Job Details

The University Club of Portland is an exclusive, members-only private club dedicated to offering an unparalleled experience in fine dining, events, and social gatherings. Located in Portland, Oregon, we pride ourselves on our sophisticated atmosphere and commitment to excellence in service and cuisine. We are seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Food & Beverage Director with Sommelier credentials to lead and elevate our F&B offerings.

Website www.uclubpdx.com

Position Overview:

As the Food & Beverage Director, you will oversee all aspects of the club's dining operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, service, and member satisfaction. You will play a key role in curating a world-class wine program, managing a talented team, and fostering an exceptional dining experience for our members. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for fine dining, a refined palate, and the ability to create memorable experiences through food and wine pairings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Management: Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the F&B department, including oversight of dining rooms, banquet operations, catering, and bar services.
• Wine Program Development: Curate, manage, and expand the club's wine list with an emphasis on fine wines, including rare and limited-edition selections. Provide expert recommendations and education to staff and members.
• Sommelier Duties: Act as the in-house Sommelier, leading wine tastings, pairings, and educational events for club members and guests. Develop wine-pairing menus for various events and dining experiences.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor front-of-house staff to maintain high standards of service, hospitality, and food and beverage knowledge.
• Financial Management: Manage budgets for food and beverage operations, including cost control, inventory management, and purchasing.
• Member Engagement: Build relationships with club members to ensure exceptional service and satisfaction. Collect feedback and adjust offerings to meet the preferences and desires of the membership.
• Event Coordination: Collaborate with the events team to plan and execute special events, private parties, and banquets, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.

Qualifications:

• Sommelier Certification (Certified Sommelier or higher, WSET Level 2 or 3, or equivalent).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in F&B management, preferably within a private club, fine dining restaurant, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of wine, food pairings, and the ability to educate staff and guests about wines.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• A passion for hospitality, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing an exceptional member experience.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, control costs, and implement best practices in inventory and supply chain management.
• Knowledge of industry trends, including sustainable sourcing, local ingredients, and innovative beverage offerings.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying boxes of wine as necessary for the role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with upscale banquets, events, and catering.
• Strong local or international wine knowledge and network within the wine industry.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Commission on wholesale wine sales
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Reserved downtown parking spot
• Two weeks paid time off
• True work-life balance
• Annual performance-based bonus