What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Banquets position at Lanier Islands?
JOB OVERVIEW
The Director of Banquets in a resort is responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of all banquet functions and events within the resort. This role typically involves leading a team, ensuring a high level of service, and maintaining smooth operations for events like weddings, conferences, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. Here’s a breakdown of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for this role:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Planning & Coordination:
- Oversee the planning and execution of all banquet and event functions within the resort.
- Work closely with clients to understand their event needs and specifications.
- Coordinate with various resort departments (e.g., catering, housekeeping, and sales) to ensure seamless event execution.
- Develop event timelines, room layouts, and set-up requirements to meet client expectations.
Team Mangement:
- Manage and lead a team of banquet staff, including servers, bartenders, and setup crews.
- Train and develop staff to maintain high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
- Schedule staff for banquet events, ensuring appropriate coverage for peak times.
Budget and Financial Management:
- Assist in preparing and managing the budget for banquet operations, ensuring profitability.
- Monitor event expenditures to ensure events stay within budget.
- Review and approve pricing for services and packages.
Client Interaction & Relationship Management:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients planning banquet events.
- Offer suggestions for menu selections, decor, and layout based on client preferences.
- Address any issues or concerns during events to ensure client satisfaction.
Operational Efficiency:
- Ensure proper inventory and storage of banquet materials, such as linens, china, glassware, and decor.
- Oversee the cleanliness and organization of banquet facilities.
- Ensure compliance with safety and health regulations.
Sales & Marketing Support:
- Collaborate with the sales and marketing team to promote banquet services to potential clients.
- Contribute to creating marketing materials, event packages, and promotions.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for expanding the resort's banquet business.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
EXPERIENCE
Education: A degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field is typically preferred.
Experience: Several years of experience in banquet operations, catering, or event planning, with at least a few years in a managerial role.
SKILLS
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.
- Proficiency in event management software and point-of-sale systems.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as banquet events often occur outside of regular working hours.
- Strong problem-solving skills to handle event day challenges.
- Knowledge of current trends in event planning and catering.
- The Director of Banquets plays a critical role in ensuring that all events at the resort run smoothly, leaving a lasting positive impression on guests. Role reports to F&B Director.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and extreme heat or cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
