Director of Food & Beverage

About the role

The Director of Food & Beverage will lead the launch and ongoing operation of all food and beverage concepts at Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, ensuring the brand’s French luxury standards are met while celebrating local Brazilian gastronomy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end pre‑opening of restaurants, bars and event spaces, guaranteeing operational readiness and a flawless market launch.
• Drive commercial performance by identifying revenue opportunities, setting strategic pricing and collaborating with Sales, Marketing and Revenue teams.
• Own the F&B profit & loss, overseeing budget planning, cost control, productivity optimisation and margin management.
• Partner with the Executive Chef to create commercially viable menus that reflect the hotel’s identity and local culinary heritage.
• Curate exceptional guest experiences across all F&B touchpoints, embedding Sofitel brand standards.
• Recruit, inspire and develop a high‑performing F&B team, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a visible, hands‑on presence on the floor to ensure service excellence.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in luxury hotel food & beverage operations, preferably with pre‑opening exposure.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving revenue and managing P&L.
• Excellent partnership skills with culinary teams and a deep appreciation for Brazilian cuisine.
• Demonstrated ability to build, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
• Commitment to delivering the highest standards of guest service and brand consistency.

Required skills