Join the Discovery family, where quality and service are at the heart of everything we do!
As the Food and Beverage Director for Zapotal, you will lead and coordinate all aspects of the F&B operation, ensuring the highest standards of service and profitability. This position is crucial in shaping the Discovery Land Company experience for our members and employees.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Promote and oversee the establishment and maintenance of: (a) service excellence in the areas of a la carte dining (i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner), bars and beverage outlets, private parties, banquets and special events, comfort stations, and non-traditional outlets; (b) beverage excellence through product selection, menus, signature items, and locally sourced products; and (c) culinary excellence through product selection, menus, signature items, regional specialties, kitchen organization, and food safety.
- Hire, train, develop and support Management and Supervisory level positions as well as line staff and other key Food and Beverage positions at the Project.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef to develop and manage the Food and Beverage Program’s contribution to lifestyle through the establishment of healthy, delicious choices at every meal, the constant availability of recovery foods and beverages, and programs to support the residential experience at the Project.
- Leverage network contacts to achieve and maintain access to rare and unique products.
- Communicate regularly with Project management to ensure a coordinated effort at providing year-round service excellence. Supervise inventory management and cost control.
- Ensure compliance with prescribed standards in the areas of guest satisfaction, food costs, labor costs, safety, and sanitation and product preparation.
- Actively monitor Food and Beverage Program services to ensure standards of operation constantly meet or exceed the presently established guidelines.
- Troubleshoot as needed to bring standards of service and quality to the desired level of excellence.
- Coordinate buying programs for food, beverage, and associated supplies, with a focus on the best quality and pricing possible. Coordinate menu presentations and content with Senior Chefs.
- Effectively communicate and coordinate operational activities with key relationships in all areas of the Project. Consult on the design, purchase, and installation of all food and beverage FF&E.
- Manage the development of operating and capital budgets according to the budget calendar, monitor budgets on a monthly basis, and take effective corrective action as required. Analyze other financial statements, manage cash flow, and establish controls to safeguard funds. Review income and costs relative to goals and take corrective action as necessary.
- Maintain operations in accordance with all applicable liquor laws. Manage the expenses including but not limited labor, linen, breakage, shrinkage, beverage, equipment, and supplies. Supervise the management of inventories of all china, glassware, and silverware. Maintain par levels commensurate with Project needs.
- Attend all relevant operational meetings. Complete daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
- Provide support services to the Marketing and Sales Teams.
Attitudes and Behaviors:
- Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Service Excellence: Uphold a commitment to quality and excellence in F&B operations.
- Teamwork: Work collaboratively to achieve departmental objectives.
- Flexibility: Adapt to flexible work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Calm under Pressure: Maintain composure during busy periods.
Experience and Abilities:
- Degree in Hospitality Management with at least five years' experience in a luxury full-service environment.
- Five or more years of experience in a restaurant manager or similar capacity, preferably in an international setting.
- Proven leadership abilities and vision for quality and excellence.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP and local food safety standards.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Language Skills: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English and Spanish.
- Experience and Cultural Sensitivity: Familiarity with Latin American culture and business practices is advantageous, enhancing interactions with members, guests, and team members in the region.
Competencies for Success in the role
- Fluency in Spanish and English, with strong oral and written communication skills in both languages.
- Strategic thinking and vision for quality F&B operations.
- Exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
Required Education:
- Degree in Hospitality Management, or a related field
Health and Safety Needs:
- Work is primarily conducted in an office environment.
- Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use may be required.
- Be able to stand for long periods.
- Be able to walk for long periods and be exposed to indoor and outdoor temperatures.
- Potential physical demands include standing for extended periods, lifting items occasionally exceeding 50 pounds, and working indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
About the Project - Zapotal Beach Club
Zapotal Beach Club is in a harmony with the living nature of Costa Rica. Is a place where unique well-being, creativity, growth, and personal Zen are paramount priorities.
Set on the coast of Costa Rica, Zapotal is 2,000 magnificent acres of vibrant nature. Rural and refined, Zapotal embodies a family-focused adventurous lifestyle.
Spanning across miles of untouched coastline and thousands of acres of pristine tropical forest, Zapotal will be a true retreat with 240 residences on the edge of one of the world’s six National Geographic Blue Zones; a place where residents are happy, healthy, and enjoy an increased life-span. Enjoy adventures on sea and land or a leisurely round on the 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course, delight in a tasty locally-sourced organic meal, indulge in a spa treatment or a heart-pounding workout, or simply ground yourself in the lush rainforest for an escape from the day-to-day. At Zapotal, your days are yours – and only yours.
About Discovery Land Company
Founded in 1994 by Michael S. Meldman, Discovery Land Company specializes in building luxury residential private club communities and resorts worldwide. We have grown to be the premier player in the high-end resort residential niche with 20 world-class projects in our portfolio. Our communities are distinct with their own architectural styles, world-class amenities, and high levels of service.
We don’t build buildings, but rather we build settings where families can create intergenerational memories and enrich their lives in exquisite and untouched sanctuaries. These settings offer a casual and comfortable sense of community through outstanding clubhouses, premier golf courses, welcoming staff, world-class culinary offerings, and outdoor pursuits. To ease and enrich your experiences, Discovery holds itself to the highest service standards. Every decision we make is driven by one fundamental objective: to make the time you spend with the people you care about most not merely enjoyable, but memorable.