Banquet Captain

Starwood Hotels•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Banquet Captain supervises banquet staff and coordinates food and beverage services for banquet functions. The role trains team members and ensures hotel standards are followed for room setup and upkeep, service, event courses, cleaning, grooming, and hygiene. The Banquet Captain responds to guest requests and concerns and communicates needs to the appropriate departments. The position coordinates function details with hosts, banquet and conference-planning teams, kitchen staff, and the banquet chef. It oversees assigned events from setup through breakdown, ensures guest requirements are ready 30 minutes before events begin, and monitors service, cleanliness, supplies, equipment, food quality, portion control, and waste. The Banquet Captain also handles function documentation and billing and sales reconciliation, supports staff performance and training, and follows hotel safety, security, emergency, and energy procedures. This role requires varying schedules, including holidays, to meet hotel business needs. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Prior serving experience.
Three or more years of experience as a Banquet Captain in a high-volume, upscale hotel.
Exceptional knowledge and understanding of banquet and food service techniques and standards.
Organized and proficient at multitasking.
Reliable team player who is willing to learn and adapt to new situations.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Proficient in verbal and written English communication.
Able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Able to stand for long periods.
Food Handling certification; it can be obtained during employment.
Able to work varying schedules, including holidays, to accommodate hotel business demands.

Responsibilities

Supervise, train, guide, direct, and motivate banquet staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
Coordinate food and beverage service and oversee all activities for assigned banquet functions.
Meet and greet guests warmly, respond promptly to requests and complaints, and coordinate with function hosts to ensure their needs are met.
Plan event courses and coordinate function details with hosts, banquet staff, conference planning, kitchen staff, and the banquet chef.
Maintain banquet logbooks, function sheets, BEOs, and other planning documentation.
Inspect banquet rooms, service and kitchen areas for cleanliness, proper setup, and sufficient supplies and equipment.
Ensure food counters and guest requirements are set and ready at least 30 minutes before the event begins.
Supervise and train staff in banquet room setup and breakdown and in food and beverage service according to standards.
Discuss last-minute changes with the banquet team and assist with pre-shift and pre-function meetings.
Monitor banquet personnel and actively participate in room setup and guest service as needed.
Observe guests to anticipate service needs and coordinate the timing of courses and meal completion.
Ensure guest checks are billed and signed by the host according to arrangements and that daily sales reconciliation and postings are completed and sent to the Front Office.
Ensure staff grooming and hygiene standards are met and comply with hotel policies and banquet processes.
Monitor function profitability, quality, portion control, waste, and loss or breakage of supplies.
Assist the Banquet Manager with maintenance, repair, and cleaning schedules for banquet equipment and facilities.
Maintain awareness of and comply with hotel security, safety, emergency, and energy procedures.
Obtain any required government licenses or certifications, such as liquor licenses, and complete required banquet training.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned and uphold the hotel's vision, mission, service promise, and brand pillars.