Banquet Manager

Oversee the daily operations of all banquet events, including weddings, corporate meetings, social events, conferences, and special functions. Priority on maintaining appropriate floor presence during events to ensure exceptional client and guest satisfaction. Review event orders and ensure all operational details are communicated accurately to the banquet team. Participate in BEO meetings (twice a week). Stay up to date with weekly BEO distributions and daily change logs. Coordinate closely with Catering and Sales to understand event requirements, timelines, guest expectations, and special requests. Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to ensure proper food preparation, presentation, timing, and service. Oversee necessary ordering, utilizing the BirchStreet system. Conduct pre-event meetings and brief banquet staff on event details, service expectations, VIPs, dietary requirements, and special considerations. Supervise banquet setup, service, breakdown, and post-event activities. Ensure tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, silverware, décor, and equipment are properly arranged according to event specifications. Maintain luxury standards for service, presentation, cleanliness, and professionalism. Lead, train, coach, and develop banquet supervisors, captains, servers, and other banquet associates. Manage staffing levels, scheduling, assignments, and labor productivity based on event requirements. Manage all decisions regarding hiring, terminations, training, evaluations and disciplinary actions. Calculate banquet team gratuity and payroll. Monitor banquet labor and operating costs while maintaining service quality. Ensure events begin and conclude according to contracted timelines. Provide hands-on leadership during events and respond quickly to operational challenges. Anticipate guest needs and provide personalized service to VIPs and high-profile clients. Address guest concerns and resolve service issues professionally and immediately. Conduct event inspections before and during functions to ensure all details meet hotel standards. Attend all required meetings in regard to event walkthroughs and tastings prior to event. Coordinate vendor communications for drop off times, pick up times and the load and unload times of the linen company, florists, DJ's, bands, rental deliveries, audio visual and the lighting companies etc. Stay up to date with industry trends and drive innovation and creativity within the department. Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and hotel policies. Coordinate with Engineering, Housekeeping, Audio/Visual, Security, and other departments as required for successful event execution. Further coordinate with Engineering to maintain all event spaces, monitoring ware and tare, resolve all maintenance issues promptly. Maintain accurate inventory and control of banquet equipment and operating supplies. Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting for banquet operations. Review post-event feedback and identify opportunities to improve service and operational efficiency. Promote a culture of teamwork, trust, accountability, professionalism, and exceptional hospitality, both within the banquet team and between all departments within the hotel.