Executive Director, Food & Beverage Development - Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

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Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are seeking an Executive Director of F&B Development to lead end-to-end concept creation and pre-opening execution across luxury properties, translating brand strategy into distinctive, commercially viable restaurant and beverage experiences while elevating guest delight and profitability. The role requires steering market research, business cases with financial projections, and governance, working with development, design, operations, procurement and marketing to ensure on-time delivery, budgets and brand alignment. Ideal candidates bring 10-15+ years in luxury hospitality, multi-property or corporate F&B development, and a track record in both hotel-based and standalone concepts with strong stakeholder management. Tips for applying: tailor your resume to highlight pre-opening success with measurable outcomes, include a concise concept portfolio, demonstrate cross-functional leadership, and emphasize Dubai or GCC experience and chef or operator partnerships.

Company Description

Raffles Hotels & Resorts
The Birthplace of stories and legends since 1887, Raffles is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by generations past, present and future.  Raffles, at distinguished landmark addresses around the world, is the vibrant heart of its destination, curating experiences that are culturally enriching, intellectually stimulating and always respectful of local communities, heritage and the environment. Its timeless elegance, refined manners and spirit of generosity ensure that every visitor arrives as a guest, leaves as a friend and returns as family.
 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Join a dynamic team and be part of the Fairmont family – with 90+ spectacular properties, and 34 more in the pipeline, in 30 countries around the globe, stretching from the beaches of Hawaii, to the unspoiled national parks of Canada, to the heart of London, to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates. 

Job Description

Lead and support the development and implementation of innovative Food & Beverage concepts across the Raffles and Fairmont brands. Ensure that new openings, renovations, and strategic F&B projects deliver distinctive, commercially successful, and brand-aligned dining experiences. Translate the overarching brand strategy into tangible, compelling restaurant, bar, and experiential offerings throughout the portfolio, enhancing guest satisfaction and driving revenue.

•Strategic Concept Development & Positioning:

•Lead the end-to-end development of innovative and commercially viable F&B concepts, from ideation to detailed proposition, ensuring alignment with Raffles and Fairmont brand standards and market trends.

•Define unique selling propositions and positioning for all new and renovated F&B outlets to ensure competitive differentiation and guest appeal.

•Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging F&B trends, consumer preferences, and opportunities for brand innovation.

•Develop detailed business cases for proposed F&B concepts, including financial projections, operational requirements, and risk assessments.

•Project Delivery & Pre-Opening Support:

•Oversee the successful execution of F&B development projects from concept approval through to pre-opening, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

•Collaborate closely with internal development, design, and operations teams, as well as external partners, to ensure seamless integration of F&B concepts into hotel projects.

•Provide expert guidance and support during the design and construction phases, ensuring F&B operational efficiency and guest experience are prioritized.

•Develop and implement pre-opening strategies for F&B outlets, including operational manuals, service standards, and initial menu development in collaboration with culinary teams.

•Stakeholder Alignment & Governance:

•Act as the primary F&B development liaison with hotel owners and key stakeholders, effectively communicating project vision, progress, and securing buy-in.

•Facilitate decision-making processes by presenting clear, data-driven recommendations and managing expectations across diverse stakeholder groups.

•Establish and maintain robust governance processes for F&B concept approval, ensuring all projects meet brand guidelines, operational feasibility, and financial targets.

•Build strong relationships with internal departments (e.g., Operations, Technical Services, Procurement, Marketing) to ensure collaborative project execution and successful F&B activations.

•Industry Intelligence & Innovation:

•Continuously monitor global F&B trends, innovations, and best practices within the luxury hospitality sector and beyond.

•Translate market insights into actionable strategies and innovative F&B offerings that enhance brand reputation and guest experience.

•Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within the F&B development process.

•Identify and evaluate potential partnerships with chefs, restaurateurs, and third-party operators to enhance the F&B portfolio.

•Performance Monitoring & Optimization:

•In collaboration with operations, contribute to the post-opening review of F&B concepts to assess performance against initial objectives and identify areas for refinement.

•Develop scalable F&B concepts and operational models that can be adapted across a diverse global portfolio.

Qualifications

•Senior F&B development professional with a strong international exposure, capable of translating broad brand vision into commercially successful, distinctive, and operationally excellent concepts.

•Extensive experience (10-15+ years) in F&B leadership or development roles within luxury hospitality, including multi-property or corporate F&B development.

•Proven experience in both hotel-based F&B operations and standalone restaurant/bar development and concept creation.

•Recognized for industry awareness, innovative thinking, structured execution, and exceptional stakeholder alignment and management skills.

•Strong exposure to luxury or premium hospitality environments, with a deep understanding of guest expectations and service standards in this segment.

•Demonstrable experience in concept development, pre-opening projects, and the full lifecycle of F&B outlet creation and renovation.