Polo Pony | Food & Beverage Manager

The World Equestrian Center – Ocala is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented  Food & Beverage Manager  to oversee the daily operations of  Polo Pony , our elevated American dining concept located within the prestigious Equestrian Manor. This role is ideal for a hospitality professional with a strong operational background, a passion for guest service, and a commitment to excellence in food and beverage execution.

The Food & Beverage Manager will work closely with the General Manager and Assistant General Manager to ensure seamless service, efficient operations, and a consistently exceptional guest experience. This position requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and embodies the World Equestrian Center’s core values of  Quality, Class, and Distinction .

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain high standards of service and hospitality across all front-of-house operations, ensuring every guest receives a warm and memorable experience.
• Supervise and support servers, bartenders, hosts, runners, and bussers. Provide ongoing training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Ensure daily readiness of the dining room and bar, including cleanliness, setup, and staffing. Monitor service flow and guest satisfaction throughout each shift.
• Manage inventory levels for beverages, supplies, and service tools. Oversee ordering, receiving, and stock rotation to minimize waste and control costs.
• Collaborate with the AGM and culinary team to maintain and enhance the beverage program, including seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, and specialty offerings.
• Enforce food safety, alcohol service, and sanitation protocols in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assist in the execution of private dining experiences, holiday promotions, and special events, ensuring flawless service and guest engagement.
• Engage with guests during service, resolve concerns with professionalism, and implement feedback-driven improvements.
• Assist with scheduling, payroll processing, and labor compliance. Maintain accurate records and reports as needed.
• Identify opportunities for operational enhancements and contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Physical Requirements:

These physical demands represent the physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions described in this position.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods during service.
• Comfortable lifting and transporting supplies and equipment (up to 50 pounds).
• Strong presence on the floor, leading by example to ensure service excellence.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written English.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in food and beverage management, preferably in an upscale or fine dining environment.
• Experience managing bar operations and beverage programs.
• ServSafe and Alcohol Compliance certifications required.
• Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1 certification or equivalent beverage knowledge preferred.
• Previous experience in private dining and event execution is a plus.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Deep understanding of upscale dining service standards and beverage operations.
• Proficiency in POS systems, inventory platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction.

The World Equestrian Center  is managed by  Columbus Hospitality Management ; a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug Free Workplace/EOE.  All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.