Director of Food & Beverage

Job Description

Job Description

The Ohioan Hotel and Event Center (Formally Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center) located in Lewis Center, Ohio is searching for a Director of Food & Beverage to join our team! 

Our attractive compensation package includes a competitive wage, access to health benefits, PTO and 6 paid Holiday's (full-time only), 401K with up to 4% company match, dining and travel discounts AND free meals and free parking!

Job Summary: 

The Director of Food & Beverage at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center has direct ownership and accountability for the entire Food & Beverage operation. This leader is responsible for creating an operation that consistently reflects The Ohioan standards through exceptional service, strong leadership, disciplined execution, and attention to detail.

The Director provides executive leadership for Event Operations, banquets, outlets, the Pub, and related Food & Beverage services. This position is responsible for both the guest experience and the business performance of the department, including revenue, profitability, labor productivity, cost control, cleanliness, organization, safety, and service standards.

At The Ohioan, strong plans are only valuable when they are consistently executed. The Director leads through managers and supervisors, establishes clear ownership, develops repeatable operating processes, communicates expectations clearly, and follows through to ensure standards are being met every day.

This leader is expected to be highly visible in the operation, understand what the guest and team are experiencing, identify opportunities after they become problems, and take action when standards are not being met.

As a member of the Executive Team, the Director operates with a property first mindset and works closely with Culinary, Sales, Planning, Rooms, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, and Columbus Hospitality Management. Success in this role is not measured only by the performance of Food & Beverage, but by how effectively the department contributes to the overall guest experience and success of The Ohioan.

Essential Functions:

Leadership & Culture

• Embody and champion the Columbus Hospitality culture and Ohioan service standards daily.
• Demonstrate strong executive presence, sound judgment, and a guest-first, property-first mindset.
• Own accountability for all Food & Beverage operations and results across the property.
• Build and hold accountable a strong F&B leadership team; delegate and follow up consistently.
• Create a culture where managers manage, supervisors supervise, and roles are clearly understood.
• Serve as an active Executive Team member and communicate openly across departments.
• Maintain strong relationships with ownership, CHM, clients, vendors, and internal partners.

Operations & Standards

• Lead Event Operations, banquets, outlets, the Pub, and beverage operations.
• Turn plans and standards into consistent execution through documented processes and follow-up.
• Maintain clear standards for service, cleanliness, setup, presentation, and opening/closing procedures.
• Maintain visible leadership during peak periods, major events, and high-volume weekends.
• Conduct regular inspections and ensure deficiencies are corrected and followed through.
• Ensure F&B spaces are clean, organized, properly stocked, and guest-ready at all times.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Planning, Culinary, and Engineering for smooth event execution.
• Establish manager coverage, MOD escalation, and decision-making authority for quick response.

Financial Performance & Business Management

• Own F&B financial performance, including revenue, profitability, labor, and cost control.
• Develop accurate monthly forecasts and identify risks after results are impacted.
• Participate in annual budgeting and establish operating plans that support profitability.
• Review financial performance with managers regularly and ensure active cost management.
• Monitor purchasing, receiving, inventory, and cost-control procedures for accountability.
• Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, pricing, and cost analysis.
• Identify F&B revenue opportunities and partner with Sales and Marketing to capture them.

People Development & Accountability

• Recruit, train, coach, develop, and retain high-performing F&B leaders and team members.
• Ensure managers deliver effective orientation, training, and ongoing coaching.
• Ensure timely performance reviews, corrective action, and development plans.
• Develop managers to make sound decisions and independently lead their areas.
• Maintain succession plans and identify high-potential future leaders.
• Ensure fair, consistent policy application in partnership with Human Resources.

Guest Experience & Cross-Department Partnership

• Maintain high guest service standards and empower leaders to resolve concerns quickly.
• Review guest feedback and service trends to identify and correct recurring issues.
• Build strong cross-department relationships that support the overall success of The Ohioan.
• Meet with clients, event contacts, and guests to support service and sales efforts.
• Promote clear, timely communication across leaders and team members.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, alcohol service, wage, and safety regulations.
• Maintain required food safety and alcohol service certifications for the team.
• Ensure departmental SOPs are documented, current, and consistently followed.
• Audit and approve payroll, schedules, invoices, and inventories as assigned.
• Partner with Engineering on F&B equipment maintenance and repair needs.
• Attend required meetings and training and perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

These physical demands represent the physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position.

• Required to travel between buildings across the property.
• Long, varied hours required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, carry, or move up to 55 pounds occasionally.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum 5 years progressive F&B leadership in a hotel, resort, or conference center.
• Proven success leading banquets, outlets, and bar operations.
• Experience with high-volume meetings, conventions, or conference center operations preferred.
• Proven ability to lead through managers, delegate, and drive consistent execution.
• Strong financial acumen managing budgets, forecasts, cost, and profitability.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain service standards and operating procedures.
• Must hold or obtain ServSafe, TIPS, or equivalent certifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels and departments.
• Able to manage stressful situations calmly and exercise sound judgment.
• Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and property-specific operating systems.
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement and the Columbus Hospitality culture.

Travel

Local and regional travel may be required and may occasionally result in overnight trips. The successful candidate must maintain a valid driver's license and meet company requirements for driving on company business.

Tucked in a 15-acre park-like setting just North of Columbus, Ohio, our property offers a complete collection of services and amenities for an all-inclusive experience. Our hotel has 193 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites delight leisure travelers, while our 45,000 square feet of customizable meeting spaces are sophisticated yet comfortable and offer state-of-the-art technology to create a dynamic setting for meetings and special events.

We are managed by Columbus Hospitality Management , a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities