Director of Food and Beverage (Full Time)

The Memphis Zoo is a dynamic and fun-filled destination for families and visitors of all ages. We’re on a mission to create unforgettable experiences and foster a healthy, thriving, and exciting environment for our guests—and our team! We’re looking for a passionate, energetic, and experienced leader to join us as our Director of Food and Beverage. This is your chance to help shape the future of dining experiences at one of the most beloved attractions in the region!

• As the Director of Food and Beverage, you’ll be responsible for overseeing two crucial departments:
• Concessions and Catering/Private Events.
• You will lead a talented team of four direct reports and work closely with them to provide exceptional food and service that keep our guests coming back for more.
• From everyday guest satisfaction to VIP events, you’ll ensure that delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a healthy work environment are always on the menu.

Why Work at the Memphis Zoo?  

Impact:

• This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to help create memories that last a lifetime for our guests while leading a team of talented individuals.

Fun and Excitement:

• Where else can you work in an environment filled with animals, adventure, and smiles?

Growth:

• We’re a growing organization, and we want you to grow with us!
• We offer professional development opportunities to help you take your career to the next level.

Benefits:

• We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and happiness.

Essential Job Functions:

Leadership:

• Lead, inspire, and develop a team of 4 direct reports, creating a positive and collaborative environment where creativity and excellence thrive.

Multi-Million Dollar Budget Management:

• Own and manage a multi-million dollar food and beverage budget, ensuring operational efficiency while maximizing profit

Guest Satisfaction:

• Provide an outstanding guest experience, from savory snacks to gourmet meals, ensuring that every dish served meets the highest standards of taste, quality, and presentation.

Private Events:

• Oversee the planning and execution of private events, from corporate gatherings to parties, ensuring that every event is a memorable success.

Innovation & Creativity:

• Keep things fresh! Regularly evaluate and refresh food offerings to ensure the menu is fun, exciting, and aligned with current culinary trends.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments within the Zoo to ensure a seamless experience for guests, from admission to departure.

Training & Development:

• Foster a positive and healthy work environment where staff feel valued and encouraged to grow, providing training, guidance, and recognition.

Successful Candidates Will Bring: 

• Proven experience in a food and beverage management role, preferably in a hospitality, theme park, or large-scale venue environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and empower your team to deliver their best.
• Exceptional budgeting and financial management skills.
• A deep passion for providing outstanding customer service.
• Creative, forward-thinking approach to menu development and event planning.
• The ability to manage high-pressure situations with grace and good humor.
• A passion for working in a fun, dynamic environment!

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary experience, including leadership roles in a high-volume food service environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, kitchen management best practices, and menu development.
• Experience in managing budgets, food costs, and inventory control.
• Proven track record of leading and developing culinary teams to deliver exceptional culinary experiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification from recognized culinary institutions or organizations (e.g., Certified Executive Chef, ServSafe Manager). 
• TABC Certification.

Competencies:

• Leadership.
• Written and oral communication.
• Critical thinking.
• Problem solving/analysis.
• Stress management/composure.
• Creativity.
• Budget management.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork orientation.
• Records and report creation and management.
• Proficient in MS Office, Point of Sales Systems.  

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has 4 direct reports, and multiple indirect reports.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to Chief Marketing Officer.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time salaried exempt position, which regularly requires flexible hours for days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in food service venues and on Zoo grounds.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.
• The employee is frequently required to walk across zoo grounds, or operate a motorized golf cart.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.
• The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Benefits (subject to applicable waiting periods):
• Medical, dental, vision. 
• FSA, HSA.
• Short and Long Term Disability. 
• Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D. 
• 401K
• Answer these questions from the employer: 
• By submitting your application, you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Certification

• I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate.
• I understand that providing false or misleading information will be basis for rejection of my application, or if employment commences, immediate termination.
• I authorize Memphis Zoo to contact former employers and educational organizations regarding my employment and education.
• I authorize my former employers and educational organizations to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment, attendance, and grades.
• I authorize those persons designated as references to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment and education.
• If an employment relationship is created, I understand that unless I am offered a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by its CEO, the employment relationship will be "at-will".
• In other words, the relationship will be entirely voluntary in nature, and either I or my employer will be able to terminate the employment relationship at any time and without cause.
• With appropriate notice, I will have the full and complete discretion to end the employment relationship when I choose for reasons of my choice.
• Similarly, my employer will have the same right.
• Moreover, no agent, representative, or employee of Memphis Zoo, except in a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by the CEO, has the power to alter or vary the voluntary nature of the employment relationship.

I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE ABOVE CERTIFICATION AND I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS.

• EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve.
• World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
• We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
• The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer.
• Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
• If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know.
• HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
• The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

Ready to Join the Team?

• If you’re ready to lead a vibrant and passionate team, make an impact on the guest experience, and serve delicious food in a fun and exciting environment, apply now!
• We can’t wait to meet you and see what you bring to the table!
• How to Apply:
• Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page.
• Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered.
• www.memphiszoo.org/careers. 

Salary

• $85,000.00