Banquet Manager

Banquet Manager – Hotel ZaZa AustinLocation: AustinReports To: Director of Food and BeverageExperience Required: Previous banquet, catering, or food and beverage management experience, preferably within a luxury hotel, upscale resort, or full-service hospitality environment.
Markets: AustinAbout Hotel ZaZaHotel ZaZa is a collection of luxury boutique hotels recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences through distinctive accommodations, personalized service, and attention to detail. At Hotel ZaZa Austin, our associates are passionate about creating memorable moments and exceeding guest expectations in every interaction.
We are seeking an experienced, service-focused, and highly organized Banquet Manager to join our Food & Beverage leadership team. This position is responsible for overseeing the successful execution of banquet functions, meetings, social events, and special occasions while ensuring exceptional service, operational excellence, and financial performance.
Position OverviewThe Banquet Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all banquet and catered events while maintaining Hotel ZaZa's luxury service standards. This individual will lead banquet operations, manage banquet associates, partner closely with Sales, Catering, Culinary, and Operations teams, and ensure every event is delivered flawlessly from setup to completion.
The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, attention to detail, exceptional communication abilities, and a passion for creating extraordinary guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities
Lead all banquet operations and serve as the primary operational contact for assigned events.
Ensure successful execution of meetings, conferences, weddings, social events, and other special functions.
Supervise, coach, and develop banquet associates to deliver exceptional service standards.
Conduct pre-shift meetings to communicate event details, service expectations, and operational priorities.
Coordinate closely with Catering, Sales, Culinary, Stewarding, and Operations teams to ensure seamless event execution.
Monitor banquet setups and ensure event spaces meet Hotel ZaZa standards and client specifications.
Oversee food and beverage service while maintaining quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction standards.
Manage labor costs, scheduling, staffing levels, and payroll practices in accordance with business needs.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations.
Address and resolve guest concerns or service issues promptly and professionally.
Monitor banquet inventory, supplies, equipment, and operational resources.
Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and achieving departmental financial goals.
Maintain accurate records of banquet events, staffing needs, and operational performance.
Support special projects, VIP events, holiday functions, and hotel-wide initiatives as assigned.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment focused on service excellence and associate engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned by hotel leadership.
QualificationsPassion for delivering exceptional guest service.
Strong leadership and team-development skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to remain calm and effective during high-pressure situations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Dependable attendance and flexibility with overnight scheduling requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Intermediate computer proficiency and ability to utilize hotel management systems.
Preferred QualificationsPrevious banquet management or food and beverage leadership experience.
Luxury hotel or upscale hospitality experience preferred.
Experience overseeing weddings, corporate meetings, and large-scale social events.
Knowledge of banquet event orders (BEOs), event planning processes, and operational logistics.
Experience with POS systems, event management software, and labor management systems.
TABC certification or ability to obtain certification.
Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain certification.
Proven success in associate engagement, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.
Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
Ability to bend, stoop, lift, carry, push, and pull banquet equipment and supplies as needed.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work varying schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Ability to oversee event setup, service, and breakdown activities throughout banquet and meeting spaces.
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works throughout banquet facilities, meeting spaces, ballrooms, restaurants, kitchens, and public areas of the hotel.
Frequent interaction with guests, clients, vendors, and a