Assistant Banquets Manager

AccorHotel; Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour invites a seasoned Conference & Events professional to join as Assistant Banquets Manager. You’ll lead a high-performing team, ensure flawless event execution and deliver the luxury guest service Sofitel is known for.

Reporting to the Conference & Events Operations Manager, you’ll manage pre-event prep through post-event wrap, work with Kitchen and other departments, and drive client relationships in a five-star hotel environment.

Qualifications

• The candidate has proven experience leading teams in busy events or hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of banquet and conference operations and logistics.
• Experience managing client relationships and resolving issues on the spot.
• Commercial awareness with labour, revenue and cost control.
• Excellent organisation, communication and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead by example and foster a high-performing team.
• Passion for luxury hospitality and personalised service.
• Understanding of food safety, allergens and dietary requirements.
• Flexibility to work weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and motivate the Banquets team, creating accountability and Sofitel Heartist culture.
• Oversee event requirements, equipment and service standards for flawless delivery.
• Collaborate with Conference & Events, Kitchen and other departments for smooth execution.
• Build strong client relationships and manage inquiries and feedback.
• Roster the team to meet event needs while controlling labour costs.
• Identify opportunities to enhance guest experience and revenue.
• Ensure accurate event charging and timely accounts.
• Support onboarding, development and performance of team members.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, hygiene and food safety.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationships

Event logistics

Labour management

Attention to detail

Communication

Coaching others

Food safety knowledge

Education

RSA certificate

Job description

Located on Sydney’s vibrant waterfront, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is Sofitel’s flagship hotel in the Pacific, featuring 590 rooms and suites, four bars and restaurants, an award-winning infinity pool and luxury spa.

We’re passionate about developing our people, celebrating individuality and creating opportunities to grow within the world of luxury hospitality. We know that behind every exceptional guest experience is an exceptional team.

Job Description

We’re looking for our next extraordinary team member to join our Conference & Events team as Assistant Banquets Manager, a leadership role where you’ll manage exceptional events, inspire a high-performing team and create memorable guest experiences.

Reporting to the Conference & Events Operations Manager, you’ll be a hands-on leader, on the floor, overseeing the delivery of events from pre-event preparation and room set-up through to service, pack-down and final guest departure.

You’ll be a key point of contact for clients and event organisers, ensuring every detail is delivered to specification, challenges are resolved confidently and our guests receive the personalised service and French elegance that define Sofitel.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and motivate the Banquets team, creating a culture of accountability, teamwork and the Sofitel Heartist attitude.
• Oversee event requirements, equipment and service standards, ensuring every function is delivered accurately and efficiently.
• Work closely with Conference & Events, Kitchen and other hotel departments to ensure a seamless transition from planning to operations and smooth execution of every event.
• Build strong client relationships and confidently manage enquiries, requests, feedback and challenges.
• Roster and deploy the team to meet event requirements while managing labour costs and supporting departmental revenue targets.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience and maximise food and beverage revenue.
• Ensure accurate event charging and accounts are completed in a timely manner.
• Support the onboarding, development and performance of team members through regular communication, coaching and feedback.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, hygiene, cleanliness, food safety and operational compliance.

Qualifications

You’re an experienced Banquets, or Food & Beverage professional who enjoys being where the action is and is ready to take the next step in their leadership career.

You bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing teams in a busy events or hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of banquet and conference operations, including function set-up, service and event logistics.
• Confidence managing client relationships and resolving challenges in the moment.
• Strong commercial awareness, with an understanding of labour management, revenue generation and cost control.
• Excellent organisation, communication and attention to detail.
• A natural ability to lead by example, coach others and create a high-performing team.
• A genuine passion for luxury hospitality and personalised service.
• An understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergens and dietary requirements.
• Flexibility to work across a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
• A current RSA.
• Experience in a luxury or five-star hotel will be highly regarded.

Additional Information

Why Sofitel?

This is an opportunity to take the next step in your hospitality career within one of Sydney’s leading luxury hotels. You’ll have the opportunity to lead people, strengthen your commercial and operational skills and grow your career within the global Sofitel network. As a Sofitel Ambassador, you’ll enjoy exclusive hotel and dining benefits, tailored learning and development, and opportunities to build your career across our network worldwide.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We are an inclusive company, and our ambition is to attract, recruit, and promote diverse talent. We offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know how we can support you.