About the role

Le Méridien is seeking an experienced Director of Food and Beverage to join our Melbourne hotel. This is a full-time position based in Melbourne VIC 3000, offering a unique opportunity to lead and oversee all food and beverage operations across our property. As Director, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional culinary experiences and hospitality services that align with Le Méridien's luxury brand standards and values. This strategic leadership role is fundamental to driving revenue growth, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction across our food and beverage divisions.

Key responsibilities

- Develop and execute comprehensive food and beverage strategies that drive profitability, enhance brand positioning, and deliver outstanding guest experiences

- Oversee all aspects of restaurant, bar, room service and banqueting operations, ensuring consistency in service quality and culinary excellence

- Lead, manage and mentor the food and beverage team, including chefs, waitstaff, bartenders and support staff, fostering a culture of excellence and professional development

- Monitor and manage budgets, control costs, and maximise revenue whilst maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene

- Collaborate with the hotel management team to coordinate events, conferences, weddings and special occasions, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction

- Develop and refine menus, ensuring they reflect contemporary culinary trends whilst maintaining brand identity and guest preferences

- Maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts and manage procurement to ensure quality ingredients and optimal pricing

- Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety and food regulations, implementing rigorous quality control measures

- Analyse financial performance metrics and implement improvements to drive operational efficiency and profitability

- Represent the hotel at industry events and networking opportunities to enhance brand reputation and identify business development prospects

Managing Day-to-Day Operations

• Develops a food and beverage operating strategy that is aligned with the brand’s business strategy and leads its execution.

• Supervises daily food and beverage shift operation and ensures compliance with all policies, standards and procedures.

• Supervises staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.

• Develops and oversees an order and purchase strategy for equipment and supplies.

• Supervises an effective monthly self-inspection program.

Developing and Maintaining Food and Beverage Goals

• Sets expectations and holds food and beverage leadership team accountable for demonstrating desired service behaviors.

• Reviews financial reports and statements to determine how food and beverage is performing against budget.

• Makes recommendations for funding of food and beverage equipment and renovations in accordance with brand business strategy.

• Works with food and beverage leadership team to determine areas of concern and develops strategies to improve the department’s financial performance.

• Establishes challenging, realistic and obtainable goals to guide operation and performance.

Developing and Maintaining Budgets

• Develops and manages food and beverage budget.

• Monitors the department’s actual and projected sales to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded and opportunities are identified and addressed.





• Ensures cash control and liquor control policies are in place in food & beverage areas and followed by all related employees.

• Focuses on maintaining profit margins without compromising guest or employee satisfaction.

Leading Food and Beverage Team

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

• Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

• Achieves and exceeds goals including performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.

• Serves as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behaviors.

• Develops means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.

• Identifies opportunities to increase profits and create value by challenging existing processes, encourages innovation and drives necessary change.

• Ensures that regular, on-going communication occurs in all areas of food and beverage (e.g., pre-meal briefings, staff meetings, culinary team).

• Establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with direct reports and entire food & beverage team. Ensures direct reports do the same for their team.

• Identifies the developmental needs of others and coaches, mentors, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.

• Stays aware of market trends and introduces new food and beverage products to meet or exceed customer expectations, generate increased revenue and ensure a competitive position in the market.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service

• Provides services that are above and beyond for customer satisfaction and retention.

• Improves service by communicating and assisting individuals to understand guest needs, providing guidance, feedback, and individual coaching when needed.

• Reviews findings from comment cards and guest satisfaction results with food and beverage team and ensures appropriate corrective action is taken.

• Reviews comment cards, guest satisfaction results and other data to identify areas of improvement.

• Empowers employees to provide excellent guest service.

• Estimates cost and benefit ratio, maintaining balance between profit and service satisfaction.

• Shares plans to take corrective action based on comment cards and guest satisfaction results with property leadership.

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities

• Provides guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

• Coaches and supports food & beverage leadership team to effectively manage wages, food & beverage cost and controllable expenses (e.g., restaurant supplies, uniforms, etc.).

• Hires food & beverage leadership team members who demonstrate strong functional expertise, creativity and entrepreneurial leadership to meet the business needs of the operation.





• Sets goals and expectations for direct reports using the performance review process and holds staff accountable for successful performance.

• Ensures that expectations and objectives are clearly communicated to subordinates; subordinates are also open to raise questions and/or concerns.

What we're looking for

- A minimum of 5 years' experience in food and beverage management within a luxury hotel or hospitality establishment

- Proven expertise in managing multiple food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, room service and banqueting facilities

- Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success in budget management, P&L; responsibility and revenue optimisation

- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment

- In-depth knowledge of food safety, health codes and hospitality regulations, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards

- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders

- Creative flair and culinary understanding, with the ability to drive menu innovation and enhance the guest experience

- Experience with hotel management systems and food and beverage technology platforms

- Passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for guests

- A relevant hospitality management qualification or equivalent professional certification is desirable

What we offer

At Le Méridien, we are committed to creating a workplace where our employees can thrive and grow. We offer competitive remuneration packages, comprehensive benefits and a supportive work setting that recognises and rewards excellence. Our team members benefit from opportunities for professional development, training programmes and clear career progression pathways within our global hospitality portfolio. We understand the demands of the hospitality industry and prioritise work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements where possible. Additional benefits include staff discounts at Le Méridien properties worldwide, access to health and wellness programmes, and the opportunity to be part of an inclusive, diverse and dynamic team that celebrates achievement and innovation.

About us

Le Méridien is a global luxury hotel brand that epitomises contemporary sophistication and refined elegance. With a presence across the world's most desirable destinations, Le Méridien is renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional service, innovative design and memorable guest experiences. Our Melbourne property stands as a testament to our dedication to excellence, offering guests a sophisticated retreat in the heart of Victoria's vibrant capital. At Le Méridien, we believe that hospitality is more than providing rooms and meals—it is about creating meaningful connections, fostering cultural experiences, and delivering service that exceeds expectations. Our values centre on diversity, integrity, innovation and a genuine passion for hospitality. We are seeking individuals who share these values and are committed to contributing to our legacy of excellence.

Apply now

If you are an accomplished food and beverage leader with a proven track record of success in luxury hospitality, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and achievements, and any supporting documentation to our recruitment team. We look forward to hearing from you.

📌 Director of Food and Beverage (Melbourne)
🏢 Le Méridien
📍 Melbourne