Director of Food & Beverage - Venue Pre-Openings

The SHOW comes alive at MGM Resorts International

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a place full of excitement, diversity, and entertainment? Are you enthusiastic about being a team player in one of the most fascinating industries in the world? At MGM Resorts, we seek individuals like YOU to create unique and show-stopping experiences for our guests.

THE JOB:

The Director of Food & Beverage - Venue Pre-Openings is the strategic and operational leader responsible for executing the opening roadmap for new F&B venues, rebranded concepts, resort integrations, and new resort developments. Serving as the primary liaison between the F&B Center of Excellence (COE), property teams, and external venue partners, the Director leads all phases of the venue lifecycle-from pre-opening planning to post-opening evaluation.

This role ensures that each opening is delivered on time, on brand, and on budget, while also continuously enhancing the process for future openings. With a strong focus on project management, labor compliance, operational readiness, and team coordination, the Director is instrumental in ensuring seamless launches across a dynamic and growing portfolio.

THE DAY-TO-DAY:

• Provide hands-on leadership to F&B property teams throughout pre- and post-opening phases, ensuring alignment on critical paths and operational milestones.

• Offer in-person support for key activities such as project kick-offs, hiring/testing, training, and "play days."

• Collaborate with internal experts to refine and implement venue opening standards, timelines, and toolkits.

• Maintain and evolve key documentation (e.g., Opening Playbook, Critical Path, Punch Lists, Task Force Toolkit).

• Monitor and report on new venue performance through the first 90 days; coach teams based on operational and guest experience insights.

• Manage task force deployment and coordination across openings.

• Ensure partner brand standards are effectively deployed across OS&E, marketing, uniforms, and service.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's degree in hospitality or business management (preferred) and brings 4+ years of prior relevant experience in progressive leadership experience overseeing all aspects of restaurant, bar, and lounge operations.

• They have a strong track record in developing and opening diverse F&B concepts, with specific expertise in pre-opening project management within complex resort environments.

• This individual excels at building relationships with key stakeholders and external partners, navigating both strategic and operational priorities. They are highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable working in fast-paced, multi-property settings, with a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver seamless, on-brand venue openings.

THE PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Wellness incentive programs to help you stay healthy physically and mentally

• Access to company hotel, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment discounts as well as discounts with company partners on things like travel, electronics, online shopping, and more

• Free meals in our employee dining room

• Free parking

• Health & Income Protection benefits (for eligible employees)

• Professional and personal development through programs and networking opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities in the community

VIEW JOB DESCRIPTION:

https://mgmresorts.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=2&jobcode=12514

Are you ready to JOIN THE SHOW? Apply today!