Banquet Captain

Position Summary

The Company operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting and ending times, and hours worked in a week.

The Banquet Captain is responsible for ensuring that all food and beverage service for functions in the banquet department are served according to standards.  Captain provides oversight and direction to Banquet Servers.  Banquet captains work in hotels and independent banquet halls to ensure the perfect execution of large dinners, receptions and events that require food and beverages. Banquet captains are the front of house for these events, making sure that the tables are decorated correctly, the food is presented well, and service goes off without a hitch. Banquet captains are in charge of floor staff, and make sure that they are in uniform and serving the clients in a speedy and friendly manner. They are the liaison to the chefs and cooking staff in the back, letting them know what food needs to be replenished.

The ideal candidate is friendly, optimistic, detail-oriented, has an outgoing personality, enjoys working with people and working on a team; has a proven passion and ability to anticipate and exceed our guests' needs; has knowledge of banquet preparations and operations; can comprehend and deliver service standards; excels at guest and team member relations and etiquette; and comprehends to importance of complying with applicable federal, state, and local health and safety regulations.  Has at least 2-3+ years experience as a Banquet Captain or Captain in an upscale restaurant, or full-service hotel.

Banquet Captains should be available for flexible work hours (weekends and extended eight-hour days) and variable schedules (days, nights, weekends, holidays, etc.).

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Promptly reports emergencies, accidents, injuries, missing articles, damage, engineering items, and safety hazards to management. 
• Reports any deviations from policies, procedures, brand standards and regulations to management.
• Complies with all guest service basics such as uniforms, name-tags and proper guest greeting. 
• Knowledgeable on hotel facilities and services to assist guests as appropriate. 
• Ensures all communication containing Company, hotel, brand and guest information is consistent with privacy policies, practices and regulations. 
• Impresses guests with quality and timely service in a pleasant and friendly manner.
• Maintains complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards; maintains complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment. Uses equipment only as intended.
• Anticipate guests and fellow team member needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests and team members, however busy and whatever time of day; be familiar with all Hotel services/features and activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately.
• Respond in positive, calm tone to guest and team members at all times.
• Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas.
• Maintain complete knowledge of and strictly abide by state liquor regulations, particularly those prohibiting service to minors and intoxicated persons.
• Transport necessary supplies from storage areas to service area.
• Fold napkins, set linen/skirting on tables.
• Set tables according to service standards.
• Set up all condiments and beverages.
• Ensure a sufficient supply of all silverware, glassware and chinaware for service.
• Greet guests as they arrive and assist them with seating at tables.
• Monitor surrounding and report concerns to supervisor.
• Open and serve wine/champagne bottles.
• Serve all food courses and beverage items to guests in accordance with function requirements and Hotel standards.
• Remove all tabletop items, linen and equipment from the function room as designated by function requirements.
• Set up, monitor, refresh and breakdown coffee breaks, receptions and buffet tables for specified functions according to group requirements.
• Complete closing side duties.
• Attend training, meetings, and other department events, as scheduled.
• All other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

The Company may consider equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, skills and abilities cited below.

Customer-Service: Banquet managers have to interact with customers. Being friendly and courteous is needed.

Attention to Detail: Banquet captains have to keep their eyes on a lot of elements: food standards, costs, safety, etc.

Leadership: Banquet captains must be leaders, rallying their team during big events, resolving conflicts and getting the job done.

Management Skills: Banquet captains not only deal with food, they also have to deal with costs, pricing, creating work schedules and more.

Problem-Solving Skills: Dealing with employee conflict, irate customers and wrong orders is part of a banquet captain's job. Being able to come up with a solution quickly is a needed skill.

Speaking Skills: Banquet captains need to accurately and easily communicate standards and cooking methods to staff, give orders and speak with customers clearly.

Stamina: Banquet captains can expect long days around hot cooking elements, much of it on their feet.

 

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Two or more years of related Banquet experience
• Familiarity with hospitality industry practices preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Special knowledge or skills necessary for this position:
  • Minimum legal age to serve alcoholic beverages
  • Knowledge of workplace safety procedures
• Licenses, certification or registrations required for this position.
  • N/A

Ability to understand and provide friendly guest service.  Ability to understand and comply with proper food preparation, cooking, handling and storage.  Ability to understand and comply with kitchen sanitation, safety and equipment usage.  Ability to timely compile facts/figures, identify and investigate issues and resolve basic matters.  Ability to follow an appropriate course of action based on policies and procedures.  Ability to operate a phone and other office equipment.  Attention to details with good organizational and efficient time management skills.

Consistent professional attitude and behavior with effective listening and communication skills.  Ability to work in a fast paced environment, sometimes under pressure, while remaining flexible and efficient.  Ability to satisfy the legal requirements for employment within the jurisdiction.

 Working Conditions & Physical Effort

Exert physical effort in lifting/transporting at least 50 pounds without assistance; push/pull cart and other equipment up to 250 pounds; endure various physical movements throughout crowded work and event areas.

Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for extended periods of time; constantly lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise move objects; extended periods of standing, reaching above head to move items, walking, stooping, and lifting.  Requires close vision with or without corrective lenses.  Work is normally performed in an interior hotel environment.

Notice

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. This employer participates in E-Verify.

This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, If necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

 

Our Perks

• Competitive Salary
• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision health insurance
• Robust supplemental insurance for Life, AD&D, Pets, legal and more
• Wellness programs for mental, physical, and financial wellness
• Hotel and travel discounts
• Generous retirement/401k benefits
• Education and professional development

Who we are

Wurzak Hotel Group (WHG) is a Philadelphia-based owner, developer, and operator of premium branded full-service, extended stay, and focus service hotels.  WHG’s core expertise is its unique ability to develop and operate hotels and food and beverage outlets in an entrepreneurial manner maximizing returns on the investment and developing long-term relationships with our guests.  

WHG has earned and maintains its competitive advantage by developing talent within the organization who embody the same entrepreneurial spirit of our leadership team and who seek to create value through tireless innovation, tight focus on the operational details, and uncompromised guest satisfaction.  Wurzak Hotel Group has a proven track record of developing and managing hospitality assets for over 30 years and continues to be recognized as one of the region’s top hospitality companies.  

Find out more about us on our website or click here to visit our Linkedin page!

WHG is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture where all our team members can thrive. We have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace discrimination on the basis of someone’s race, gender, disability, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.