Banquet Director

About the Company

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, Highgate provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. The company specializes in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the daily operation of the hotel’s banquet operation.
• Supervise all banquet personnel and conduct staff performance reviews in accordance with Highgate Hotel standards.
• Respond to guest complaints in a timely manner and ensure overall guest satisfaction.
• Work with other F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.
• Coordinate and monitor all phases of Loss Prevention in the banquet operation.
• Prepare and submit required reports, including Wage Progress, payroll, revenue, employee schedules, and quarterly action plans.
• Monitor quality of service in banquet operations and ensure compliance with all local liquor laws, health and sanitation regulations, and SOP’s.
• Understand and prepare payroll and tip distribution.
• Conduct departmental and hotel training (CARE, One to One, etc.).
• Coordinate all banquet-related food and beverage requirements with the appropriate departments and keep the kitchen informed of accurate counts for plating.
• Review menu/service with catering managers and banquet chef, and maintain up-to-date details on banquet functions.
• Conduct ongoing training of captains/hourly employees to maintain service standards.
• Make personal contact with guests and assist them with any requests.
• Supervise proper tabulation of all banquet checks and ensure checks are presented to guests for signature.
• Requisition liquor and other supplies for banquet bars.
• Ensure safety, sanitation, and cleanliness of service areas and oversee banquet set-up assignments.
• Inspect all banquet areas for cleanliness and maintenance regularly.
• Conduct menu classes and line-ups for all functions.
• Supervise the work of banquet management, captains, and hourly service personnel.
• Control and maintain all service equipment and write service requests as necessary.
• Keep immediate supervisor fully informed of all problems or matters requiring attention.
• Attend all hotel-required meetings and trainings and participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts toward productivity, identify problem areas, and assist in implementing solutions.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in a hotel or related field; or a 4-year college degree and at least 1 year of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and 2 or more years of related experience.
• Must be proficient in Windows, company-approved spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Strong knowledge of service standards and different service types (French, Russian, etc.).
• Knowledge of food and beverage preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, and liquor laws.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Must maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Long hours sometimes required; medium work involving exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently.
• Must maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing nametags.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
• Ability to understand and evaluate complex information from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must maintain confidentiality of information.