Director of Food & Beverage
University Club of Memphis | Private Member Club
Position Overview
The University Club of Memphis is seeking a Director of Food & Beverage to lead a reset of its dining and bar operations.
This role is responsible for establishing structure, restoring operational discipline, and building a consistent, financially responsible food and beverage program aligned with the expectations of a private member club.
This is a hands-on leadership role in an evolving environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable simplifying operations, holding teams accountable, and executing at a high level during peak service periods.
This position is best suited for an operator who takes ownership of results and is motivated by building and improving a department—not maintaining the status quo.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee all daily food and beverage operations, including dining outlets, bar service, and member events
- Establish and enforce clear service standards to ensure consistency and efficiency
- Maintain a visible, active presence during service; lead from the floor
- Simplify and standardize operations to improve execution and accountability
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Partner with the Executive Chef to maintain a focused, executable menu
Financial Management & Accountability
- Own departmental financial performance, including labor, cost of goods, and overall results
- Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and monthly performance reviews
- Implement and enforce cost controls across purchasing, inventory, and waste
- Align staffing with business levels to maintain efficient labor models
- Evaluate events and programming based on contribution—not just revenue
Member Experience
- Build relationships with members and respond directly to feedback
- Deliver a consistent, high-quality dining experience reflective of a private club
- Support member events that are operationally sound and financially responsible
- Communicate clearly and professionally with members regarding dining operations
Team Leadership
- Recruit, train, and develop a disciplined service team
- Set expectations and hold staff accountable for performance and professionalism
- Create structure in scheduling, service execution, and daily responsibilities
- Address performance issues directly and in a timely manner
Systems & Execution
- Oversee scheduling, payroll, and adherence to Club policies
- Utilize POS and Clubessential systems for reporting and operational management
- Ensure ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships are consistent and controlled
- Provide accurate and timely reporting to senior leadership
Qualifications
- 5–7+ years of leadership experience in food & beverage operations
- Experience in private clubs, upscale casual, or high-volume hospitality environments preferred
- Demonstrated ability to manage labor and cost of goods effectively
- Strong operational presence—this is not a purely administrative role
- Proven ability to build structure and improve underperforming operations
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and peak business periods
Benefits
- Health, dental, and retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities