Food and Beverage Director

Impact: Direct Operational and Customer Experience

Plans, directs, and oversees all food and beverage operations, including menu development, staff management, and customer satisfaction, within a hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality establishment.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Always
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Moderate
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
50-60 hours/week
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$95,000
Entry-level
$65,000
Senior
$130,000
Growth by 2033
Average
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
Excellent
Typical student debt
$30,000 - $60,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Budget Management
  • Menu Planning
  • Inventory Control
  • Staff Training
  • Food Safety Regulations

Soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer Service
  • Decision-making

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
5-8 years
Years to senior
10-15 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Assistant F&B Director
      2. F&B Director
      3. Regional F&B Director
      4. VP of Operations

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3/10
      Prestige
      5/10
      Social perception
      High

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