Banquet Manager

Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche Position Summary The Banquet Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all banquet, conference, wedding, and special event operations while maintaining the highest standards of luxury hospitality. This role ensures seamless event execution, exceptional guest satisfaction, and efficient management of banquet service teams in accordance with the hotel's five-star standards. Key Responsibilities Operational Management Manage the day-to-day operations of the banquet department. Ensure all events are executed according to banquet event orders (BEOs) and guest specifications. Coordinate with Sales, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, Engineering, Front Office, and Security to ensure flawless event delivery. Conduct pre-event briefings and post-event evaluations with the banquet team. Monitor event setup, service, and breakdown to ensure compliance with luxury service standards. Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring complete guest satisfaction. Guest Experience Deliver personalized, anticipatory service that exceeds guest expectations. Welcome event hosts and VIP guests, ensuring all requirements are fulfilled. Maintain impeccable grooming, etiquette, and professionalism among banquet staff. Ensure all banquet venues are maintained in pristine condition before, during, and after events. Team Leadership Recruit, train, coach, and supervise banquet supervisors, captains, servers, and casual staff. Prepare staff schedules based on business levels while controlling labor costs. Conduct performance evaluations and identify training and development opportunities. Foster a positive, motivated, and high-performing team culture. Financial Management Manage departmental payroll and labor productivity. Control banquet operating expenses while maintaining quality standards. Monitor inventory of banquet equipment, linen, china, glassware, and silverware. Support revenue generation through upselling and efficient resource utilization. Assist in preparing annual budgets and departmental forecasts. Quality Assurance Ensure compliance with brand standards, Forbes Travel Guide standards, and hotel operating procedures. Monitor cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety practices in accordance with HACCP requirements. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and fire regulations. Conduct regular inspections of banquet facilities and equipment. Communication & Planning Attend daily operations meetings and event planning meetings. Review banquet event orders for accuracy and communicate updates to relevant departments. Coordinate room setup changes and last-minute guest requests effectively. Maintain clear communication with event organizers before, during, and after functions. Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure all banquet operations comply with local legislation and company policies. Promote a safe working environment by following occupational health and safety procedures. Report maintenance issues and safety hazards immediately.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or a related field preferred. Minimum 5 years of banquet operations experience in a luxury hotel. At least 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role. Experience in a five-star luxury hotel or international hospitality brand is highly preferred. Skills & Competencies Excellent leadership and team management skills. Strong organizational and event planning abilities. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Exceptional guest service orientation. Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Financial acumen and budgeting knowledge. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel property management/event management systems. Knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and luxury hospitality standards. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Operational Management: Manage day-to-day operations of the banquet department. Ensure events are executed according to BEOs and guest specifications. Coordinate with Sales, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, Engineering, Front Office, and Security for flawless delivery. Conduct pre-event briefings and post-event evaluations. Monitor setup, service, and breakdown to meet luxury standards. Resolve guest concerns promptly. Guest Experience: Deliver proactive, personalized service; welcome hosts and VIP guests; maintain staff grooming and professionalism; ensure venues are pristine before, during, and after events. Team Leadership: Recruit, train, coach, and supervise banquet staff; prepare schedules and control labor costs; conduct performance evaluations and development; foster a positive team culture. Financial Management: Manage payroll and labor productivity; control operating expenses; monitor inventory of equipment and service ware; assist in budgeting and forecasting. Quality Assurance: Ensure brand and Forbes Travel Guide standards; HACCP and food safety compliance; health, safety, and fire regulations; conduct facility and equipment inspections. Communication & Planning: Attend meetings; review BEOs for accuracy; coordinate room setup changes and last-minute requests; maintain communication with event organizers. Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with local laws and company policies; promote a safe working environment; report issues promptly.