FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER

The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs operates as a dedicated state agency committed to serving the veterans of Arkansas and their eligible dependents. They provide comprehensive support through advocacy and education to ensure access to federal and state veterans' benefits, high-quality long-term nursing care, and burial honors. As a government entity, the department emphasizes inclusivity and equal employment opportunities to foster a professional and supportive work environment for all employees, ensuring nondiscrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

This specific position is for a Food and Beverage Manager within the Arkansas state park system. Employment in this role is classified under the restaurant job series with a competitive pay grade level of SGS06, offering a salary range between $52,137 and $77,163 annually. The role is safety sensitive and subject to random drug testing alongside mandatory pre-employment screenings, including drug screening, criminal background checks, and adult maltreatment registry checks as applicable. Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive state benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, disability coverage, paid leave, and wellness initiatives.

In this pivotal role, the Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily food service operations within Arkansas state parks, lodges, and other government-managed venues. The successful candidate will manage restaurants, catering services, concessions, and special event dining operations, ensuring delivering a high-quality dining experience that meets both safety regulations and customer expectations. A significant part of this role centers on enforcing strict compliance with Arkansas Department of Health food safety and sanitation standards as well as state food, alcohol service, and labor laws.

This position demands a comprehensive skill set, including managing operational budgets, financial reporting, inventory control, and implementing effective cost-control measures to maintain profitability. The manager will develop and enforce standard operating procedures for kitchen, bar, and dining functions to promote smooth and efficient service. Recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating kitchen, waitstaff, and bar personnel also fall under the responsibilities to build a motivated, well-trained team capable of delivering exceptional service.

The Food and Beverage Manager maintains direct accountability for customer relations by addressing feedback and resolving complaints professionally. Menu planning and pricing must align with visitor expectations and the thematic elements of state parks to enhance the guest experience. Furthermore, the position requires ensuring all necessary licenses and certifications for food handling and alcohol service are obtained and maintained.

The role also involves conducting regular safety and sanitation audits to uphold public health standards within all food and beverage facilities. Candidates should possess a deep knowledge of culinary trends, food presentation, beverage pairings, food cost controls, pricing strategies, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential to effectively interact with staff, vendors, and guests, alongside problem-solving and strategic planning abilities.

Minimum qualifications for this position include at least three years of food service management, restaurant operation, or hospitality leadership experience, including a minimum of one year in a leadership capacity. The applicant must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within six months of hire, with the possibility of substituting other related education or experience upon qualifications committee approval.

Overall, this role offers an excellent opportunity for experienced food and beverage professionals who are passionate about delivering outstanding service within a unique state park setting while playing a vital role in serving Arkansas veterans and the public through government-managed hospitality services.