Director of Restaurants and Bars (Pre-Opening) - Upper House Shenzhen

Here at Upper House, we don’t do ordinary things. We thrive on the different, the exciting, and yes — a little quirky and a whole lot of fun.

With a dynamic culture and an open door for your feedback, you’re not just filling a role — you’re owning it. We give you the training, the freedom, and the leaders who back you all the way. The difference is you. Every day is a fresh page in our collective story.

Ready to join us at the Upper House Shenzhen?

Upper House Shenzhen proudly opens in 2027 as a bold new addition to Swire Hotels in the heart of Shenzhen. Designed by visionary German architect Büro Ole Scheeren, this architect-led masterpiece sits in one of the city’s most prestigious new commercial districts, with stunning bay views and seamless connectivity across the Greater Bay Area.

This is a distinctive opportunity to lead and define the entire food and beverage experience of an entirely new House from the ground up. You will play a pivotal role in shaping dining concepts, building high-performing culinary and service teams, and driving revenue growth while helping to create an extraordinary culture that embeds our "Houses Not Hotels" philosophy — delivering unscripted, authentic and deeply personal luxury experiences.

Job Overview

As Director of R&B, you will provide strategic leadership over all Restaurants & Bars, Kitchen and Stewarding operations. Working closely with the General Manager, Hotel Manager and Executive Chef, you will oversee daily operations, drive revenue and profitability, elevate service standards, and build a world-class dining culture — ensuring perfect coordination across all F&B departments to deliver memorable guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead and shape the Restaurants & Bars, Kitchen and Stewarding functions from pre-opening through to successful launch and ongoing operations:

• Oversee the full operation of all Restaurants & Bars, Kitchen and Stewarding departments, ensuring seamless coordination and the delivery of exceptional guest experiences that exceed expectations.
• Develop and implement departmental strategies and action plans aligned with the hotel’s overall strategic and commercial objectives, driving revenue growth and identifying new business opportunities.
• Lead all food and beverage concept development, menu planning and service standards, maintaining expert knowledge of menus, wines and beverages to ensure consistently outstanding product quality across all outlets.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget, monitor costs, control payroll and operating expenses, set profit margin targets, and coordinate pricing strategies to maximise profitability.
• Monitor guest feedback across all platforms including social media and review sites, analyse trends, and drive continuous service improvement through investigation and corrective action.
• Manage departmental sales and marketing activities in partnership with the Director of Sales & Marketing, including promoting new products, developing marketing strategies, and enhancing the hotel’s F&B brand positioning.
• Lead recruitment, training and development of the R&B and Kitchen teams, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, empowerment and structured on-the-job training programmes.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for department leaders, recognise outstanding contributions, and address underperformance constructively to maintain team morale and satisfaction.
• Ensure full compliance with all standard operating procedures, food safety regulations, occupational health and safety guidelines, and applicable local laws across all R&B and Kitchen operations.
• Oversee property inspections, FF&E (Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment) maintenance, and capital projects for all R&B and Kitchen areas, providing regular status reports to the General Manager and Hotel Manager.
• Deliver timely and accurate monthly management reports, revenue analyses and operational updates, and represent the department in Executive Committee meetings and daily briefings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, industry partners, government officials and the local community, and manage supplier selection to ensure optimal quality and value.

Here's exactly what you need to excel in this role:

The Non-Negotiables (Must-Haves):

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive F&B leadership experience within luxury five-star hotels, with at least 3 years as Director of R&B or equivalent. Previous experience in hotel pre-opening is preferred.
• Education: Degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts or related discipline from a recognised institution. Professional certifications in food & beverage management are a plus.
• Skills: Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities with strong commercial acumen. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Mandarin. In-depth knowledge of food and beverage operations, menu engineering, cost control and revenue management. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and hotel POS/PMS systems.
• Personality: Passionate, guest-centric and creatively driven, with a strong sense of integrity and high ethical standards. A natural leader who inspires teams, thrives under pressure, and continuously seeks to elevate service excellence and operational performance.

What We're Looking For: The Soul Behind the Skillset

Skills are teachable, but your spirit is what truly sets you apart. If you feel a connection with what we stand for, we're eager to meet you.

• Adaptable Thinkers: You’re not just open to change; you thrive on it. The dynamic nature of our environment energizes you.
• Feedback Enthusiasts: You value open communication and aren’t afraid to give or receive feedback to help us all grow together.
• Passionate Pioneers: You bring more than skills; you bring energy and zeal to make a difference every day, connecting with a team that does the same.

Pause for a second before you hit 'apply.' Do these values align with your own? Is this the team you've been wanting to join? If your answer is a clear 'YES,' we're excited to get to know you better.

Benefits

For Every Member of Our Family:

• We offer complimentary meals at our staff canteen!
• Enjoy complimentary room nights at all of our hotels, who doesn't love to travel?
• Enjoy a fun day in a year, which is your day to take care of yourself and stay healthy and happy!
• Speak up and act on your ideas. Dare to think differently!