Descrizione della Posizione Lavorativa

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Venice (part of Marriott International) is seeking a Director of Food & Beverage who will report to the General Manager. The role is the strategic leader of the hotel’s food & beverage and culinary activities — covering restaurants and bars, in‑room dining and banquets/events — and is a member of the property’s Executive Committee.

The Director is responsible for creating and executing departmental strategies that align with the brand, satisfy the target customer, support employee engagement and drive revenue and profitability. This leader ensures the operation meets brand standards and delivers exceptional guest experiences in a historic, culturally significant setting that hosts international events such as the Biennale, Carnival and the Venice Film Festival.

Core responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: define F&B goals, set expectations for the leadership team and ensure consistent service behaviors across outlets.
• Financial management: prepare and manage the F&B budget, monitor sales vs. targets, recommend CAPEX for equipment/renovations and maintain profit margins while protecting guest and employee satisfaction.
• Team leadership and development: recruit, coach and mentor the F&B leadership; foster trust, communication and accountability; identify training and growth opportunities.
• Guest experience: use feedback, comment cards and KPIs to improve service, empower staff to exceed guest expectations and implement corrective actions when required.
• HR and operations: set performance standards, manage controllable costs (wages, supplies), ensure fair treatment of employees and escalate HR matters as needed.
• Operational duties: forecast and control food, beverage and wine consumption; order equipment and supplies; keep executives and teams informed with timely updates.

Candidate profile

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Economics, Humanities or related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in food & beverage, culinary or events, with prior managerial responsibility in luxury 5‑star hotels (knowledge of Marriott standards is an advantage).

Skills & knowledge:

• Fluent in Italian and English; French is a plus.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical ability to interpret KPIs and guest feedback.
• Experience managing budgets, cash and liquor control procedures.
• Strategic, solution‑oriented mindset with attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and coaching abilities to lead and motivate teams.

Benefits

• International career development opportunities within Marriott International.
• Learning and development via online, on‑the‑job and classroom training.
• Collaborative, experienced management team and engaging colleagues.
• Access to a competitive benefits package, including a structured corporate welfare program to support employee well‑being and quality of life.
• Discounts on hotel rooms, gift shop items and food & beverage across the company.
• Participation in charity events and wellbeing initiatives through the TakeCare program.

Requisiti

Valid work permit; fluent Italian and English (French a plus); proven managerial experience in 5‑star luxury hotels, ideally familiar with Marriott standards; minimum ~6 years in F&B/culinary/events; Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.