Banquet Manager

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

The Banquet Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing the execution of all banquet functions in accordance with client specifications and Department of Health standards. This position ensures that the function runs smoothly and efficiently and that customer satisfaction meets or exceeds Straz Center standards.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 27 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Banquet Operation

- Responsible for the orientation and training of assigned staff on banquet and catering procedures, and customer service ensuring that staff are attentive, friendly, and courteous to all guests.

- Determines staffing needs and schedules staff in accordance with event requirements.

- Monitors and critiques banquet functions and advises of any unusual requests or situations.

- Maintains the Food and Beverage operation's standards of personal appearance and grooming while interacting with donors and patrons.

- May handle client inquiries and/or troubleshoot problems referring to Director of Catering or VP of Food and Beverage, as needed.

- Ensures the smooth running of banquet and catering events:

- Verifies information on contracts (BEOS) to ensure accurate quantity, location, type of food, confirmation of time.

- Follows up on any and all changes.

- Ensures all equipment is assembled and in working order.

- Monitors and ensures accuracy of inventories for china, small wares, glassware and flatware.

- Maintains high standards of sanitation and cleanliness throughout every event in compliance with Department of Health requirements

- Supervises servers and bussers.

- Conducts staff briefings prior to events.

- Works cooperatively with Executive Chef, Restaurant Manager, and Beverage Manager to ensure a smooth-running event.

- Performs similar duties for off-site catering events functions as needed.

Back of House Operation

- Oversees all aspects of back of house operations to include the orientation and training of Housemen.

- Conducts quarterly inventory of china, flatware, glassware, and linens.

- Oversees organization of equipment in available storage space and maintains order of storage rooms, hallways, and other areas where equipment is stored. Conducts regular cleanliness inspections.

- Assists in inventory control of cleaning compounds used in the Food and Beverage operation.

- Responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment in the restaurants, kitchen, and bar (in coordination with the respective area manager).

- Coordinates with Facilities, House Management, Security, and Programming regarding set up and restores for all events held in public areas.

- Responsible for restoring public areas after events.

Supervisory Responsibility:

- This position is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, disciplining, and evaluating Banquet Captains and Banquet Servers.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

- Ability to communicate with staff, co-workers, volunteers, management staff and guests in a clear, business-like and respectful manner which focuses on a positive, enthusiastic and cooperative work environment.

- Ability to express oneself in an articulate and effective manner both verbally and in writing when communicating with staff, vendors, and guests.

- Ability to deal with problematic people and situations that may result in dissatisfied customers.

- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions from data when researching employee issues and guests' concerns.

- Excellent organization and planning skills.

- Good financial experience with an ability to calculate basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages) as they relate to POS cash/credit transactions, cash reconciliation and product inventory.

- Ability to handle cash accurately and responsibly.

- Able to interpret and adhere to department budget.

- Self-motivated.

- Able to work under pressure and meet required deadlines.

- Able to keep the necessary proprietary information confidential.

- Capable of operating Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint. Ability to learn internal software programs.

- Must be able to operate computer, telephone, calculator, cash register, fax, and copy machines.

- May occasionally carry food and dishes on trays to and from the kitchen.

Education and Work Experience:

- College degree in hospitality management is preferred but will consider relevant work experience

- Experience working in banquet management and serving experience in the hospitality industry.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, stoop, and occasionally lift over 40 pounds. The employee will be required to stand and walk for extended periods of time during events, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.

- The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.