Banquet Captain, Catering

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Catering Banquet Captain is responsible for overseeing and assisting with the execution of all daily catered events, including Chancellor receptions, private high-level receptions, seated dinners, buffet lunches and dinners, continental breakfasts, breakfast buffets, and coffee breaks.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Executes and develops catering events to meet established goals, objectives, and timelines.
• Drives box trucks, vans, or golf carts to deliver staff, equipment, and food to various locations around the campus community.
• Coaches and supports team members by providing guidance and direction for assigned tasks.
• Demonstrates knowledge of deadlines for task delegation.
• Supervises the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees, monitoring their work and event set-ups to ensure they meet department standards.
• Continuously complies with operation needs against established goals, objectives, and guidelines.
• Records event details and makes improvements to future catering events.
• Provides insight and recommends strategies to promote continued change, growth, or expansion of Vanderbilt Catering.
• Works with the Operations Manager to develop the overall logistical plan necessary to successfully carry out special events, communicates, and delegates tasks to contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees.
• Works with the Operations Manager to plan the timeline for the set up and breakdown of special events.
• Communicates with kitchen staff to coordinate food deliveries, ensuring the quality and safety of food.
• Maintains appropriate documentation of events to ensure compliance with Vanderbilt Catering policies and procedures.
• Trains and supervises contracted wait staff and Campus Dining hourly union employees and student employees.
• Manages quality control processes in areas of customer service and employee satisfaction.
• Manages group or interpersonal conflict situations and escalates issues when appropriate.
• Controls catering inventory of event supplies, such as alcohol, uniforms, equipment, linen, props, and vehicles, and makes recommendations for repair and replacement.
• Works with the Catering Management team to develop and implement continuous improvement trainings.
• Supervises the breakdown and clean-up after events, including distributing catering equipment, rental items, decor, etc., to appropriate locations.
• Assists with the delivery of equipment and ordering for Campus Dining and other special events within the department.
• Maintains a safe work environment by enforcing all safety standards and performing safety audits.
• Writes daily event pull sheets and daily task assignments to ensure successful execution of all catering events.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports to the Operations Manager. This position is responsible for directing contracted wait staff, hourly union employees, and student employees.

Education and Certifications:

• A high school diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate's degree from an accredited higher education institution is preferred.
• Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire and expected to pass renewal every five years.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third-party provider to provide continuous, up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Experience and Skills:

• At least 3 years of related experience is necessary.
• At least 2 years of off-site catering, restaurant, or specialty events experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience as a Banquet Manager or Banquet Captain is preferred.
• Ability to drive a catering van and medium-sized box truck is necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Food and Labor Management Systems is necessary.
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary.
• Ability to make on-site decisions to resolve problems brought forth by customers, vendors, contracted wait staff, etc.
• Strong time management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service is necessary.
• Manage people, maintain confidentiality, and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is necessary.
• Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and possess excellent customer service skills.
• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Must be flexible, high-energy, and passionate about getting things done.
• Must enjoy a fast-paced working environment.
• Be able to work on a team and also be a self-starter.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods, up to 6 hours.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, and lift.
• Ability to frequently lift/transport hot food items in hotboxes (200#) onto and off box trucks and to event locations.

This is a full-time non-exempt position.

Shift hours vary; must be available to work nights and weekends. Flexibility in workplace locations, days, and hours is essential, including willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.

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About Us:

At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330 acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of