Director of Food and Beverage

Summary/Objective

The Director – Food & Beverage is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all food and beverage operations at Ute Mountain Casino Hotel, including Kuchu's Diner, Peak's Café, Ka'vaa Food Trailer, employee dining services, and culinary/set‑up support for banquet functions. This position oversees guest experience, operational performance, financial results, workforce leadership, inventory management, food quality, and regulatory compliance across all food and beverage venues.

The Director provides hands‑on leadership and operational support when necessary while developing systems, standards, and teams that promote consistency, efficiency, and exceptional service. Working closely with department leaders and executive management, the Director ensures food and beverage operations support the organization's goals while delivering memorable dining experiences for guests and employees alike. Success in this role is demonstrated by operational stability, exceptional guest satisfaction, financial stewardship, effective workforce leadership, consistent food quality, and well‑executed food and beverage operations across all service areas.

• Must be at least 21 years old to obtain and maintain a Ute Mountain Ute Gaming Commission Key License. Must be able to pass UMUGC and Colorado Gaming background investigations.
• Must be able and willing to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as operational needs require.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, organizational ability, and sound judgment in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively lead teams and collaborate with guests, vendors, regulators, and organizational leadership.

• Culinary degree, Bachelor's degree, or equivalent education in culinary arts, food service management, hospitality, business administration, nutrition, or a related field preferred.

• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain all position‑relevant food safety certifications, including Food Handler and/or Serv Safe certifications, within 30 days of hire.

• Minimum seven years of progressive food and beverage experience required, including at least three years in a senior leadership role overseeing multiple outlets, large‑scale food service operations, or comparable hospitality environments.
• Recent tribal gaming experience strongly preferred.

* Candidates with equivalent combinations of education, training, certification, and experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Provide strategic and operational leadership for all food and beverage operations, including Kuchu's Diner, Peak's Café, Ka'vaa Food Trailer, employee dining services, and culinary/set‑up support for banquet functions. Establish departmental goals, service standards, and operational priorities that align with organizational objectives and guest expectations.

Ensure consistent execution of food and beverage operations through effective planning, organization, and oversight. Maintain high standards of food quality, service delivery, cleanliness, professionalism, and guest satisfaction across all venues and service periods.

Lead, develop, and support food and beverage leadership and staff through effective hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, labor costs, food costs, and operational expenses. Analyze financial performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategies that support profitability while maintaining service and quality standards.

Oversee purchasing, receiving, storage, inventory…