Event Operations & Banquet Setup Manager

About the role

Directs and motivates team while personally assisting in providing high quality service based on requirements and standards. Monitors and controls financial and administrative responsibilities including asset protection. Provides clear and concise communications to everyone having ownership in the success of the event. Identifies training opportunities and plans a strategy to accomplish goals.

Responsibilities

• Managing Banquet Operations: Projects supply needs for the department (e.g., tables, chairs, banquet tables, meeting sets, props); applies knowledge of relevant laws; understands impact on event success and manages activities to maximize customer satisfaction; adheres to and reinforces standards, policies, and procedures; maintains sanitation levels; manages departmental inventories and equipment; schedules Event Services staff to forecast and service standards while maximizing profits; assists team in developing lasting relationships with groups to retain business and increase growth.
• Participating in and Leading Banquet Teams: Sets goals and delegates tasks to improve departmental performance; conducts monthly department meetings with the Banquet team; applies and broadens knowledge of food and wine pairings and cuisine with emphasis on current event trends; acts as liaison to kitchen staff; leads shifts and actively participates in servicing of events.
• Executing Event Services Operations and Maintaining Inventories: Attends pre‑event meetings as needed to understand group needs; establishes consistent standards for meeting room sets and VIP meeting room sets; conducts function room inspections prior to each function to verify set according to specifications; maintains cleanliness and sanitation standards in all event operation areas; acts as liaison between Banquets, Event Planning, Event Technology teams and the group contact throughout the event; projects supply needs (e.g., pads, pens, candy jars, bottled water/water pitchers); coordinates routine maintenance to verify a quality meeting facility; resolves issues and/or suggests alternatives to previous arrangements if necessary; attends and participates in all pertinent meetings; leads shifts and actively participates in servicing of events; verifies function rooms are set according to event documentation (Banquet Event Orders, resumes, etc.) and customer requirements.
• Verifying and Providing Exceptional Customer Service: Sets a positive example for guest relations; interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels; responds to and handles guest problems and complaints; encourages employees to provide excellent customer service; verifies employees understand expectations and parameters; strives to improve service performance; emphasizes guest satisfaction during departmental meetings and focuses on continuous improvement; reviews comment cards and guest satisfaction results with employees.
• Conducting Human Resources Activities: Communicates and executes departmental and property emergency procedures and verifies staff are trained in safety procedures; observes service behaviors of employees and provides feedback to individuals; monitors progress and leads discussion with staff each period; participates in development and implementation of corrective action plans; reviews quarterly Meeting Planner Survey results and participates in development and implementation of corrective action to address service challenges; focuses on continuous improvement of guest satisfaction; attends and participates in all pertinent meetings; establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with associates and ensures associates do the same within the team; conducts associate performance appraisals and provides feedback as needed; solicits associate feedback, utilizes an “open door” policy and reviews associate satisfaction results to identify and address associate problems or concerns;