Director of Food, Beverage and Retail

Lead a $20+ Million Food and Beverage Operation in Paradise

About the Role

Picture this: you wake up each day on the world's largest sand island, surrounded by pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, and crystal-clear lakes, then head off to work overseeing one of Australia's most significant resort food and beverage operations. This isn't just any job – it's a lifestyle opportunity that combines executive-level responsibility with the unique privilege of living and working in a UNESCO World Heritage environment.

1834 Hotels, Australia's leading hospitality management company, is seeking an outstanding Director of Food and Beverage to take charge of our culinary and hospitality operations across both Kingfisher Bay Resort and K'gari Beach Resort. You'll be responsible for managing over $20 million in annual food and beverage revenue, making this one of the most significant F&B leadership roles in regional Australia.

The successful candidate will oversee our retail department, front of house operations, and kitchen teams, with head chefs reporting directly to this role. You'll be the visionary leader who transforms fresh, local ingredients into unforgettable dining experiences whilst building a thriving, profitable operation that sets the standard for eco-luxury hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive food, beverage & retail strategies across both resorts
• Drive revenue growth and profitability whilst maintaining quality standards
• Lead menu development and seasonal planning initiatives
• Establish and maintain supplier relationships and procurement strategies

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of all restaurants, bars, cafés, and retail outlets
• Manage front of house service standards and guest experience delivery
• Coordinate kitchen operations and ensure food safety compliance
• Monitor inventory management, cost control, and waste reduction programmes

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of head chefs, restaurant managers, and service staff
• Implement training programmes and professional development initiatives
• Foster a positive workplace culture focussed on teamwork and excellence
• Manage recruitment, performance reviews, and staff retention strategies

Financial Management

• Oversee $20+ million in annual food, beverage& revenue across both resorts
• Develop and manage comprehensive departmental budgets and forecasting
• Analyse P&L performance and implement strategic corrective actions
• Drive revenue optimisation through innovative pricing and menu strategies
• Control food and beverage costs whilst maximising profitability opportunities
• Prepare detailed financial reporting for senior management and stakeholders

Retail Operations

• Direct accountability for all retail outlets across both Kingfisher Bay Resort and K'gari Beach Resort
• Develop and implement retail merchandising strategies aligned with the resort's eco-luxury positioning
• Work closely with merchandise vendors to ensure product offerings align with seasonal trends, guest preferences, and market demands
• Oversee product selection, pricing strategies, and inventory management for all retail operations
• Monitor retail performance metrics, sales targets, and profitability across all outlets
• Ensure visual merchandising standards and customer service excellence in all retail spaces
• Manage retail team performance, training, and development initiatives
• Maintain full P&L accountability for retail operations including revenue targets and cost control

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or related field
• Minimum 5 years in senior food and beverage management roles
• Proven experience managing multiple venues and diverse dining concepts
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing head chefs and senior staff
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance
• Excellent financial acumen with budget management experience
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable Qualifications

• Previous resort or island-based hospitality experience
• Experience with retail food and beverage operations
• Knowledge of sustainable and local sourcing practices
• Understanding of indigenous food culture and native ingredients
• Fluency in additional languages

What We Offer

More Than Just a Job – A Lifestyle Revolution

• Your Island Home: Fully furnished staff accommodation at Kingfisher Bay Resort with all utilities included
• Paradise on Your Doorstep: Wake up to pristine beaches, explore ancient rainforests, and unwind by freshwater lakes
• Professional Excellence: Lead one of Australia's largest resort F&B operations with $20+ million in revenue responsibility
• Career Fast-Track: Unparalleled professional development opportunities and direct pathway to GM roles
• Island Lifestyle: Staff meals, resort facility access, and the unique privilege of living in a World Heritage environment
• Work-Life Balance: Experience the perfect balance of executive responsibility and island tranquillity
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage and wellbeing programmes
• Network Building: Connect with industry leaders and develop relationships across Australia's premium hospitality sector

The Ultimate Lifestyle Package: Imagine finishing a high-level strategy meeting, then walking 5 minutes to your beachfront home where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, spot dingoes on the beach, or watch the sunset paint the sky over the mainland. This role offers the rare combination of significant executive responsibility and access to one of Australia's most spectacular natural environments.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime: Few hospitality professionals ever get the chance to combine significant executive responsibility with life in paradise. This role offers exactly that – the opportunity to lead a major operation whilst experiencing the daily wonder of island life.

Ready to Make K'gari Your Home and Your Career-Defining Move?

This isn't just another food and beverage role – it's a career-defining opportunity that combines executive leadership, financial responsibility, and the lifestyle benefits of island living. If you're ready to take your career to the next level whilst experiencing one of Australia's most spectacular destinations, we want to hear from you.

About us

K'gari is a World Heritage listed island off Australia's Eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km. With cool towering rainforests to walk through and explore, over 100 freshwater lakes to swim in, including the iconic Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby, and an amazing beach highway, where else would you rather be.

SeaLink K'gari is part of SeaLink Marine & Tourism, one of Australia's largest marine and tourism businesses with 11 business units across six states and territories, connecting our customers to many of Australia's most beautiful island destinations and brilliant experiences.

With globally recognised brands such as SeaLink, Captain Cook Cruises and Kingfisher Bay Resort we are a team who go beyond what others will do and are invested in supporting the communities and customers we serve.

SeaLink Marine and Tourism is part of the Kelsian Group - Australia's largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, with established bus operations in Australia, USA, Singapore, London and the Channel Islands.

How to Apply

Click APPLY and upload a copy of your up-to-date resume which includes a cover letter.

We aim to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that are free from barriers, support and celebrate the diverse talents of our team members, improve awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion across our organisation, and enable our leaders to champion diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.