Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

Situated in Downtown’s Second Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences is an iconic luxury destination just steps from Lady Bird Lake, ACL Live, and the city’s best shopping. With expressive interiors by Kelly Wearstler and culinary concepts by McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality, the hotel offers 238 design-forward rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, immersive wellness experiences, and menus built around local farms, vibrant produce, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Wellness, design, and culture, seamlessly woven into every stay.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Food & Beverage is responsible for supporting the Director of Food & Beverage in overseeing the entire food and beverage operation within Austin Proper. This leadership role includes managing multiple outlets, ensuring operational efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, maintaining budgets, and supervising staff. The Assistant Director of Food & Beverage plays a key role in driving strategic initiatives, improving profitability, maintaining high standards of service, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Coordination

• Support the Director of Food & Beverage in overseeing all aspects of food and beverage operations across multiple outlets (restaurants, bars, room service, banquets, etc.)
• Monitor the daily operations to ensure consistency in service quality, guest satisfaction, and operational standards
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize revenue
• Ensure that food and beverage service meets or exceeds established standards and expectations for quality, presentation, and timeliness
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, streamline processes, and implement best practices

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, train, and mentor food and beverage managers, supervisors, and staff to ensure high levels of performance and engagement
• Conduct regular training sessions on customer service, safety standards, menu knowledge, and operational procedures
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of staff to ensure the department is adequately staffed and operating efficiently
• Provide coaching and performance feedback to staff members, and assist in resolving any performance-related issues
• Ensure that staff are motivated, work cohesively, and deliver exceptional guest experiences

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the Director of Food & Beverage to develop and manage departmental budgets, including food and beverage costs, labor, and overhead
• Monitor financial performance and ensure food and beverage operations are profitable while controlling costs and staying within budget
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales, guest satisfaction, and cost control metrics
• Implement strategies to maximize revenue, reduce waste, and optimize inventory management
• Review financial reports, identify areas for improvement, and take corrective actions when necessary

Guest Experience & Satisfaction

• Ensure that guest satisfaction is consistently prioritized, and that staff provide high-quality, personalized service
• Handle guest feedback, complaints, and special requests in a professional and timely manner
• Regularly assess guest satisfaction levels through feedback surveys and direct interactions, ensuring issues are addressed promptly
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery across all outlets to ensure that guests receive the highest level of hospitality

Menu Planning & Development

• Assist the culinary team in developing and updating menus based on guest preferences, seasonal trends, and profitability goals
• Ensure that menu offerings are balanced, cost-effective, and aligned with the hotel’s brand and guest expectations
• Monitor food quality and consistency to ensure that each dish meets presentation and taste standards
• Work with the Director of Food & Beverage to introduce innovative menu items, seasonal promotions, and special events that enhance guest experiences

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local health, safety, and food regulations, including food handling, storage, and sanitation practices
• Conduct regular inspections of food service areas to ensure cleanliness, safety, and adherence to hygiene standards
• Ensure that all staff members are trained and compliant with health and safety policies, including proper food safety practices
• Maintain awareness of safety procedures, emergency protocols, and the proper handling of accidents or incidents in the food and beverage department

Event & Banquet Operations

• Support the Director of Food & Beverage in planning and executing large-scale events, banquets, and conferences
• Ensure seamless coordination between food and beverage operations, event managers, and other hotel departments during events
• Oversee event setup and execution to ensure the highest level of service, quality, and timing
• Handle any issues or adjustments that may arise during large events to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction

Strategic Planning & Initiatives

• Assist in developing long-term strategies to improve the food and beverage department’s market position and profitability
• Work closely with senior management to align food and beverage operations with overall hotel goals and objectives
• Identify new business opportunities, including potential partnerships, new revenue streams, and promotional strategies
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activities to keep the department innovative and competitive

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in food and beverage management, including at least 2-3 years in a leadership role within a hotel or large-scale food and beverage operation
• Proven experience in managing budgets, staff, and complex operations
• Strong background in financial management, cost control, and optimizing profit margins
• Experience with event management, large-scale banquets, and catering operations is highly desirable

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve high levels of performance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with guests, staff, and senior management
• Solid financial acumen, with a strong understanding of budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting
• Expertise in food and beverage operations, including menu development, service standards, and inventory control
• Ability to resolve guest complaints effectively and maintain a focus on guest satisfaction
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and the ability to implement compliance measures effectively

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during shifts
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., boxes of supplies, inventory, or equipment)
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching to perform tasks or manage inventory
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on operational needs

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper , we show up with warmth and authenticity ( Care Proper ), strive for excellence in everything we do ( Achieve Proper ), think creatively and resourcefully ( Imagine Proper ), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are ( Present Proper ).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together , for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.