Assistant Banquet Manager – Arabic Speaker

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 167,000 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Banquet Operations Assistant to oversee weddings, corporate events, and social functions, ensuring flawless execution and adherence to BEOs and brand standards.

You will coordinate with Sales, Events, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, and Engineering to meet guest needs, lead a team, train staff, and maintain service excellence in a luxury hotel environment.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in banquet operations or food and beverage service within a luxury hotel or upscale hospitality environment.
• Previous supervisory experience in banquet operations is essential.
• Experience handling weddings, corporate functions, conferences, and large-scale events is highly desirable.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Banquet Manager in overseeing all banquet operations, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, social gatherings, and special events.
• Ensure events are executed seamlessly per approved BEOs, hotel standards, and guest expectations.
• Coordinate with Sales, Events, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, and Engineering teams to meet event requirements.
• Monitor event setup, F&B service, table arrangements, and presentation to maintain high standards.
• Conduct pre-event briefings to communicate event details, service requirements, and guest requests.
• Supervise the smooth execution of events and address operational challenges promptly.
• Deliver personalized, memorable guest experiences in line with Fairmont’s luxury service standards.
• Communicate professionally with Arabic-speaking and international guests, ensuring needs are understood and met.
• Handle guest feedback, special requests, and service recovery situations promptly and professionally.
• Build strong relationships with clients and event organizers to support guest satisfaction and repeat business.
• Supervise, motivate, and guide banquet colleagues to maintain high standards of service and teamwork.
• Assist with colleague training, coaching, performance monitoring, and development.
• Prepare duty assignments and coordinate staffing according to event schedules and business levels.
• Conduct team briefings and ensure colleagues understand responsibilities and service expectations.
• Foster a positive working environment reflecting Fairmont’s values and culture.
• Support the Banquet Manager in monitoring operating costs, labour productivity, and departmental expenses.
• Assist in controlling food and beverage wastage, breakages, and operating supplies.
• Ensure accurate completion of banquet checklists, event reports, and required documentation.
• Support revenue optimization through efficient resource planning and identifying additional guest requirements.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and UAE health and safety requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of all banquet areas and equipment.
• Ensure responsible handling of hotel assets, equipment, and operating supplies.
• Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, and operational concerns promptly.

Skills

Communication

Organizational

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Hospitality Management diploma or degree

Job description

Company Description

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star Abu Dhabi beach resort with a stunning setting on Abu Dhabi Creek. Our luxurious urban hideaway offers unparalleled panoramas over the glittering white-marble minarets of iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Alongside exquisite restaurants and bars, Fairmont Abu Dhabi boasts 366 spacious rooms, suites and a villa. Designed with discerning business and leisure guests in mind, our incomparable facilities include a private beach, pool, meeting rooms, and a magnificent ballroom for lavish celebrations.

Job Description

• Assist the Banquet Manager in overseeing all banquet operations, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, social gatherings, and special events.
• Ensure all events are executed seamlessly in accordance with the approved banquet event orders (BEOs), hotel standards, and guest expectations.
• Coordinate with the Sales, Events, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, and Engineering teams to ensure all event requirements are met.
• Monitor event setup, food and beverage service, table arrangements, and overall presentation to ensure the highest standards.
• Conduct pre-event briefings with the team to communicate event details, service requirements, and special guest requests.
• Supervise the smooth execution of events and promptly address operational challenges.
• Deliver personalized and memorable guest experiences in line with Fairmont’s luxury service standards.
• Communicate professionally with Arabic-speaking and international guests, ensuring their requirements are understood and met.
• Handle guest feedback, special requests, and service recovery situations promptly and professionally.
• Build strong relationships with clients and event organizers to support guest satisfaction and repeat business.
• Supervise, motivate, and guide banquet colleagues to maintain high standards of service and teamwork.
• Assist with colleague training, coaching, performance monitoring, and development.
• Prepare duty assignments and coordinate staffing requirements according to event schedules and business levels.
• Conduct team briefings and ensure colleagues understand their responsibilities and service expectations.
• Foster a positive working environment that reflects Fairmont’s values and culture.
• Support the Banquet Manager in monitoring operating costs, labour productivity, and departmental expenses.
• Assist in controlling food and beverage wastage, breakages, and operating supplies.
• Ensure accurate completion of banquet checklists, event reports, and other required documentation.
• Support revenue optimization through efficient resource planning and the identification of additional guest requirements.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and UAE health and safety requirements.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of all banquet areas and equipment.
• Ensure responsible handling of hotel assets, equipment, and operating supplies.
• Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, and operational concerns promptly.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in banquet operations or food and beverage service within a luxury hotel or upscale hospitality environment.
• Previous supervisory experience in banquet operations is essential.
• Experience handling weddings, corporate functions, conferences, and large-scale events is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of banquet service standards, event setups, food and beverage operations, and guest service procedures.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory, both written and spoken.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, according to business requirements.