Director Food & Beverage, Development & Openings Europe

Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Across EuropeHilton is seeking an experienced and commercially minded F&B Director to drive the development and opening of world-class Food & Beverage concepts across Europe, including the UK & Ireland.This is a unique opportunity to influence how Hilton's newest hotels come to life, leading the end-to-end F&B development journey from concept creation and design through to opening, operational handover and post-opening review. Working with hotel owners, developers, architects, operators and brand teams, you will ensure every F&B venue delivers exceptional guest experiences, strong commercial performance and operational excellence. What You'll DoLead F&B Concept DevelopmentYou will build and develop innovative F&B concepts that deliver:Operational excellenceCommercial successOutstanding guest experiences You'll partner with owners, development teams and brand stakeholders to create concepts that are achievable, commercially viable and aligned with Hilton's standards and long-term vision. Drive Design ExcellenceYou'll own the design sign-off process across both Front and Back of House environments, ensuring:Efficient operational workflowsCompliance with Hilton Development Design StandardsEffective kitchen, bar and buffet installationsAppropriate equipment specificationsSpace-efficient planning solutionsYou will also lead owner and project meetings while managing external consultants throughout the development cycle. Deliver Commercially Successful OpeningsWorking closely with Operations & Technology, Regional F&B Directors and General Managers, you will:Lead F&B pre-opening planningDrive value engineering decisionsManage snagging and operational handover processesEnsure asset quality and operational readinessConduct post-opening reviews and continuous improvement initiativesYour focus will be on ensuring every new venue opens successfully and performs from day one. Act as a Trusted F&B ExpertAs a recognised subject matter expert, you will:Support masterplan, conversion and third-party projectsDrive CAPEX review processes for F&D initiativesDevelop tools, resources and best practices for hotel teamsChampion sustainability throughout the project lifecycleIntroduce innovative operational solutions and emerging industry trendsDeliver presentations to senior leadership and regional stakeholdersCoach, mentor and develop wider team members, including interns You will play a key role in elevating Hilton's F&B capabilities across Europe while helping shape the future of the function. Key PartnershipsSuccess in this role requires collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, including:VP Architecture & Construction and European teamOperations Leadership (CE & UK)Development teams across EMEAF&B Development & Operations DirectorsAD&C teamsPre-opening teamsF&B Brand ServicesGeneral ManagersOwners, Asset Managers and ConsultantsFinance and HR teams Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and AbilityThe individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to perform the essential functions of the job:Demonstrates extensive operational experience in hotels/restaurants – both front & back of house – 10 years.Excellent knowledge of F&B – including product, culinary, beverage, catering, equipment, design, build & operational workflows.Demonstrates Strong Project Management capability.Shows Leadership outside of direct team via excellent Influencing and Motivational skills.Verbal & Written Communication skills – up to executive level.Ability to Build Relationships across multiple functions & levels – both internal & external.Able to work in Detail without losing sight of Strategic Priorities.Acts as Business Owner for the new hotels – thinking long-term and beyond their own team.Shows willingness to be hands-on as necessary.Customer-centric – sees the customer first and last in everything.Critical thinking – has the ability to invent, critique and simplify.Strong IT skills, predominantly AutoCAD, Excel & PowerPoint.Capacity to Work Independently – shows Resilience and a “Can-Do” Attitude in the face of setbacks.Flexibility to travel extensively. Required QualificationsUniversity degree or Associates Diploma in Hospitality Management, or extensive relevant experience in lieu thereof. Preferred QualificationsA second language would be desirable.