Banquet Supervisor

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

7d

About The Position

The Banquet Supervisor is responsible for the management and execution of catering and banquet events for University Catering at the University of Iowa. This role oversees all aspects of event service—including event setup, staff supervision, training, and customer service—to ensure exceptional guest experiences. The position requires frequent evening and weekend hours based on business needs. The Banquet Supervisor also supports the Iowa GROW program as part of the university’s commitment to student success.
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, work together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and hospitality experience (Catering and/or Fine Dining experience within the past 10 years).
• 1–3 years of experience in banquets, catering, or fine dining leadership.
• 1–3 years of administrative experience including staff supervision and inventory control.
• Working knowledge of event management processes and the ability to plan, organize, and execute events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding customer service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Commitment to the values of the Division of Student Life, including fostering a welcoming and respectful environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments, processes, and priorities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ServSafe and IPACT certifications.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and compliance with UI Fleet Safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Off-premise catering experience.
• Experience supervising part-time or college-age staff.
• Experience with electronic timekeeping systems, inventory systems, POS systems, and event management software.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between University Catering and campus departments, clients, and external partners.
• Provide on-site leadership for meal service, events, and functions, ensuring timely, professional, and courteous service.
• Anticipate guest needs, monitor the guest experience, and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure guest satisfaction with food quality, service standards, and overall event execution.
• Learn and uphold University Catering standards for buffet, plated, and reception-style service.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise part-time and student staff.
• Provide coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action when necessary.
• Maintain high visibility at events and foster strong working relationships with catering clients.
• Conduct staff training and participate in Iowa GROW conversations with student employees.
• Communicate event changes and updated procedures to staff.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of food, beverages, and supplies.
• Set par levels, order inventory from approved vendors, and reconcile discrepancies.
• Ensure proper equipment use and report maintenance needs.
• Conduct monthly inventory counts and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor cash register operations and ensure compliance with cash-handling procedures.
• Process payments and ensure accurate billing for assigned events.
• Assist with timekeeping and payroll processes for assigned staff.
• Prepare and implement policies, standard operating procedures, and quality standards.
• Represent University Catering at university and community events and serve on committees as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from students, parents, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Interpret and enforce state, university, and departmental policies, including sanitation, safety, and Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division regulations.
• Maintain required food safety standards, labeling, and documentation.
• Recommend improvements to service methods, staffing, scheduling, and operational efficiency.
• Prepare reports and deliver presentations as needed.

Benefits

• Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
• Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees