Food and Beverage Manager

Overview

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.

Someone who is passionate about the interconnectedness of local agriculture and sustainability and providing memorable farm-to-table food experiences for everyone at Shelburne Farms. We see the dining room is an extension of our educational mission. The Food and Beverage Manager ensures that every guest interaction reflects our commitment to our mission and exceptional guest service, connecting delicious food to the land, farmers, and values that make it possible.

By training staff to share the stories behind our ingredients and steward a welcoming, inclusive experience, this role helps guests understand how everyday food choices can support healthy working landscapes, vibrant communities, and a more sustainable food system. The Food and Beverage Manager advances Shelburne Farms’ nonprofit mission through hospitality that nurtures, educates, and inspires.

As a working manager you will lead, train and support the development of our food service staff. During the summer season the focus will be on dining room management. During the winter season this position shifts to serving as a member of the farm’s catering services team. Responsibilities for this position include:

• Hire, train and supervise all restaurant dining and beverage staff including servers, bussers, hosts, seasonal floor managers and bartenders on guidelines, procedures and our food system practices.
• Lead, train, and inspire service staff to confidently communicate the story behind the food we serve, connecting guests to where it comes from, who produced it, how they produce it and the values that guide our farm-to-table approach
• Serve as a bridge between the kitchen, farm, education and dining room staff to ensure staff have current, accurate information about menus and sourcing.
• Lead pre-service meetings that highlight seasonal ingredients, producer stories, and talking points for guest conversations.
• Encourage curiosity and learning among staff, fostering a shared sense of purpose around local food and agriculture.
• Train and coach restaurant staff to effectively communicate the origins of menu ingredients, Shelburne Farms’ agricultural practices and sustainability principles, and the broader values of local food systems and land stewardship.
• Fill restaurant floor manager shifts as needed.
• Provide daily updates and food and beverage education to the service team during staff meals and team meetings.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement by providing direct feedback to staff.
• Schedule shifts, considering operational needs, staff availability and training needs.
• Guest Services:
  Support and mentor the team as you and your staff welcome guests with warmth and attend to guest needs, from greeting to billing, with genuine care.
• Address any guest concerns promptly and graciously while also supporting your staff through ongoing learning and support.
• Be the planning contact for program and development group dinners taking place at the inn.
• Review and respond to guest comments on Resy, Google, and other platforms.
• Administration:
  Create and update standard operating procedures and training guidelines for staff.
• Maintain a point of sales system, updating of all menu items, generate and maintain daily reports.
• Order and coordinate all beverage deliveries and inventory.
• Monitor compliance and train staff on food and safety regulations, food handling and sanitation.
• Budget Management:
  Review sales records, reservations and in-season budget while making recommendations to adjust offerings as needed.
• With support from the Hospitality Director, manage budgets related to labor and operational expenses for restaurant dining and beverage services.
• Manage existing vendor relationships and source new dining and beverage products that align with our food service philosophy and budget.
• Farm Integration:
  Collaborate with farm team members on providing local, seasonal food to guests at the farm…