Director of Food and Beverage- The Vanguard Hotel, Ann Arbor, MI at Hotel Equities – Ann Arbor, Michigan

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.

Qualifications and Requirements:

High School diploma /Secondary qualification or equivalent.

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

This job requires the ability to perform the following:

• 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, administrative and Human Resource responsibilities. Requires excellent reading and writing abilities 100% of the work day.

Other:

• Being passionate about people and service.
• Strong communication skills are essential when interacting with guests and employees.
• Reading and writing abilities are used often when completing paperwork, logging issues/complaints/requests/ information updates, etc.
• Basic math skills are used frequently when handling cash or credit.
• Problem-solving, reasoning, motivating, and training abilities are often used.
• Have the ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays

Amazing Benefits At A Glance:

• Team Driven and Values Based Culture
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Vacation & Holiday Pay
• Same-day pay available
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Growth Opportunities/ Manager Training Program
• Reduced Room Rates throughout the portfolio
• Third Party Perks (Movie Tickets, Attractions, Other)
• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Referral program