p /p ul li Start Date: Interviewing now for immediate start /li li Location: West Dorset, UK /li li Salary: Up to £65,000 gross p.a. (dependent on experience) + package /li li Contract: Permanent | Full-Time /li li Working Pattern: 5 days per week, including early mornings, evenings and weekends as required (hospitality rota) /li /ul p br /p p strong JOB OVERVIEW /strong /p p Oplu is partnering with an exceptional farm-to-fork luxury country hotel and wellness retreat to appoint a Head of Food Beverage (F B). /p p This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role overseeing daily service delivery across breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as bespoke events for private groups, family stays and corporate retreats. /p p The business has a strong concept and offering already in place. The key requirement now is to bring in a confident Food Beverage leader who will lead from the front, create structure, raise standards, and implement robust SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to drive consistent service excellence and smooth team performance. /p p This is a senior appointment. The property is hiring for confirmed Head of F B experience (or equivalent senior F B leadership) — not a step-up from an Assistant F B Manager or Restaurant Manager role. /p p The Head of F B reports directly to the General Manager, working closely with the Head Chef and Hotel Manager in weekly operational meetings. /p p br /p p strong MUST-HAVE REQUIREMENTS /strong /p ul li Proven experience already as a Head of Food Beverage, F B Manager, or equivalent senior F B leadership role within luxury hotels, retreats, private members clubs, or premium restaurants — this is not a step-up role /li li A hands-on floor leadership style (this is not an office-based management role) /li li Strong ability to implement and enforce SOPs, service standards, and operational governance /li li Confident people leader, able to coach and develop supervisors while also managing underperformance fairly and decisively /li li Excellent planning capability (rotas, prep, service flow, guest volumes, team efficiency) /li li Strong communication skills and calm presence under pressure /li li Flexibility on working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required /li li Right to work in the UK /li /ul p br /p p strong NICE TO HAVE /strong /p ul li Background in event service, special occasion dining, or retreat programming /li li Confident working with VIP or UHNW-level guest expectations /li li WSET Level 2 or similar wine knowledge /li li Experience improving service standards in an operation that needs tighter structure and leadership /li /ul p br /p p strong KEY RESPONSIBILITIES /strong /p p strong Service Leadership Standards (Hands-On Delivery) /strong /p ul li Lead service from the floor across breakfast, lunch and dinner, ensuring consistent guest experience and presentation standards /li li Work alongside the service team, setting pace, tone, and expectations through hands-on leadership /li li Create a culture of warm, confident and discreet hospitality aligned with a luxury retreat environment /li /ul p strong SOPs, Governance Operational Excellence /strong /p ul li Build and implement robust SOPs across service delivery, set-ups, timing, closing procedures and compliance /li li Introduce stronger planning and mise-en-place processes to improve efficiency and reduce reactive service issues /li li Set and monitor service performance benchmarks (quality, consistency, cleanliness, guest feedback, operational rhythm) /li /ul p strong Team Management Development /strong /p ul li Lead, nurture and upskill a small service team including multiple supervisors /li li Establish clear responsibilities, daily standards and team accountability /li li Produce rotas in advance with contingency planning and cost awareness /li li Maintain professional communication standards across the team (briefings, handovers, feedback) /li /ul p strong Guest Journey, Events Bespoke Service /strong /p ul li Manage and coordinate F B for retreat groups, special occasions and corporate stays /li li Bring creativity and flair to events and service moments, without compromising operational discipline /li li Liaise closely with the Head Chef on menus, dietary requirements, allergens, and special requests /li /ul p strong Commercial Stock Responsibility /strong /p ul li Support the General Manager and Head Chef on revenue optimisation and profitability in F B /li li Maintain strong control of stock, procurement, supplier relationships and audit process (food, beverage, OS E) /li li Support upselling of food, beverage, and experiences as appropriate /li /ul p strong Compliance, Health Safety /strong /p ul li Maintain the highest standards of compliance across service areas in line with FSA / HACCP standards /li li Ensure cleanliness, hygiene, food safety, and best practice procedures are consistently upheld /li /ul p br /p p strong WORKING STYLE SUCCESS PROFILE /strong /p p This role will suit a candidate who is: /p ul li Driven, energetic and naturally enjoys being front-facing /li li A real lead from the front operator who thrives in service and enjoys setting standards /li li trong enough to implement structure quickly, but emotionally intelligent enough to bring the team with them /li li Comfortable in a demanding hospitality environment where flexibility is expected /li li Highly organised and capable of running weekly 1:1 check-ins with the GM, with clear agendas and follow-ups /li /ul p br /p p strong RELOCATION SUPPORT /strong /p p Relocation assistance is available where required (staff accommodation or rental support). /p p br /p p Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion. /p
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