F&B Manager

We’re hiring: F&B Manager 

At Aqua Expeditions, we are passionate about providing exceptional levels of service to our guests. We take pride in pampering our guests and ensuring that their time with us creates a trip of a lifetime. The Aqua experience is carefully curated by a team of talented individuals — from onboard crew to reservations staff — who work behind the scenes to guarantee smooth sailing. We are always on the lookout for new team players who share our passion and expertise, to ensure a world-class travel experience. If this sounds like you, apply now and be part of our extraordinary voyage!

OUR VISION: To create and deliver unique and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences so that our guests can have enriching memories to cherish for a lifetime.

OUR MISSION: Aqua Expeditions offers customized luxury travel experiences aboard vessels of elegant, contemporary design, centered around immersive culture and wildlife excursions unique to each location, award-winning cuisine by renowned chefs, personalized guest service, and a commitment to community, sustainability and preservation.

4 CORE VALUES: 

A: We value AUTHENTICITY, believing in the unique talents of each individual and the importance of integrity.

Q: We aim for QUALITY, emphasizing a service-oriented approach and shared knowledge.

U: We believe in UNITY, and prioritize effective teamwork.

A: We hold deep ADMIRATION and respect for our environment, collaborating closely with local communities to foster responsible practices that protect and conserve nature.

Sounds great – what’s the role in a nutshell?

• Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day F&B operations for Aqua Mekong under the management of the Global F&B.
• Ensure the highest standards are met and maintained to deliver a world-class dining experience.
• Work closely with the Bar, Dining and Galley teams to support and guide them while ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures are understood and adhered to.
• Managing the Safety Culture platform for both operations to ensure rigorous food safety protocols are always in place and complied with.
• Meeting budgetary targets and maintaining financial control through cost-per-head unit drivers.
• Provide a conduit between the Global F&B Director and the F&B teams, with a focus on proactive communication.

Your passion is:

ISM Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with ISM food safety protocols and maritime regulations for all F&B operations.
• Utilize the Safety Culture weekly internal auditing platform to maintain 95% and above compliance targets.

Guiding Principles:

• Exceptional standards for guest experience and satisfaction.
• Fiscal responsibility, analysis, and management.
• Growth and profitability.
• Food safety and hygiene.
• Menu engineering and implementation.
• Team development.
• Constant improvement. 

Operations:

• Provide leadership for the overall day-to-day F&B operations for Aqua Mekong.
• Align the company vision with the company's operational objectives and growth plans.
• Provide structured operational support for the Regional Country Manager and all.
• Manage quality assurance so all food and beverage menus are consistently delivered at the highest standard.
• Monitor and manage all relevant targets, KPI’s, schedules and policies to support the quality assurance process.

• Standard Operating Procedures within the same framework are to be established and maintained across both operations.
• Operate with the Deep Blue vessel management platform that includes purchasing and inventory systems.
• Provide input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. 
• Lead the department within the company’s sustainability policies and vision, reducing waste and carbon footprint in all possible aspects.

• Ensure all operations comply with local and global health and safety regulations. 
• Conduct scheduled meetings with F&B team leaders to generate weekly reports. 
• Follow up on all corrective actions to consistently improve both the back and front of house.
• Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and accountability. 
• Address guest feedback promptly and professionally. 
• Collaborate with the Guest Relations Coordinators for manifest and pre-cruise preparation.

Finance:

• Operate within budgetary forecasted targets for Guest and Crew Cost-per-head parameters.
• Continue developing and improving inventory and data-tracking. 
• Assist in improving efficiency and communication between Accounting and F&B departments.
• Manage scheduled P&L reports and analysis. 

People:

• Develop and promote a high-performing work culture and environment, providing employee support and strategic guidance.
• Monitor, manage, and develop F&B teams across the fleet to meet specific company goals and targets.
• Proactively involved in the recruitment and vetting process to appraise all new hires.
• Improve communication pathways and continue investment in employee career development. 

Third-Party:

• Develop and maintain healthy, synergistic win/win relationships with third-party suppliers and organizations.
• Liaise and manage relationships with Culinary and Beverage Consultants, building trust and improving productivity and proactive communication.
• Driving negotiations for the best price points for the company at all times. 

What are we looking for?

• Graduate of a recognized hotel/catering/culinary school.
• Relevant diploma or degree in Hospitality Management / Business-Administration / Culinary / Hotel and Restaurant Management. 
• Minimum 3 years in an F&B Management Position. 
• Role would suit a fine-dining Restaurant/ Luxury Hotel Manager or Exec/Head Chef with management experience.
• Strong culinary and beverage background and ability to work on ocean going and river vessels in a multicultural environment is a must.
  
• Professional English - required.
• Fluent French - preferred. 
• Outstanding organizational, strategic and critical thinking.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal customer service.
• Decision making and problem solving. 
• Conflict management and resolution.
• Financial analysis and acumen.
• Proactive communication (both written and oral). 

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

• Competitive salary and benefits package. 

• Be part of an award-winning, worldwide company at the forefront of technological innovation.
• Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.
• Make meaningful contributions that drive our company's success.
  

Apply Now and Let's Shape the Future Together!