Training Specialist - Food & Beverage Certification

Training Specialist - Food & Beverage Certification

Job Summary

The Training Specialist - Food & Beverage Certification is responsible for training, certifying, and validating the skills of Food & Beverage associates to ensure consistent execution of luxury service, safety, and operational standards. This role delivers structured training aligned with Forbes Travel Guide and AAA service expectations, supports compliance requirements, and documents measurable performance outcomes across all Food & Beverage outlets.

Essential Functions

Training & Certification Delivery

• Conduct Food & Beverage training and certification for new hires and existing associates.
• Deliver instruction on service sequence, guest engagement techniques, menu and beverage knowledge, food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and responsible alcohol service.
• Facilitate classroom instruction, one-on-one coaching, and on-the-job training in restaurants, bars, banquets, pool service, and related outlets.
• Administer skills demonstrations and knowledge assessments to verify operational competence.

Luxury Service Standards (Forbes & AAA Alignment)

• Train associates on personalized, anticipatory service behaviors, including guest cue recognition and proactive service.
• Reinforce defined steps of service for all Food & Beverage service environments.
• Observe live service and provide corrective coaching aligned with luxury hospitality expectations.
• Support consistent execution of professional appearance, communication, and service demeanor standards.

Menu & Beverage Knowledge

• Train and certify associates on menu items, ingredients, preparation methods, and dietary considerations.
• Deliver beverage education covering wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic offerings.
• Evaluate the associate's ability to describe menu and beverage items accurately and make informed guest recommendations.

Compliance & Safety

• Support certification programs related to food safety, sanitation, allergen protocols, and alcohol service.
• Ensure associates understand and apply safety and compliance procedures during live service.
• Maintain accurate documentation of certifications, expirations, and retraining requirements.

Documentation & Reporting

• Track training attendance, completion, skills validation, and certification status using approved systems.
• Maintain organized training records for audit and operational review.
• Prepare training and compliance reports for leadership as requested.

Collaboration & Operational Support

• Partner with Food & Beverage leaders to identify training gaps and service inconsistencies.
• Support onboarding efforts to ensure new associates understand brand standards, resort culture, and operational expectations.
• Assist with training support during peak periods, new program rollouts, and special events.

Required Knowledge

• Food & Beverage service standards and steps of service
• Luxury hospitality service principles
• Food safety and sanitation regulations
• Allergen awareness and prevention procedures
• Responsible alcohol service requirements
• Menu terminology and preparation methods
• Beverage fundamentals (wine, spirits, beer, cocktails)

Required Skills

• Training facilitation and instructional delivery
• On-the-job coaching and performance observation
• Training material development
• Skill validation and certification assessment
• Recordkeeping and compliance tracking
• Written and verbal communication
• Organization and time management

Required Abilities

• Deliver clear, structured instruction to diverse audiences
• Assess associate performance through observation and testing
• Provide constructive coaching in live service environments
• Manage multiple training initiatives simultaneously
• Work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays
• Collaborate effectively across multiple Food & Beverage outlets

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of Food & Beverage experience in a hotel, resort, club, or restaurant environment
• Previous experience in training, coaching, mentoring, or shift leadership preferred
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and alcohol service standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and training or tracking systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to move between multiple indoor and outdoor Food & Beverage locations
• Ability to lift or carry materials up to 25 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform light physical activity as required during training and observation

Core Competencies

• Food & Beverage Training
• Luxury Service Standards
• Forbes Travel Guide Alignment
• AAA Service Standards
• Service Steps Execution
• Certification & Compliance
• Menu & Beverage Knowledge
• Coaching & Performance Validation
• Guest Service Excellence
• Hospitality Training

Innovative - Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Leader - Inspires teammates to follow them
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Bachelors (preferred)
Some college (preferred)
High School (required)

2 years: Experience working across multiple Food & Beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, banquets, or pool service environments. (required)
Experience supporting or administering food safety and sanitation standards. (preferred)
2 years: highvolume, guestfacing Food & Beverage operations. (required)
2 years: Food & Beverage operations experience (required)

Certified Food Handler (required)