Strasburg Rail Road Company

POSITION DESCRIPTION
 

POSITION TITLE: Director of Food & Beverage
FLSA: Exempt
Retirement: 401k
Salary: $62,000.00-$70,000.00
POSITION REPORTS TO: VP of Guest Experience/Stationmaster

POSITION PURPOSE: The Director of Food & Beverage is charged with oversight of the Food & Beverage department, a department within Strasburg Rail Road’s Guest Experience. The Director of Food & Beverage is responsible for all aspects of culinary events, budgeting and profitability, menu creation, recipe development, food handling, product preparation, and final menu execution. The Director of Food & Beverage will hire and lead a culinary team for the purpose of providing high-quality food & beverage experiences for Café 1832 and Strasburg Rail Road Guests on the trains. Above all, the Director of Food & Beverage will cultivate a positive work environment and Team culture within the kitchen and throughout the Food & Beverage operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, respect, and accountability in leadership of the culinary team.
• Embrace the corporate vision for Food & Beverage at the Strasburg Rail Road and develop food concepts and service standards accordingly.
• Oversee creation and execution of menus, including, but not limited to Café, Dining Car, and First-Class menus.
• Evaluate Guest feedback and adjust menus or service as necessary.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and implementation of Standard Operating Guidelines for Food & Beverage roles and operation.
• Ensure seamless management of day-to-day kitchen operations, from receipt of food product and proper storage and handling to time and temperature control and to final menu execution.
• Review kitchen equipment needs and arrange maintenance and/or replacement as required.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (e.g. health and safety licensing, PLCB licensing, ServSafe Certifications, etc.) and promptly address any deficiencies.
• Encourage and motivate Team Members toward best-in-class levels of quality and service.
• Adhere to company policies and strategies.
• Maintain a current knowledge and understanding of culinary industry trends.
• Perform other duties as required, demonstrating a servant leadership mindset.
• Create, analyze, and maintain budgets and record keeping for Food & Beverage.

Strasburg Rail Road offers a wide array of dining options, including but not limited to:
o Café 1832 (quick service, short order, takeout)
o Dining Car (lunch / formal dinner)
o First Class snack, dessert, and beverage service aboard the train
o Unique food & beverage pairings (e.g. Wine & Cheese Train)
o Boxed lunches for groups
o Weddings and catered events containing Food & Beverage offerings
o Outdoor and event food (e.g. Popcorn Wagon)

MEASUREMENTS:
• Maintains a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen.
• Ensures proper food handling, storage, and applicable reporting.
• Punctual for work, meetings, and appointments.
• Controls spending through effective scheduling, management of food costs, and monitoring waste.
• Demonstrates effectiveness leading a team and maintaining a positive work culture.
• Maintains constructive and positive relationships with all contacts, internally and externally.
• Develops positive relationships and partnerships with third parties.
• Professionally and accurately communicates with Team Members.
• Demonstrates flexibility and an ability to effectively adjust to changing needs, seasons, and schedules.
• Presents a clean and professional outward appearance in adherence to the requirements of the Employee Handbook.
• In conjunction with fellow department heads, drives revenue through creative menu concepts and commitment to product quality.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience and success in an Executive Chef or similar role.
• Degree or certification in culinary arts preferred.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification.
• PLCB RAMP or similar responsible alcohol service training preferred.
• Enthusiasm for the company, its product offerings, and the overall Guest Experience.
• Self-awareness as a leader, self-motivation, self-direction.
• Excellency in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to delegate tasks.
• Experience leading a diverse team, and a passion for inspiring people.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with computers, technology, and POS (Toast).
• Ability to forecast resource needs.
• Deep knowledge of the food industry.
• Unwavering commitment to world-class Guest service and a positive company reputation.
  WORKING CONDITIONS:

•Full-time, minimum forty (40) hours per week. 

•Varied shifts depending on operating, event, and travel schedules. 

•Day, evening and weekend hours are expected, as well as work on holidays.

•Work during special events is required i.e. Day Out with Thomas, Christmas season, Mother’s Day, Easter, etc, all of which may be outside normal job responsibilities.

•Work is primarily indoors, in buildings and train cars, though some time is spent outdoors.

•Required uniform including apron, jacket, and anti-slip footwear.

•Work may be high-volume and fast-paced at times.

•Work requires frequent walking and/or standing.

•Work requires frequent social contact with Team Members, Guests, and third-party vendors.

•Work may require interaction with media or press.

•Occasional exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures.

•Use of basic office equipment and business technology includes but is not limited to computers, POS tablets, mobile phone, telephone system, cloud-based booking platform, copier, and two-way radio.

•Regular work with and around alcoholic beverages or ingredients.

•Occasional need for personal protective equipment (PPE).

•Occasional exposure to hazardous situations and contaminants.

•Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
 

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTION:
Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions. Well-constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system. All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Supervisors as deemed appropriate may assign additional functions and requirements. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law. EEOC Employer.