Food & Beverage Director – Thunderbird Country Club
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Clubhouse Manager
Direct Reports: Front-of-House Food & Beverage Team
Position Summary
Thunderbird Country Club seeks a seasoned and relationship-driven Food & Beverage Director to lead the Club’s dining and hospitality experience with a focus on consistency, warmth, and understated excellence.
As one of the Coachella Valley’s most historic and respected private clubs, Thunderbird values tradition, personalized service, and a strong sense of community. The Food & Beverage Director will serve as a visible and approachable leader, cultivating meaningful relationships with members while elevating the overall dining experience across all outlets and social events.
This role partners closely with the Executive Chef to ensure seamless collaboration between front- and back-of-house, creating a cohesive team culture rooted in mutual respect and shared standards. The ideal candidate embraces the unique rhythm of a seasonal club environment and is passionate about delivering thoughtful, anticipatory service to a discerning membership.
The Food & Beverage Director plays a central role in shaping the daily life and social fabric of Thunderbird Country Club. This position is essential to maintaining the Club’s reputation for gracious hospitality, consistent quality, and a welcoming environment where members feel at home.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Culture
· Foster a welcoming, professional, and member-focused service culture that reflects
Thunderbird’s traditions and values
· Lead, mentor, and develop a cohesive Front-of-House team with an emphasis on consistency, accountability, and engagement
· Recruit, onboard, and retain high-quality staff aligned with the Club’s service
philosophy
· Establish ongoing training programs to reinforce service standards and elevate the member experience
· Build a strong, collaborative partnership with the Executive Chef and culinary team
Member Experience & Club Engagement
· Maintain a consistent, visible presence in dining areas, developing strong relationships with members and their guests
· Champion a culture of personalized, anticipatory service and “uninvited acts of
hospitality”
· Oversee member feedback channels, ensuring timely, thoughtful, and professional responses
· Curate dining experiences and social programming that reflect the Club’s identity and member preferences
· Support and participate in Club committees and events, including House Committee meetings as appropriate
Operations & Service Standards
· Oversee all daily Food & Beverage operations, including dining outlets and a robust club and private events program
· Ensure consistent execution of Thunderbird service standards across all touchpoints
· Manage reservations and dining flow to optimize both service quality and member satisfaction
· Partner with culinary leadership on menu development, emphasizing seasonality, simplicity, and quality
· Adapt operations to seasonal fluctuations, ensuring readiness for peak and off-peak periods
Financial & Business Management
· Develop and manage the annual Food & Beverage budget in collaboration with the Clubhouse Manager and CFO
· Monitor key performance indicators, including revenue, cost of goods, and labor efficiency
· Oversee beverage program operations, including purchasing, pricing, and inventory control
· Conduct monthly inventories and analyze variances with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement
· Identify opportunities to enhance revenue while preserving the Club’s member-first philosophy
Compliance & Standards
· Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards
· Maintain adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including alcohol service and labor regulations
· Ensure all team members maintain required certifications
· Uphold all Club policies, procedures, and Board-established objectives
Qualifications & Experience
· 3–5+ years of progressive Food & Beverage leadership experience in a private club, luxury resort, or similarly service-driven environment
· Strong understanding of private club culture and member expectations
· Proven ability to build relationships with a loyal and discerning membership
· Demonstrated success in team leadership, staff development, and operational consistency
· Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
· Collaborative leadership style with experience working closely with culinary teams
· Knowledge of wine and beverage programs preferred
· Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or related field preferred
· Passionate about career growth and moving into a Clubhouse Manager role
Brief Thunderbird History:
On January 9, 1951, Founder Johnny Dawson, marked a historic moment at Thunderbird Country Club by hitting the inaugural tee shot, solidifying the Club as the first 18-hole Golf Course in the Coachella Valley. Over the years, Thunderbird has transcended its golfing roots to become a coveted playground for celebrities, U.S. Presidents and innovators alike. Notably, it played a pivotal role in golf's evolution as the birthplace of the motorized golf cart and playing host to the 1955 Ryder Cup. The Club's influence extends beyond the greens, with the iconic Ford Thunderbird finding its namesake in homage to the Club.
While honoring its storied past, Thunderbird remains committed to progress, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. The Club has evolved to embrace a multifaceted approach, emphasizing not only golf and social activities but also prioritizing wellness. By fostering a culture of genuine belonging, Thunderbird stands as a beacon of inclusivity and forward-thinking.
The Platinum Clubs of America ranks Thunderbird Country Club amongst the Top 150 Country (currently ranked #65) Club’s in the United States, the pinnacle of recognition for Private Clubs around the country based on their unwavering attention to service, best in class facilities and continued forward thinking.
Thunderbird Employee Core Values:
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything we do, from the quality of our services to the experiences we provide. We continuously seek to exceed expectations and set the highest standards in the industry.
- Respect: We treat every individual, whether a member, guest, or colleague, with courtesy, dignity, and fairness. We value diversity and inclusion, recognizing that our differences make us stronger.
- Teamwork: We believe that collaboration is the key to success. We work together, support one another, and share knowledge to create a positive and dynamic work environment.
- Integrity: We conduct ourselves with the highest ethical standards, demonstrating honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our interactions. We uphold the trust our members place in us.
- Passion: We are passionate about what we do. Our enthusiasm for providing exceptional service is infectious, and it shines through in every member interaction.
- Continuous Improvement: We are committed to personal and professional growth. We encourage ongoing learning, innovation, and adaptability to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
