Head of Food

Lead and optimise all food and beverage operations across the hotel to deliver outstanding guest experiences while achieving commercial targets. Manage multiple restaurants and bars, working closely with Food & Beverage Managers and the Executive Chef to ensure seamless daily operations, exceptional service levels and full compliance with health, safety and licensing regulations. Develop, coach and retain a high-performing multi-outlet team, owning labour and cost control to meet P&L targets. Responsibilities Operational Delivery - Oversee day-to-day operations across restaurants, bars, and outlets, ensuring smooth service, effective shift handovers, and strong front-line leadership. Implement Central Initiatives - Execute Head Office menus, promotions, and revenue-driving initiatives locally, maintaining consistency and commercial impact. Financial Performance - Take ownership of P&L delivery for Food & Beverage, controlling costs (labour, waste, stock) and achieving departmental targets through tight execution and reporting. Labour & Rota Management - Create efficient rotas, manage labour spend, and ensure adequate cover to meet service standards. Guest Experience - Champion service excellence, monitor quality, and coach teams to deliver memorable moments for every guest. People Leadership - Recruit, train, develop, and performance-manage the F&B team, fostering engagement, morale, and succession planning. Compliance & Safety - Guarantee 100% compliance with food safety, health & safety, and licensing requirements; manage audits and corrective actions. Collaboration & Deputising - Support Duty Management shifts, deputise for senior leaders, and work closely with Sales, Events, HR, and Procurement teams. Continuous Improvement - Identify efficiencies and service enhancements, piloting and scaling improvements within Head Office guidelines. Governance - Operate within approved financial and procurement processes, escalating issues outside delegated authority to the General Manager. Skills & Experience What skills do I need? To thrive in this role, you'll bring a blend of operational expertise, commercial awareness, and leadership capability. We're seeking a hands‑on leader with a passion for hospitality and operational excellence. You'll bring strong commercial acumen, people leadership skills, and the ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Proven experience in multi‑outlet F&B operations with strong knowledge of cost control and P&L management. A track record of delivering exceptional service standards and enhancing guest experiences consistently. Demonstrable ability to build and lead high‑performing teams-setting clear expectations, coaching for success, and driving engagement through regular performance reviews. Commercial know‑how in revenue delivery, including upselling strategies, maximising covers and spend per head, and using data to inform local decisions. Thorough understanding of compliance requirements across food safety, licensing, and health & safety. Strong operational and commercial execution skills, with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making. Technical proficiency with EPOS, stock control, and rostering systems, plus solid skills in MS Excel and reporting. Outstanding organisational and problem‑solving ability, with reliable delivery, attention to detail, and effective stakeholder management. Benefits Opening as a Warner in 2024, this beautiful hotel on the River Thames near Windsor offers award‑winning spa facilities, restaurants, bars, and outdoor activities. A fantastic opportunity for career development through externally recognised qualifications in addition to in‑house training and development (Degree and Apprenticeship level). 20% discount for you, your family & friends across our Bourne Leisure brands; Warner Hotels and Haven Holidays (including further discounted breaks within Warner for you, your family, and friends to use). Free use of gym and leisure facilities. Free or 60% discounted food onsite. Access to fantastic discounts and offers with many national brands and retailers. Access to the company's corporate box at the O2 for Music, Comedy, Sport, and Entertainment events. #J-18808-Ljbffr