POSITION PURPOSE
The Banquet Captain is responsible for the successful execution of all banquet and catering events by ensuring exceptional service, organization, and communication throughout the event process. This position serves as the on-site leader for banquet functions, working closely with the Sales Director, Food & Beverage leadership, and other hotel departments to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
The Banquet Captain oversees banquet setup and breakdown, coordinates event staff, maintains banquet equipment and inventory, assists with scheduling, and ensures all events are executed according to hotel and brand standards. This position requires excellent organizational, leadership, and customer service skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead banquet staff during the setup, execution, and breakdown of all banquet and catering events.
- Review banquet event orders (BEOs) prior to each function to ensure event specifications are understood and executed accurately.
- Coordinate with the Sales Director, Food & Beverage Manager, Executive Chef, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution.
- Serve as the primary on-site contact for clients during banquet events, responding promptly to questions, requests, and changes.
- Ensure banquet rooms, meeting spaces, buffet stations, bars, and service areas are properly set according to event specifications.
- Supervise the proper placement of tables, chairs, linens, décor, audiovisual equipment, and buffet presentations.
- Monitor event timelines to ensure all functions begin and conclude on schedule.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, appearance, and professionalism throughout all banquet spaces.
- Oversee buffet presentation, replenishment, cleanliness, and breakdown while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards.
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure food is served at the appropriate temperature and presentation standards are maintained.
- Resolve guest concerns professionally and efficiently, escalating issues to management when necessary.
- Assist with the training and mentoring of banquet staff to ensure consistent service standards.
- Help create banquet staff schedules based on event business levels and staffing requirements.
- Assign work responsibilities and direct banquet staff throughout each event.
- Conduct pre-event meetings with banquet staff to review event details, assignments, and guest expectations.
- Complete post-event walkthroughs to ensure meeting rooms and banquet spaces are restored and ready for future functions.
- Maintain accurate inventory of banquet equipment including tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, flatware, serving equipment, buffet equipment, and décor items.
- Report damaged, missing, or worn banquet equipment and recommend replacement when necessary.
- Ensure banquet storage areas remain clean, organized, and properly stocked.
- Assist with ordering banquet supplies and maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
- Collaborate with all hotel departments to ensure a positive guest experience and successful event execution.
- Follow all SHS, hotel, brand, and local health and safety standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS
In addition to the essential functions, the Banquet Captain may be required to:
- Assist with banquet room inspections before and after events.
- Assist with room flips and meeting room conversions between events.
- Assist with holiday events, special promotions, and community functions.
- Support restaurant or food and beverage operations during periods of low banquet activity when requested.
- Participate in department meetings and ongoing training.
SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities and be able to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining professionalism under pressure.
- Ability to read and interpret Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and event diagrams.
- Knowledge of banquet setup styles including classroom, theater, conference, U-shape, banquet rounds, reception, and boardroom.
- Knowledge of buffet presentation, banquet service standards, and food safety procedures.
- Ability to prioritize multiple events and changing business demands.
- Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and hotel event management software preferred.
- Ability to effectively communicate with guests, clients, vendors, and hotel staff.
- Ability to solve problems quickly while maintaining a positive guest experience.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDSExperience
- Minimum of two (2) years of banquet, catering, food and beverage, or hotel event experience required.
- Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.
- Experience coordinating meetings, weddings, social events, or corporate functions strongly preferred.
Licenses or Certifications
- Ability to obtain any required government certifications.
- Food Handler or Food Manager Certification preferred.
- CPR and First Aid Certification preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently move banquet tables, chairs, staging, buffet equipment, and other event materials.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, stoop, climb, and carry equipment throughout the shift.
- Work indoors with occasional outdoor event responsibilities.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules based on business demands.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Regular attendance is essential to the successful performance of this position. Employees are expected to comply with all SHS policies, brand standards, safety procedures, and required training. Due to the nature of the hospitality industry, work schedules will vary based on business needs, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Employees must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times and represent the hotel in a courteous and positive manner while interacting with guests, clients, vendors, and fellow team members.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
