Associate Director of Banquet Operations

Meridian International Center•Washington, DC

just now•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Event Sales & Services, this position will have direct responsibility for supporting meeting and event activities, house scheduling and logistics, and upholding Meridian’s aesthetic, maintenance, and customer service standards. This role is responsible for staff scheduling and management of the event Housemen and Stewards, proper set-up of events as determined by the Events team, resource planning, execution, and quality control aspects. This includes personnel scheduling and performance management, event materials management, vendors and logistics, and other duties as assigned. The Director of Banquet Operations coordinates all operational aspects of event logistics, liaising with the Events Team, Facilities Team, and other departments across campus, as well as interfacing with external vendors. Will oversee the majority of events while underway or support the Events team with the management or overseeing of events. Hospitality/banquet management, customer service, ability to work with Event Planners, vendors and communication skills are essential. This position is focused on ensuring events are successfully implemented, no detail is overlooked, and the guest experience is forefront of mind. This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees.

Requirements

5+ years of progressively responsible experience in a management position related to luxury hotel banquet department or off-premise catering operation, with an emphasis on customer service in a high-level or luxury environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Tripleseat, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role
Luxury buffet/event set-up, room design required
Excellent attention to detail with dedication to providing the best service possible
Strong personal presentation with dress and speech
Strong project management and logistics skills
Ability to train, coach and counsel team members
Strong critical thinking skills
Strong organizational and team development skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the use of technology
Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world
Must be organized and self-motivated; must have ability and temperament to accommodate last minute schedule and event changes

Nice To Haves

Project management experience is a plus
Experience in historic environments a plus, but not required
Conversational and/or fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Responsible for independent oversight of the setup of meetings and programs, conference technology, and banquet support
Upon arrival, act as the initial liaison between vendors and the Meridian House and/or White-Meyer House
Willingness and ability to be hands-on, assisting the team with setups, event management and actively training and developing staff
Work closely and collaboratively with events staff; anticipate needs and handle while maintaining appropriate decorum and high level of customer satisfaction
Oversee and supervise events and housekeeping related service work to ensure all tasks are performed correctly, efficiently, and effectively
Develop and implement processes that maintain inventories, task execution, special projects and performance
Work closely with the Director of Facilities to endure the “campus” in continuously in pristine shape for visitors
Develop and implement standards of practice for the onsite Event Operations team supporting Meridian’s internal programming and external rental event activities.
Supervise the Event Operations Team, consisting of a Banquet Events Captain, Assistant Banquet Manager of Operations, (2) Housemen, (1) Event Steward and (1) Building Receptionist
Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of Meridian’s floor plans and broader maintenance and operations/events policies and procedures, and be able to effectively communicate and train team members
Responsible for several campus, event storage units
Responsible for the weekly inventory and ordering of the alcohol and wine room(s)
Responsible for the monthly inventory and ordering of campus hospitality items
Develop and establish policies and procedures that support event quality management, in collaboration with the Director of Event Sales and Services and the Director of Facilities
Weekly scheduling and bi-weekly payroll processing
Calendar management, in coordination with Facilities, for staff schedules, maintenance plans, and event staffing
Day-to-day operations, vendor schedules, and communications with constituents
Assist in the development, administration, and monitoring of budgets related to personnel overtime, events equipment and materials, and planned maintenance / aesthetic improvement projects
Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
Responsible for quarterly documentation of teams performance and progress with goals
Responsible for multiple areas within two buildings on campus: Event storage, kitchens, pantries, vendor room, laundry facility, event rooms, formal garden areas, dish room, dry storage, long-term storage,
Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
Other duties as assigned