Director of Food and Beverage- Vanguard Hotel, Ann Arbor, MI

Hotel Equities, a multi-award-winning hotel development and hospitality management company, is currently searching for a remarkable Director of Food & Beverage for The Vanguard Hotel in Ann Arbor, MI.

Salary Range: $110,000-$125,000 annually

Hire Date:
Mid-Late May 2026

The Vanguard Hotel invites an exceptional hospitality leader to join our Executive Team as Director of Food & Beverage
, guiding the vision, performance, and guest experience of all culinary and dining operations across the property.

This role represents a rare opportunity to shape a dynamic and sophisticated food and beverage program inclusive of La Serre
, our signature French-inspired brasserie, elevated banquet and catering experiences, and hotel-wide culinary operations. The ideal candidate is a passionate innovator and operational strategist who understands that luxury hospitality is defined not only by quality, but by consistency, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments.

As Director of Food & Beverage, you will provide executive oversight for restaurant, banquet, and culinary operations while cultivating a culture rooted in excellence, creativity, and genuine hospitality.

You will serve as both a business leader and experience curator
, ensuring every dining touchpoint reflects refinement, precision, and thoughtful service synonymous with a luxury hotel environment.

• Define and execute a compelling Food & Beverage vision aligned with The Vanguard Hotel’s luxury positioning.
• Elevate the hotel’s reputation as a premier dining and events destination within the market.
• Drive innovation through seasonal programming, culinary collaborations, and experiential offerings.

• Champion the identity and performance of La Serre, ensuring an authentic yet contemporary French brasserie experience.
• Partner with culinary leadership to deliver inspired menus, exceptional beverage programs, and refined service rituals.
• Maintain an environment where ambiance, hospitality, and culinary artistry operate seamlessly.

• Oversee all banquet and catering operations with a focus on flawless execution and personalized guest experiences.
• Collaborate with Sales and Events teams to maximize revenue opportunities and client satisfaction.
• Ensure operational precision across weddings, corporate gatherings, and high‑profile social events.

• Lead strategic budgeting, forecasting, and revenue optimization for the Food & Beverage division.
• Balance profitability with uncompromising quality and service standards.
• Utilize performance analytics to guide operational decision‑making.

• Inspire and develop a high‑performing leadership team across culinary, restaurant, and banquet operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and service excellence.
• Act as a visible leader who embodies the hotel’s values and service philosophy.

High School diploma /Secondary qualification or equivalent.

Experience with Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Wyndham or Hyatt processes and standards.

• Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the food & beverage/hospitality profession. This includes the knowledge required for management of people, complex problems and food and beverage management. Must have some culinary training and/or experience in a fine dining establishment.
• Ability to study, analyze and interpret complex activities.
• Must possess highly developed communication skills to negotiate, convince, sell and influence other managerial personnel, hotel guest(s), and/or corporate clients.
• Must possess excellent comprehension and hearing skills due to telephone and face‑to‑face interaction with guests, corporate office and associates.
• Must have excellent vision for administrative responsibilities (i.e., forecast, purchase orders, budget review and invoice approval).
• Must possess excellent speech communications for guest, corporate, vendor and associate interaction, 100% of the work day.
• Must be literate for written guest communication,…