Director of Food and Beverage Design and Development, CALA

JOB SUMMARY

The Director F&B Design and Development Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) serves as a key leader within Marriotts Product and Food & Beverage Leadership Team reporting to the Senior Director Food & beverage CALA.

This role is responsible for the Design & Development Process for all F&B related projects. Focused on Brand Positioning Luxury Premium and Select Service Brands this position is responsible for driving relevant Restaurant & Bar concept development Select Service F&B Positioning and Events Next Generation Meeting Spaces for New Builds and Renovations.

This position plays a pivotal role in shaping guest experience through collaboration with cross-functional teams including Global Design Brands and Operations and ensures alignment with CALAs F&B strategy as well as the regions growth and financial priorities. The Director oversees the development and implementation of F&B concepts standards supports hotel openings and conversions and leads efforts in sustainability and facility design.

Leveraging market insights and customer trends the Director actively contributes to the creation of forward-thinking F&B concepts that resonate across diverse markets. This leader brings deep discipline expertise creativity and business acumen to deliver exceptional results while fostering innovation and consistency throughout the CALA region.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience and Education
5 years progressively responsible work experience (including management experience) in restaurant and bar management or food & beverage.
Experience in restaurant and bar concept development ability to drive product creativity and innovation.
Experience in Project Management managing complex projects and/or complex portfolio of projects.
Proven experience understanding multi brands; including Luxury Premium and Select.
Proven expertise in direct openings of hotels restaurants and bars preferred.
Active participation in industry organizations is preferred.
Independent/non-hotel F&B experience design development is encouraged.
Bachelors degree in Hotel Management Hospitality Management Culinary or other preferred related areas OR an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Skills and Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of the Food & Beverage discipline processes and procedures and F&B/Restaurant Bar systems
F&B Operational Background preferred.
Understanding of F&B Trends ability to follow and inject F&B trends into design.
Graphics Package understanding of Industry Packages preferred.
Have a successful record and understanding of F&B concept development and implementation.
Plan Reviews ability to read and interpret blueprints.
Kitchen and Bar Design ability to read and interpret blueprints.
Operational Efficiencies ability to identify and illustrate operational efficacies and potential cost savings.
Project Management excellent project and change management skills; ability to manage multiple projects timelines and stakeholders.
Effective influence negotiation conflict management time management and consensus building skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills analytical problem-solving and presentation skills
Ability to train (e.g. innovative programs/products/services skill gaps on action plans)
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the lodging business (hotel operation industry drivers challenges competitors MIs position in the global marketplace) and innovative food & beverage trends to unveil opportunities for growth. and a pattern of exceptional performance
Knowledge of workforce analysis and labor productivity
Previous Luxury Experience is preferred.
Previous Hotel Opening Experience preferred.
Active participation in industry organizations is preferred.
Knowledge of English and Spanish is required.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Key Responsibilities:
As dedicated CALA F&B Design & Development Subject Matter Expert (SME) lead the development of creative and relevant F&B Restaurant & Bar Concepts Select Service F&B Positioning/Programming as well as Meeting Spaces that support the next generation meeting attendee.
Brand Advocate and Partner be a partner to the Brand teams to ensure relevant and aligned F&B is developed for the portfolio keep up to date with brand research and implement latest thinking into concept development.
This role relies on a continual focus on trends and themes externally. As part of the responsibilities the Director will need to develop a broad awareness of the external environment and its applicability to Marriotts Food & Beverage Portfolio.
Owner and Asset Manager Relationships be comfortable articulating F&B strategies and research to owners and asset managers selling relevant F&B projects strategies and analytics. (written and verbal presentation skills)
Develop effective business partnership with property ownership to develop solutions that meet expectations and create value for both owners franchisees and Marriott International.
Establish and foster business partnership with F&B Consultants working for owners and/or Marriott International and foster industry relationships.

OS&E in collaboration with Procurement build and maintain F&B OS&E standards and strategies.
Activation and Openings with Hotel Opening Team develop and document sustainable processes and strategies for all F&B components during hotel openings.

Design & Development Process working with Global Design articulate drive and be accountable for the Design & Development Process for all New Build and Renovation F&B projects.
Designer and Consultant Relationships identify and promote an identified portfolio of Restaurant and F&B Designers/Consultants in the CALA region supporting the Local positioning.
3rd Party Relationships foster relationships with 3rd Party F&B operators to develop and implement viable strategies creating 3rd Party Restaurant opportunities.
Innovation be creative have a clear understanding of the innovation Process injecting innovation into F&B projects.

OTHER
This position is located in Plantation Florida US
Role will support all Marriott International hotels brands within the Caribbean and Latin America Region Managed and Franchise
Up to 35% of time is spent traveling

At Marriott International we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture talent and experiences of our are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis including disability veteran status or other basis protected by applicable law.