Director of Food and Beverage

Status: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: General Manager of Operations and Finance
Submit all inquiries and applications to: William London, General Manager of Operations and Finance, at wlondon@forestforward.org

ABOUT FOREST FORWARD

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. Forest Forward launched in 2021 and has experienced a wonderful period of growth and impact.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Forest Forward is searching for an experienced and dynamic Director of Food & Beverage to serve as the strategic and operational leader for all food and beverage operations at the Forest Theater. Reporting to the General Manager of Operations and Finance, this role oversees concessions, bars, catering kitchens, retail offerings, and the on-campus Starbucks outlet, utilizing a portfolio of external food and beverage vendors. The Director of Food & Beverage is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, strong financial performance, and alignment with the Forest Theater’s brand, guest experience standards, and mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Food & Beverage Strategy & Guest Experience

• Serve as the strategic owner of the Forest Theater’s food and beverage vision, ensuring a cohesive and elevated guest experience across all points of service.
• Design and oversee menu development, pricing strategy, and product mix across concessions, bars, catering, retail, and premium offerings.
• Ensure all food and beverage experiences reflect the Forest Theater’s brand standards, artistic identity, and community-centered values.
• Partner with Programming and Operations to align food and beverage offerings with performances, festivals, rentals, and special events.

Revenue Performance & Financial Management

• Own the financial performance of all food and beverage operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing financial analysis.
• Establish and manage COGS targets, labor models, pricing structures, and margin optimization strategies.
• Identify opportunities to increase per-cap spend, catering revenue, premium offerings, and event-based sales.
• Lead financial oversight of both in-house operations and third-party vendors to ensure alignment with revenue and margin goals.

Starbucks & Vendor Management

• Provide operational and strategic oversight of the Forest Theater’s on-campus Starbucks outlet, ensuring brand compliance, service standards, and strong financial performance.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Starbucks leadership and support partners.
• Oversee a suite of external food and beverage vendors servicing the Forest Theater campus.
• Negotiate vendor agreements, service-level expectations, and pricing structures.
• Ensure vendor offerings align with the Forest Theater’s guest experience standards and community priorities.

Operational Excellence & Team Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day food and beverage operations across all outlets and vendors.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for in-house teams and vendor partners.
• Ensure compliance with health codes, liquor laws, safety regulations, and internal risk standards.
• Hire, train, and lead food and beverage management and frontline teams.
• Collaborate closely with Events, Operations, Marketing, and Finance.

Pre-Opening & Go-Live Deliverables

• Design and operationalize all food and beverage concepts ahead of opening.
• Establish staffing models, vendor relationships, inventory systems, and operational workflows.
• Ensure all teams and vendors are fully trained and prepared for opening.
• Create long-term operational playbooks and governance standards.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of senior food and beverage leadership experience in multi-outlet or large-scale hospitality environments.
• Proven P&L ownership with strong financial, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Experience managing branded or franchised food and beverage concepts, including Starbucks or similar national brands.
• Demonstrated success overseeing third-party vendor programs.
• Deep knowledge of food safety, health regulations, and alcohol compliance.
• A guest-first mindset aligned with mission-driven arts organizations.
• Experience in service, hospitality, project management, fundraising is a plus.
• Proficient with MS Office. Experience with Monday is helpful.
• Excellent communicator in written and verbal form.
• Versatile and dedicated to efficient productivity.
• Eager to learn and positive attitude.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, salaried position with a fixed compensation of $90,000 annually complemented by a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position will require evening and weekend work in alignment with performances, events, and peak operating periods.

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.