Director of Food & Beverage

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Director of Food & Beverage leads all dining, bar, banquet, and room-service operations, ensuring outstanding guest experiences, strong financial performance, and compliance with Shangri-La standards. Candidates typically need substantial luxury-hotel F&B leadership experience, proven budgeting and revenue-management skills, and a strong understanding of service quality, food safety, and team development. The role requires strategic planning, outlet performance management, supplier and cost control, and close cooperation with culinary, sales, rooms, and executive teams. The successful candidate is expected to be commercially minded, highly organised, visible with guests, and capable of motivating a diverse, multicultural workforce. Excellent English communication, leadership, problem-solving, and knowledge of UAE hospitality operations are normally expected.

About the employer

Shangri-La Group is a luxury hospitality company founded in Hong Kong and recognised for its hotels, resorts, residences, and related businesses across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other international markets. Its properties are known for personalised service, Asian-inspired hospitality, carefully designed guest experiences, and high standards across accommodation, dining, wellness, and events. Shangri-La operates several hotels and resorts in the United Arab Emirates, serving business travellers, leisure guests, families, and large events. The company places strong emphasis on service culture, colleague development, operational excellence, and responsible business practices. A Director of Food & Beverage within the group would typically work in a fast-paced luxury environment, balancing guest satisfaction with profitability, brand standards, employee engagement, and the delivery of distinctive restaurant, bar, banquet, and in-room dining experiences.

Working in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is not an island but a federation of seven emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering the largest concentration of hospitality, tourism, aviation, retail, and business opportunities. The country is multicultural and generally welcoming, although local Islamic customs, modest public behaviour, and respectful dress should be observed. Lifestyle options range from modern city living, beaches, desert activities, and international dining to quieter coastal communities. Employers normally sponsor work visas and residence permits, arrange medical testing and identity registration, and may provide accommodation, transport, insurance, flights, or schooling support depending on the role. Employees should confirm the full package, probation terms, gratuity, and leave entitlement before relocating. Living costs, particularly rent and schooling, can be high. English is widely used in hotels, while Arabic is the official language. Reliable public transport is available in major cities, and a UAE driving licence can be useful.