Assistant Food & Amp; Beverage Manager LBDJ (Cape Town) at Sun International

Job Purpose

• Responsible for the effective day-to-day management of Le Bistro De Jan with specific regard to achieving profitability for outlets; maintaining products and standards of operation; maximising customer satisfaction; delivery of the F&B business objectives, and developing a cross-functional talent pipeline within food & beverage.

Key Performance Areas

Delivered F&B Plan 

• Develop outlet objectives and deliverables in line with strategy
• Facilitate the communication and implementation of F&B deliverables
• Conduct risk analyses i.t.o impact on short term profit margins
• Provide clear delegation of authority and accountability for deliverables
• Manage and allocate people and operational resources 
• Communicate plans relative to promotions and strategies to relevant staff and stakeholders within the unit
• Align plans with EE, SD and procurement transformation strategies which contribute towards BBBEE targets being achieved for the property

F&B Shift Management

• Put in place staff scheduling and duty allocations to ensure maximum coverage
• Handle shift briefings / handovers / shift reports
• Interact and be present on the floor during service to understand and assist clients with requests, special requirements, recommendations, concerns, resolution of complaints, etc.
• Manage staff appearance and floor appearance/ functioning of equipment and systems for the outlet
• Provides feedback and reports back to management on the performance and challenges within the restaurant
• Manage the control of stock and operating equipment as per SOP for LBDJ
• Cash-ups at the end of the shift
• Completes shift reports

F&B Product Enhancement

• Collaborate with the F&B Manager and LBDJ Head Office Team to complete a competitor analysis of food and beverage in property catchment areas including pricing comparisons
• Conduct product performance analyses / reviews and make recommendations to address opportunities and gaps
• Provide product rationalisation on a regular basis or as required
• Motivate new product enhancements
• Compile action plans for  the implementation of approved projects
• Measure ROI and performance on a regular basis

F&B Standards & Governance

• Monitor F&B standards and processes
• Align practices with new legislative compliance around health, hygiene, safety and the environment
• Implement sufficient control measures (including systems and processes) & checks within each outlet to mitigate any financial risk to the business. All staff in F&B to adhere the policy and procedures.
• Conduct weekly walkabouts of all F&B front of house and back of house areas to monitor compliance
• Encourage a waste management culture and ensure all staff are trained.
• Work with internal stakeholders (maintenance, finance, HR, and security) to identify risk areas and address these 

People Management 

• Manage staff conditions of employment, e.g. attendance, absenteeism, leave, adherence to policies and procedures
• Manage productivities and payroll costs for the outlet
• Identification of employee training needs
• Perform on the job training and coaching to close developmental gaps and build succession for a talent pipeline within the outlet
• Manage employee relations within the department
• Staff communication and motivation
• Performance contracting, reviews and development
• Provides resources and removes obstacles  to performance
• Recruit and resource for talent for positions within the department
• Onboarding of new staff members

Budget management 

• Participate in the preparation of budget forecasts & controls for multiple LBDJ
• Consolidate Capex requirements for specific LBDJ

Guide and consolidate the completion of Cost of Sales reports including:

• Theoretical COS per outlet for food & beverage respectively.
• Recipes – Recipe links needs to be in place to ensure accuracy and legitimacy of theoretical as well as put us in a position for the theoretical to be system generated.
• Food recipe – All menu item food recipes to be reviewed and signed off and where needed recaptured into the system MC or IFS to ensure accurate food theoretical.
• Procurement – All supplier prices and supplier price quotes to be reviewed and monitored on a monthly basis going forward to ensure we monitor and track price movements to minimize input cost fluctuations.
• Cost control – oversee the conducting of accurate stock takes in line with Company process. Use stock takes variance reports to manage underperforming LBDJ in relation to COS

Customer Relationship Management

• Ensures that guests are treated with courtesy and respect at all times
• Interact with guests and provide professional service standards and solutions
• Handle any escalated complaints, disputes and suggestions as required
• Engage with customers and provide a customer experience within the hotel / on the floor that will support brand loyalty ensuring SI as the brand of choice
• Be present on the floor during service / promotions or functions
• Conduct staff training on product knowledge / promotions (including promotion information, functions, facilities, etc)
• Provide post-mortem feedback with regards promotions to ensure these are always relevant and effective
• Shift handover ensures that staff have sufficient insights and information with regards VIP customers visiting the property

Requirements

Education

• Grade 12
• 3 year Hotel School Diploma or equivalent National Qualification at a Diploma level 

Experience

• 5-6 years in the Food and Beverage industry
• 3-5 years Food and Beverage Management experience in a Restaurant environment 

Skills and Knowledge

• Food & Beverage Costing
• Food & Beverage Product Knowledge
• Speciality beverage knowledge – wine, barrister
• Team Planning
• Operational Management
• Product Development
• Stock control
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Micros / Opera is preferred
• Business Acumen
• Financial Acumen
• Report writing
• Contract management
• Knowledge and application of legislation relating to Safety, Health and the environment
• Team Planning