The Director of Food & Beverage will lead and oversee all aspects of the food and beverage operations at Fairmont Chicago, ensuring exceptional guest experiences that reflect the luxury and innovation of our brand. With our signature restaurant – Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval, extensive conference and banquet facilities, and curated pop-up experiences, this role demands a creative leader with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, strategic operational management, and a passion for culinary and beverage excellence.WHAT YOU WILL BE DOINGReporting to the Director of Operations, your key responsibilities will be:
Strategic LeadershipDevelop and execute a forward-thinking F&B strategy aligned with the hotel’s vision and financial goals.Lead innovative concepts for the restaurant, conference and banquet spaces, and pop-up experiences to elevate guest experiences and brand recognition.Stay ahead of trends in luxury dining, beverages, and event design to position the property as a market leader.Operational ExcellenceOversee daily F&B operations, ensuring seamless coordination between the restaurant, banqueting, bar, and pop-up events.Maintain the concept integrity of Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval through the culinary and service teams and strong partnership with marketing.Implement and maintain exceptional service standards across all F&B outlets.Develop and monitor operational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.Team Leadership and DevelopmentSupport recruitment and training and inspire a high-performing F&B team, including chefs, managers, servers, and event staff.Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.Provide support and guidance to all Food & Beverage leaders creating an environment of growth and development.Guest ExperienceChampion guest satisfaction, addressing and resolving feedback promptly and effectively.Work closely with the culinary team to curate unique dining experiences that exceed expectations.Personally interact with guests to build relationships and gather insights to enhance offerings.Financial ManagementDrive revenue growth by developing and executing pricing, promotions, and sales strategies across food & beverage.Manage budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance, identifying areas for cost control and revenue optimization.Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to promote dining experiences, conferences, and special events. 
