Director Of Food & Beverage Business

Department: Marketing and Audience Experience

Reports to: Chief Marketing and Audience Experience Officer

Status: Exempt

Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Audience Experience Officer, the Food & Beverage Business Director will be responsible for all aspects of the Food and Beverage Services (F&B) offered at the Ensemble Arts Philly venues. S/He will be responsible for monitoring the quality and consistency of the F&B experience and interfacing with Ensemble Arts' F&B partner(s) to ensure exceptional service and financial performance.

F&B operations include a full-service restaurant, a café-like establishment located in the Plaza of the Kimmel Center, concessions in each venue, add-on themed meals and concessions in varied locations, the private catering operations and any other F&B experiences developed during his/her tenure.

The F&B Business Director will be responsible for the financial performance of all F&B operations and is expected to take an entrepreneurial approach to driving footfall to the restaurant and café and for establishing opportunities to build themed offerings compatible with the world-class artistry on our stages. S/he will be responsible for developing and implementing an active marketing program in partnership with the F&B vendor aimed at raising the profile dining at the venues. The F&B Business Director will be the point person managing the relationship between Ensemble Arts and the vendor/operator selected to operate F&B services of the venues. S/he will ensure that the quality of the services offered through the vendor/operator are of a quality in line with the Ensemble Arts' and The Philadelphia Orchestra's brand and are aligned with our mission and vision. S/he will strive to enhance the audience experience consistent with each programmatic component of the organization while ensuring the financial viability of the F&B operations.

Essential Functions:

• Manage the contract and relationship with the external vendor, creating an effective working relationship, based on collaboration and partnership

• Establish, monitor, and report on the monthly and annual financial and foot traffic targets and ensure they are met through active promotion partnership with the F&B vendor(s)

• Oversee the preparation and administration of annual operating budgets, forecasting, and review KPIs against budgets

• Work with the vendor on the development of capital expenditure requirements for approval, provide analysis, rationale, and financial implications regarding F&B services

• Monitor and advise on corrective action as necessary to ensure that F&B targeted revenues and expenses are met

• Design and test methods to enhance the customer order and pickup process for concessions- prioritizing speed, ease, and convenience.

• Work with programmatic and institutional marketing teams, sponsorship team, liquor partners, and F&B vendor to develop seasonal and themed pop-up opportunities and partnerships for ancillary spaces, concessions, the restaurant, and cafe dining.

• Liaise with the external F&B vendor and Ensemble Arts marketing and communications team to develop a strategy for raising the profile of concessions and dining at the venues, ensuring that marketing strategies are implemented utilizing established media and social media channels to build the reputation of F&B with users and critics. Inclusion in standard F&B review sites/publications is essential

• Demonstrate an extensive understanding of classic and contemporary mixology, including various spirits and other ingredients. Stay updated on emerging trends and new techniques to influence the F&B vendor towards innovative and experimental partnerships and offerings.

• Work closely with Ensemble Arts facility rental team and the external vendor to attract clients and coordinate with Audience Experience department in support of events management

• Safeguard the quality standards of the Ensemble Arts and The Philadelphia Orchestra brands and the interests of the organization through the oversight of the F&B operations. Responsible for ensuring the external vendor achieves the look, appearance, and service of all F&B operations according to the set standards

• Facilitate the approval of the menus proposed by the external vendor for all F&B services

• Ensure that all State and Federal policies, procedures, and practices are adhered to, including compliance with alcohol distribution / service and food handling / sanitation guidelines, general safety policies and procedures

• Provide expert advice to management on key F&B issues

• Review and provide input into the nature of F&B offerings including the menu and pricing ensuring that they reflect authentic flavors and dishes presented in an upscale, yet approachable fashion

• Conduct regular assessments of the food preparation spaces to ensure all safety, sanitation, energy management and preventive maintenance, including health and safety standards are consistently met

• Liaise between the vendor and the organization's facilities team to ensure the maintenance of integrated building systems within the F&B areas

• Provide input into the effective institutional orientation and skill training for new staff interacting with F&B (external and internal), and monitor regular professional development activities for staff; closely liaising with vendor management to recommend employee discipline as required

• Provide expert input into policies and procedures for F&B services

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in managing the business of a F&B operation

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in managing a restaurant and/or F&B operations in similar facilities

• Degree/Diploma in a relevant discipline (Hospitality, culinary arts, etc.). A business degree would be advantageous

• Experience in marketing and promoting dining or catering services, preferably with experience in the management of high volume atmosphere with dining and catered events

• Experience in managing external operators, including negotiating RFPs, SOPs and managing payments and scheduling

• Comprehensive knowledge of F&B operations and control procedures

• Comprehensive knowledge of legislation and compliance, relevant to the F&B industry

• Well developed management skills including problem solving, negotiation, analytical, organizational and coordination skills

• Well developed interpersonal, communication and consultation skills

• Well developed knowledge and experience of budget development and control

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality

Environment, physical demands and other conditions

• Ability to work in an office environment.

• Hybrid schedules accepted.

• Some evening and weekends will be necessary

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds of materials

Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, or military service.