity when working with both internal and external guests

OTHER (5%):

• Obtain sales leads for the sales department
• Complete a daily activity log with pertinent shift information for co-workers and leadership team
• Assist other departments with work as time permits
• Coordinate with front desk, maintenance staff, Food and Beverage Manager and General Manager on things requiring attention.
• Adhere to attendance policies and maintain regular availability for scheduled shifts
• Other Hotel related duties as assigned

Additional tasks may be assigned, modified or changed as no employee has any inherent right to any particular job or authority.

CORE SKILLS AND VALUES

• Company Character – Supports company vision and values
• Customer Service – Understands and meets the needs of guests
• Professional Appearance - Presents a professional and polished look
• Stress Management – Exhibits self-awareness and self-control in pressure situations
• Team Orientation – Works cooperatively with others, assisting voluntarily

PREFFERED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• 2+ years Previous food & beverage experience preferred
• Previous hospitality experience preferred

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Food handler’s license and liquor server permits as required by state law (or ability to obtain)
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening, weekends and holidays
• Reliable and consistent attendance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform simple grasping, fine manipulation, and repetitive hand and arm movements frequently
• Must be able to list 30 pounds occasionally and often exert up to 20 pounds of force to push, pull, carry, lift or otherwise move objects
• Must be able to bend, squat, crawl, kneel, push, pull, and walk on uneven surfaces on an occasional basis
• While primarily an indoor job, must be able to walk outside in a variety of weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, heat)
• Must be able to climb stairs both inside and outside in a variety of weather conditions

Oxford Collection of hotels is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all candidates and employees. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce.

All offers are contingent on pre -employment screening.