Food and Beverage Manager (Ocala)

The Food & Beverage Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional guest experiences within the Polo Pony restaurant.

This role ensures operational excellence across all front-of-house and service functions, maintains the highest service standards, and collaborates closely with Culinary and leadership teams to deliver a consistent and elevated dining experience. The F&B Manager will lead and develop team members, optimize financial performance, and uphold the brand standards synonymous with the World Equestrian Center.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee daily front-of-house operations at Polo Pony, ensuring efficient, high-quality service
• Maintain exceptional service standards and guest satisfaction at all times
• Monitor staffing levels and adjust scheduling based on business needs
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health and safety standards

Guest Experience

• Deliver a welcoming, high-touch experience aligned with brand expectations
• Address and resolve guest concerns promptly with a service recovery mindset
• Engage with guests to build relationships and encourage repeat business
• Ensure consistency in service delivery, ambiance, and presentation

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop front-of-house team members, including supervisors and servers
• Conduct training and onboarding to ensure staff are aligned with service standards
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture
• Provide ongoing feedback and performance management

Financial Performance & Revenue Growth

• Drive revenue through upselling, promotions, and operational efficiencies
• Monitor labor and cost controls to achieve financial targets
• Analyze sales reports and identify opportunities for improvement
• Partner with leadership on budgeting and forecasting initiatives

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with Culinary, Stewarding, and Events teams to ensure seamless operations
• Participate in leadership meetings and provide operational updates
• Communicate effectively across departments to support business needs

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure adherence to company policies, health regulations, and safety standards
• Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation
• Support inventory management and ordering processes

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will employment relationship.

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.

• Ability to stand for the entire shift
• Ability to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to bend at the waist, use hands repetitively, and reach above the shoulder
• Ability to talk and hear
• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in understanding, reading, and writing English
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food and beverage or restaurant management
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Knowledge of restaurant operations, service standards, and financial controls
• ServSafe certification
• Alcohol Compliance certification