Director of Food and Beverage

Welcome to the East Bank Club, a veritable Chicago institution, East Bank Club is recognized as the country's most gracious and dynamic fitness, sports and dining facility. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, the Club opened its doors in 1980 and employs more than 600 employees.

East Bank Club has set the standard for first-class hospitality and excellence in the fitness industry, a standard exemplified by each employee. The bond employees create with fellow staff, members and the Club itself keeps members and employees returning day after day.

The F&B department at the EBC is made up the Grill (an all-day eatery), The Juice Bar (freshly made juices and smoothies), The Sundeck (poolside drinks and snacks), The Market (grocery with emphasis on wholesome prepared meals and specialty finds), and Events (for both members and external guests). The Director of F&B will be responsible for the leadership and strategy of all outlets.

EBC is seeking a Director of Food and Beverage to join our senior leadership team and lead the F&B departments with a demonstrated ability to support company leadership in the execution of business strategies for our already successful Food & Beverage department.

This includes: supporting strategic research and development initiatives, recruiting and training of dining room and kitchen staff, product selection, ordering and inventory support, providing world class guest service and food quality to internal and external guests while taking great care of the equipment and facilities and ensuring long term growth. The director will provide leadership and management for the F&B division and integrate its function in support of the Club.  The responsibilities listed below are indicative of the nature of the position and can be modified due to organizational changes, new business developments, or expansion of the position.

Requirements

• Directs and oversees the activities of all Food & Beverage departments to maintain high standards of food and beverage quality and outstanding guest/member service

• Responsible for both short- and long-term planning as well as the management of the Food and Beverage operations in the front and back of the house

• Passionate people developer who coordinates the selection, training, development and evaluation of employees and managers in the F&B departments through effective management and leadership to ensure cultural and core standards are met.

• Implements effective controls of food, beverage and labor costs

• Development and recommend the budget, marketing plans and objectives and manages within those approved plans

• Implement and maintain F&B sales/marketing programs

• Direct the implementation of the payroll, reports, forecasts, inventory and budget for food and beverage operations
• Dynamic and highly visible in the operation, recognizing and maintaining relationships with our members as well as cultivating relationships with the local community. 
• Resolve guest/member complaints as appropriate to maintain a high level of guest/member satisfaction and quality
• Strong collaborator who works closely with the Culinary and F&B Team to design and implement menus, wine lists, market products list while ensuring excellent product, value for the consumer and appropriate Food & Beverage Costs.
• Creative and enthusiastic in exploring new products and services.

• Implement procedures to increase guest/member and associate satisfaction
• Exercise quality control for both food and beverage
• Maintaining EBC standards of service and ensure their implementation
• Performing daily walk-through to ensure full compliance with Department of Health regulations and EBC standards.
• Maintain communication and collaboration with our Senior Leadership Team
• Coach and counsel employees to reflect EBC service standards and procedures
• Develops relationships with key suppliers and industry associates.

Any and all additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must possess the following strengths: leadership, high energy, entrepreneurial spirit, motivational leader, proven track record in high volume concept, effective communicator, effective in providing exceptional customer service and ability to improve the bottom line.
• Hotel, Hospitality, Business Administration or Culinary degree preferred
• 8 years or more of progressive Hotel/Restaurant Food and Beverage experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior role in a food and beverage environment
• Hotel/Restaurant opening experience or renovations experience preferred
• Service oriented style with professional presentations skills
• Clear concise written and verbal communication skills in English
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal and administrative skills
• Experience implementing new F&B concepts
• Ability to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays and evenings.

• Required to be on site 5 days a week.  This is not a hybrid or remote job and position is based in Chicago, IL.

Benefits

Working at EBC benefits you!

• Unlimited PTO
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Annual Bonus
• 401k - company match
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Parking and transit benefits
• Pet Insurance through MetLife
• Complimentary workout privileges' and employee discounts

East Bank Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer