Assistant Banquet Manager

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation•Royal Sonesta Cambridge, MA

About The Position

This position is responsible for supervising, training, and ensuring the performance of assigned banquet associates, so that all procedures are completed to the hotel’s standards. Will be required to assist where necessary to ensure optimum service to all guests.

Responsibilities

Assist in working toward positive financial results by ensuring that scheduling functions are performed accurately and on a timely basis that fall in line with the budget.
Assist in maintaining a highly motivated and well trained staff.
Assume responsibility of the daily operations of all banquet events.
Maintain complete knowledge of service requirements for assigned functions:
Prices for specified selection on cash function.
Groups’ names and background.
Type of functions and expected attendance/guarantee numbers.
Special requests/arrangements.
Order of service, traffic flow in room.
V.I.P.’s.
Organize all assigned functions and complete preparation work in accordance to departmental standards.
Follow up on special arrangements to ensure compliance with such.
Check storage areas for proper supplies, organization and cleanliness. Complete requisition for additional supplies needed and submit to Banquet Manager. Instruct designated personnel to rectify any cleanliness/organization deficiencies.
Requisition linens/skirting required for designated functions and transport such to function area.
Inspect the scheduled function area/room for cleanliness, working condition and proper furniture/equipment setup; rectify any deficiencies with respective departments.
Meeting with the Chef and Stewarding to review scheduled group’s menu and equipment requirements. Ensure agreement of delivery times, amounts and special arrangements. Communicate service needs throughout the function.
Prepare station assignment for Banquet Servers according to group requirements and hotel standards.
Ensure that assigned associates have reported to work; document any late or absent employees.
Coordinate breaks for assigned associates.
Conduct pre-function meeting with servers and review all information pertinent to setup and service of group.
Inspect grooming and attire of associates; rectify any deficiencies.
Inspect table setups; check for cleanliness, neatness and agreement with group requirements and departmental standards; rectify deficiencies with respective personnel.
Check bar setups for cleanliness, organization and agreement with group requirements and departmental standards; resolve any problems.
Check buffet tables/receptions/coffee breaks for cleanliness, attractiveness, and layout; ensure agreement with function order and departmental standards; resolve any problems. Ensure replenishment of items as specified on event orders and requested by group contact.
Set out name cards, escort cards in accordance with group requirements and departmental standards.
Organize head table assembly and assist in group’s entrance into the function area.
Meet group coordinator/MP prior to function, make introduction and ensure that all arrangement are agreeable.
Greet guests upon arrival at function and assist in seating as required by group in accordance with departmental standards.
Direct servers on timing of service throughout function.
Communicate additional mea requirements and special requests to the kitchen.
Constantly monitor associates performance in all phases of service and job functions, ensuring that all procedures are carried out to departmental standards; rectify any deficiencies with respective personnel.
Assist banquet associates with their job functions to ensure optimum service to guests.
Observe guest reaction and confer frequently with service associates to ensure guest satisfaction.
Anticipate guests’ needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and what time of day.
Promote positive guest relations at all time.
Be familiar with all hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond accurately to any guest inquiry.
Monitor and handle guest complaints by following the instant pacification procedures and ensuring guest satisfaction.
Total all charges for the group function, prepare check and present to group contact for payment. Adhere to all cashiering procedures/policies.
Ensure that unused food is returned to the kitchen, that designated condiments are broken down and properly stored (butters, cream, dressing, etc.) and that all banquet supplies are returned to the designated storage areas.
Direct the final breakdown of function room and clean up. Ensure all department standards are met.
Ensure all closing duties for staff are completed before associates sign out.
Conduct training of associates as assigned.
Provide feedback on staff performance to manager. Report disciplinary problems to manager and participate in the counseling of employees.
Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale.
Respond to all pages promptly.
Complete work orders for maintenance repairs and submit to engineering.
Document pertinent information via email to the appropriate department(s).
Complete all paperwork and closing duties in accordance with departmental standards.
Review status of assignments and any follow-up action with manager.
Attend designated meetings, menu and wine tastings.
Assist the banquet manager as assigned.
Stock banquet supplies.
Assist with inventories as assigned.
Prepare daily/weekly payroll and tip distribution as assigned.
Conduct scheduled function room inspections, using a checklist in accordance with departmental standards.