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Norfolk Botanical Garden

Senior Director of Food & Beverage Operations

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Type:
Salary
Rate:
Range $65,000.00 - $80,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Day Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life insurance
Paid vacation
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Flexible Schedule

Job Description

The Norfolk Botanical Garden, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a premier horticultural destination renowned for its expansive gardens, diverse plant collections, and commitment to environmental stewardship. Serving both residents and tourists, the Garden provides not just a peaceful and educational outdoor experience but also houses dining options that enhance the visitor experience through quality culinary offerings. As an organization deeply rooted in its community, it combines beauty, education, and sustainability to deliver a memorable experience for all who visit. The Garden operates various programs and events throughout the year that attract a diverse audience, ranging from families and garden enthusiasts... Show More

Job Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in restaurant and food service management
  • 2-4 years in an operational leadership role
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management culinary arts or related field or equivalent education and experience
  • Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations
  • ServSafe certified preferred
  • Availability to work flexible hours including evenings weekends and holidays
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Virginia ABC Manager's License or ability to obtain upon hire
  • Experience managing large-scale food and beverage budgets and contract-managed service
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities

Job Qualifications

  • Availability to work flexible hours including evenings weekends and holidays as needed
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in restaurant and food service management with background in inventory and purchasing plus 2-4 years in an operational leadership role
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management culinary arts related field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
  • Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices
  • ServSafe certified highly preferred
  • Familiarity with event catering and high-volume operations highly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality production sanitation food cost controls and presentation desirable
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability with large-scale food and beverage budgets and contract-managed service experience desirable
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills preferred
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities preferred
  • Expertise in menu planning food costing and inventory management preferred
  • Creative mindset with a passion for culinary arts and the guest experience preferred
  • Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship in culinary operations is a plus
  • Familiarity with POS systems inventory management and catering event software with the ability to adapt to new platforms as needed
  • Virginia ABC Manager's License or ability to obtain upon hire prior experience managing ABC licensing and compliance strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of Norfolk's local culinary scene and trends is a plus

Job Duties

  • Oversee daily operations of the bistro and bakery ensuring exceptional standards of quality safety and efficiency
  • Operate the department in accordance with the approved budget monitoring food beverage labor and operating costs to achieve financial goals while delivering strong guest value
  • Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to optimize productivity and customer satisfaction ensuring that all visitors receive exceptional service and a memorable dining experience
  • Ensure compliance with all local state and federal health and safety regulations through ongoing safety sanitation and maintenance programs
  • Recruit train and manage a team of chefs bakers servers and support staff fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork and professional growth
  • Incorporate sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients into kitchen operations and collaborate with chefs and bakers to create seasonal sustainable and innovative menus that reflect the Garden's values and appeal to diverse audiences
  • Develop and manage budgets ensuring financial goals are met or exceeded
  • Analyze sales and customer feedback to identify trends refine offerings drive revenue growth
  • Address guest inquiries concerns and feedback promptly and professionally
  • Work closely with the VPO and other department leaders to align food service operations with the Garden's mission and strategic goals
  • Identify opportunities to integrate food services into Garden events programs and fundraising initiatives
  • Build relationships with local vendors farmers and culinary partners to enhance offerings and community engagement
  • Identify and manage collaborations with local food artisans and specialty businesses integrating their products into the Garden's offering to diversify and enhance the guest experience
  • Serve as a visible ambassador of the Garden's hospitality standards engaging with guests members and donors to ensure an exceptional experience

Job Qualifications

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)

Job Location

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