Catering Services Manager - University of Houston - Hilton Hotel

Aramark•Houston, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Aramark is a global leader in event and banquet hosting, delivering exceptional experiences worldwide. As we continue to expand our portfolio of high-profile events, we are seeking a highly skilled banquet manager to lead end‑to‑end planning and execution. The ideal candidate excels at producing successful, cost-effective, and memorable events. Strong negotiation and leadership skills are essential, as the banquet manager collaborates closely with a wide array of vendors. Creativity, balanced with uncompromising quality, is a vital attribute for this role. A banquet manager is a hospitality professional responsible for leading the planning and execution of events, banquets, and galas. This role involves designing event layouts, coordinating setup, and supervising staff serving guests. With significant influence over the cost, scale, and quality of each event, the banquet manager ensures operations run efficiently while delivering an exceptional guest experience. Their primary focus centers on strategic planning and seamless execution.

Requirements

Requires at least 2 years of experience
Prior experience as an assistant banquet manager, or within the hotel/hospitality industry
Previous experience in events, hospitality and catering preferred
Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Available to work event-based hours
Must have excellent communication, organization, and negoatiation skills
Certificate or diploma in catering, hospitality, or a related discipline
Strong understanding of hospitality industry standards and practices
Familiarity with catering management software

Responsibilities

Plan all aspects of event layout and setup from start to finish
Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors and suppliers
Assign duties and oversee staff, including the banquet Captain, to ensure smooth execution
Oversee décor, layouts, placements, and all elements contributing to the event’s atmosphere
Manage guest requests and respond to inquiries professionally
Monitor food and beverage service with the precision expected of a banquet service manager
Lead event planning and execution in alignment with the banquet manager’s responsibilities
Uphold Aramark’s vision and standards in every event
Collaborate consistently with the banquet sales manager and director
Develop actionable plans that maintain budget discipline
Adhere strictly to schedules, timelines, inventory, and event milestones
Determine staffing needs, including waiters, servers, and other personnel. Oversee the placement of tables, décor, chairs, and cutlery, ensuring alignment with event themes and standards
Maintain accurate documentation of schedules, timelines, and event plans.
Provide a complete schedule, including the server count needed for each event.
Collaborate with the chef and provide detailed briefings on meal courses
Negotiate with vendors and train banqueting assistants to do the same
Comply with all local laws and regulations relevant to event execution
Perform a full walkthrough of the interior and exterior.
Check air conditioning/heat, ensure lighting is functional, and verify POS systems are operational.
Review the manager’s log from the previous night, check that all areas are clean, and verify stock levels.
Review the schedule, conduct a pre-shift meeting to set goals, and communicate daily specials or unavailable items.
Count the safe, assign cash drawers, and check deposit slips.
Supervise staff, monitor table turnover, and manage food quality.
Actively engage with guests and resolve complaints.
Ensure all floors are swept/mopped, equipment is shut down/cleaned, and all entry points are secured.
Conduct inventory and beverage count, order new stock, and manage supplier relationships.
Create employee schedules, handle payroll, and conduct training.
Review labor costs, food waste, and P&L statements to ensure profitability.