F&B Manager- The Equestrian Hotel- World Equestrian Center- Ocala, FL

The World Equestrian Center is seeking an experienced, polished, and operationally driven Food & Beverage Manager to join our luxury hospitality leadership team.

This role is responsible for leading day-to-day shift operations across multiple food & beverage outlets, including Stirrups, Emma’s Patisserie, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, Horse to Water, and In-Room Dining, while delivering exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and elevated service execution consistent with World Equestrian Center standards.

Reporting directly to the Hotel Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, this position is ideal for a hospitality leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and understands how to balance operational excellence, team development, financial accountability, and luxury guest service.

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily food & beverage shift operations across assigned outlets, ensuring seamless service execution and adherence to luxury hospitality standards
• Serve as the acting manager on duty for assigned shifts, making real-time operational decisions to support guest satisfaction and business needs
• Support multi-outlet operational coverage, including Stirrups, Emma’s Patisserie, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, and In-Room Dining
• Maintain visible floor leadership presence during service periods, proactively engaging with guests and team members
• Ensure all opening, shift transition, and closing procedures are executed consistently
• Respond quickly and professionally to guest concerns, service recovery situations, and operational challenges
• Partner with culinary, stewarding, banquets, and hotel operations teams to ensure smooth cross-functional execution

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and motivate front-line food & beverage teams to deliver exceptional guest service
• Support the hiring, onboarding, and training of supervisors, shift leads, and hourly team members
• Conduct shift meetings and daily lineups to communicate expectations, priorities, promotions, and service focus
• Provide in-the-moment coaching, performance feedback, recognition, and accountability
• Assist in maintaining staffing plans aligned with business volume and service standards
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and operational excellence
• Ensure uniform, grooming, and appearance standards are consistently upheld

Financial & Business Performance

• Support departmental financial performance through effective labor, scheduling, inventory, and cost management
• Assist in monitoring payroll costs to align with forecasted and actual business levels
• Drive departmental sales performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability
• Support beverage inventory controls, stock management, ordering, and monthly inventory execution
• Monitor operational spending to ensure alignment with budget expectations
• Assist leadership in achieving departmental KPIs, including guest satisfaction, revenue performance, labor efficiency, and cost control

Service Excellence & Standards

• Maintain and enforce all food & beverage service standards, SOPs, and operational procedures
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and health regulations
• Monitor service flow, team readiness, product quality, and guest touchpoints throughout shifts
• Support continuous improvement of service delivery, operational execution, and guest satisfaction metrics
• Protect and elevate the luxury guest experience at every interaction

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with company policies, operational procedures, and all federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain a safe working environment for guests and team members
• Complete incident and accident reporting accurately and promptly
• Support proper handling, storage, and maintenance of equipment, inventory, and supplies
• Maintain complete familiarity with resort services, amenities, and outlet offerings

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of progressive food & beverage management experience in full-service restaurants, hotels, resorts, or luxury hospitality environments
• Multi-outlet leadership experience strongly preferred
• Experience in upscale dining, luxury hospitality, or resort operations preferred
• Proven success leading high-volume service teams while maintaining exceptional guest experience standards
• Strong understanding of labor management, scheduling, payroll controls, inventory, and financial accountability
• Experience with POS systems, Microsoft Office, and hospitality operating systems
• Strong service recovery, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills
• Ability to remain calm, polished, and effective under pressure
• Passion for hospitality, guest experience, and operational excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Luxury hotel or resort food & beverage leadership experience
• Wine knowledge, sommelier certification, or beverage program experience
• Experience supporting multiple concepts with varying service styles

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout shifts
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and move throughout operational areas
• Ability to lift, push, or carry up to 25 pounds
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied schedules based on business demands

Why World Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center is committed to delivering world-class hospitality experiences through exceptional people, elevated standards, and operational excellence.

We are building teams that reflect our commitment to distinction, service, and memorable guest experiences in one of the most unique hospitality destinations in the country.