Assistant Director of Food and Beverage

Assistant Director of Food and Beverage

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Director of Food & Beverage is responsible and accountable for supporting the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of all Dining and Banquet Services within Banff Centre. The incumbent assists in the overall leadership, management, and administration of Food & Beverage operations, ensuring the delivery of exceptional service, operational efficiency, financial accountability, and a high-quality guest and participant experience.

This position provides leadership and direction to Food & Beverage Managers and support staff, and is responsible for the effective scheduling, training, motivation, and development of departmental employees. The Assistant Director works closely with the Director, Food and Beverage Services, Executive Chef, Conference Services, and all internal and external stakeholders to ensure operational objectives are achieved.

Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Food and Beverage Services, below are some key accountabilities:

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to Food & Beverage Managers and staff on a daily basis.
• Assess operational requirements, establish work plans and priorities, and ensure that staffing and resources are allocated effectively to meet business demands.
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external organizers, conference clients, and other stakeholders to ensure Dining and Banquet Services are delivered in accordance with Group Resume Forms (GRFs), contractual requirements, client expectations, and Banff Centre standards.
• Support the development and implementation of innovative Dining and Banquet Service offerings that provide quality, variety, and value while meeting the needs of Banff Centre clients.
• Provide oversight and support for staffing, recruitment, scheduling, and workforce planning across the department.
• Monitor payroll and labour costs, identify opportunities to improve productivity, and ensure that scheduling and staffing practices align with departmental budgets, collective agreements, and direction provided by the Director, Food and Beverage Services.
• Work with the Director, Food and Beverage Services, and departmental leaders to develop, implement, and maintain effective training and development programs.
• Provide leadership in performance management, employee development, and the consistent application of departmental standards.
• Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of the MacLab Bistro Manager, Vistas Dining Room Manager, Banquet Manager, Concessions Manager, Server, and Bartender job descriptions and associated operational requirements.
• Oversee the maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and presentation of all Food & Beverage service areas, storage spaces, and equipment.
• Work with the Director, to develop, monitor, and manage departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Attend and contribute to Departmental team meetings, Hospitality Management Meetings, and other operational or strategic meetings as required.
• Maintain a sound understanding of Banff Centre's Health & Safety Policies, emergency procedures, and management responsibilities relating to workplace safety and building evacuations.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and performance of wine and alcoholic beverage programs across all outlets, banquets, and special functions.

Human Resources, Team Building and Interdivisional Cooperation

• Foster an internal culture that maintains the highest standards for customer service, excellence of staff, participant and guest experience, and fiscal, operational, and organizational integrity.
• Ensure a positive and safe work environment for all Banff employees, aligned with Banff Centre’s policies including but not limited to code of ethics, anti-harassment policies, contractual obligations, and strategic directions.
• Maintain effective working relationships with team members, internal partners, customers, the union and other stakeholders.
• Enable food and beverage and program services staff to function as a high performing team at all times, maintaining open communication, clear objectives and priorities, and a culture of positive behavioral intent that is consistent and in alignment with Banff Centre values and is welcoming and inclusive, supporting a diverse workforce.
• Ensure that employees fully understand their roles, responsibilities, and performance standards and provide ongoing formal and informal feedback, coaching and support as employees strive to achieve expectations.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• 5+ years’ management experience in a multi-outlet Food and Beverage operation.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to manage competing priorities.
• Sound understanding of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll and labour cost controls, revenue generation, inventory management and cost analysis.
• Strong knowledge of wine, beverage programs, purchasing practices and AGLC regulations.
• Knowledge of 4-star hospitality operations, including banquet/meeting set-ups, a la carte dining, proper food handling practices, service etiquette, and excellent customer service are important aspects of this position.
• Familiar with PC based Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Familiar with Property Management Systems, Point of Sales, and scheduling/attendance software applications.
• This position requires a valid license to drive in Alberta.
• ProServe, Basic First Aid/CPR, ASIP and Sommelier 1 certification (training may be provided to suitable candidates).

Special Requirements

• Due to the nature of the job, this position requires the candidate to be available to work a flexible, irregular schedule and weekends.

Employment Terms and Benefits

• In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a salaried, fulltime position, subject to a 6-month probationary period.
• The salary range for this position is $68,714 to $102,040, based on experience.
• The successful candidate will enjoy twenty paid vacation days and four personal days annually, extended medical and dental benefits, and participation in an employer-matched pension plan.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
  • Professional Development
  • Employee Assistant Program
  • Health care spending account
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

Application Process

• We are accepting applications for the Assistant Director of Food and Beverage position until a suitable candidate is found.
• Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized.
• Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.