Deputy Food & Beverage Director

Heveningham, Suffolk, IP19

The employer

Wilderness Reserve is an 8000-acre estate of woodland, lakes and rolling pasture, sprinkled with an eclectic collection of historic and traditional Suffolk properties. Lovingly restored by artisans, each home has unique character.

From the grand Grade II listed manor house and restored 15th century barn, to charming, thatched cottages and romantic retreats, Wilderness Reserve is a long-term conservation and restoration project - protecting English nature and breathing new life into historic properties. It is unlike anything or any place you’ve ever been before.

The job

As Deputy Food & Beverage Director you will work closely with the F&B Director to oversee the operations and management of all dining experiences at Wilderness Reserve. You'll be responsible for ensuring exceptional guest experiences, optimizing revenue, and maintaining high standards of service quality and consistency as well as collaborating to develop and execute strategic plans for achieving departmental goals and revenue targets.

You'll oversee the day-to-day operations of all dining outlets, including serviced property dining, bars, banqueting, and delivered catering while supervising and mentoring a diverse team of professionals, including managers, chefs, servers, bartenders, and support staff.

Collaborate with culinary teams to create innovative menus that reflect current food and beverage trends, seasonal offerings, and guest preferences, ensuring menu offerings are diverse, appealing, and aligned with the overall brand concept and establishing relationships with suppliers and partners for high-quality ingredients, beverages, and equipment at competitive prices.

Working closely with our Event Coordinators, you will oversee the planning and execution of special events, banquets, weddings, and corporate functions hosted within the food and beverage areas; ensuring flawless execution, exceptional service, and guest satisfaction for all events.

What you'll need

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in food and beverage management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse
Knowledge of food and beverage operations, including menu items and drink offerings.
Proficiency in inventory management and scheduling software is a plus.
A Full UK driving licence and your own transport.

Where you'll be based

Wilderness Reserve is located across 8000 acres, spanning Heveningham, Sibton, and Yoxford in stunning surroundings.

What you'll receive

£38,000 - £42,000 per annum
Employed role (permanent contract)
Working 5 days out of 7, including evenings and weekends, as the business requires
28 days annual leave (bank holidays to be taken in lieu if worked)
Progression opportunities as the business grows
Stunning working location in the Suffolk countryside

Find out more

To discuss this position in more detail, please send your CV to martin@martin-salter.com or call 07983 967143.

All communication will be treated in complete confidence.