Banquet Lead - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Banquet Lead oversees event execution under direction, including serving food orders, setting and clearing event spaces, and presenting and serving food and beverages safely, attractively, and efficiently. The role ensures catering customers at the Zoo or Safari Park are served promptly and courteously, assists the Retail office with event details and service improvements, and is responsible for delivering “Best in Class” banquet events. The position may also assist in other Retail outlets as needed. The Banquet Lead oversees event operations and employees, room setup and reset, food and beverage service, and coordination of catering events. The role works with Chef and Back of House teams, adapts to schedule or contract changes, completes event paperwork, and supports staff training and development. It also promotes guest service, facility upkeep, sanitation and safety standards, and inventory management.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
RBS Training required within 30 days.
Food Handler’s Card required within 30 days.
Education, training, or work experience that provides the ability to perform the essential duties and demonstrate the required knowledge and skills.
Lead and supervisory responsibilities.
Effective customer service skills.
Knowledge of food-service methods, materials, and equipment; safety rules and regulations; menu items, ingredients, and cooking methods; and inventory controls, procedures, and best practices.
Basic computer skills and the ability to operate and understand point-of-sale and inventory systems.
Effective leadership practices and the ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
Ability to multitask and prioritize business demands, work competently with large groups in a diverse environment, perform essential job functions to a high standard, understand and carry out instructions, and communicate clearly and positively.
Hourly, full-time, non-exempt union position; union fees and dues apply if selected.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience working in a Zoo or Theme Park environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee event operations and employees, room setup and reset, food and beverage execution, and coordination of catering events.
Ensure each event is carried out according to the established banquet booking order and adapt to last-minute schedule or contract changes.
Transport banquet food and supplies and communicate effectively with the Chef and Back of House team.
Complete event orders and related paperwork accurately and on time.
Train, mentor, and coach banquet employees; provide performance feedback and support talent development.
Work with other organizational departments to ensure successful banquet events and foster a positive environment where professional ideas are encouraged.
Ensure team compliance with safety, banquet execution, sanitation, and alcohol awareness standards.
Ensure the team provides high-quality guest service, including greeting guests upon arrival and escorting them to and from scheduled activity locations.
Educate the team to advise guests about menu items.
Clean and maintain banquet equipment and facilities, assign cleaning tasks, and complete cleaning logs.
Oversee inventory, order items and supplies for events, and operate the point-of-sale and inventory system.
Assist the Retail office in clarifying catered-event details and recommending improvements to service or customer satisfaction.
Assist in other Retail outlets as needed.