Director of Banquet (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel chain in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Director of Banquet to oversee all banquet operations for the Waldorf Astoria. This role involves ensuring all event setups meet the highest standards, leading and mentoring the banquet team, and maintaining exceptional service delivery. Candidates should have 3–5 years of relevant experience in a luxury hotel and possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Flexibility in working hours is also required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of banquet operations experience in a luxury hotel.
• Strong knowledge of banquet setup and service flow.
• Quick decision-making and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Ensure flawless banquet setups in accordance with BEO specifications.
• Conduct thorough pre-function checks and oversee operations.
• Lead, train, and mentor the banquet team for service excellence.
• Build strong client relationships and ensure guest satisfaction.

Skills

Banquet operations experience

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Guest engagement skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Job Description - Director of Banquet (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria (HOT0C5GB)

Job Number

HOT0C5GB

Work Locations

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur 73, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur 50200

Responsibilities

Operations

• Ensure all banquet setups (buffets, meetings, coffee breaks, receptions, etc.) are flawlessly aligned and executed in accordance with BEO specifications.
• Confirm event spaces are immaculate and fully prepared at least one hour prior to start time.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to oversee operations, address guest concerns, and guarantee seamless service delivery.
• Uphold service excellence by enforcing SOPs and sequences of service tailored to each event type.
• Partner with the banquet team on setup, breakdown, and maintaining pristine operational areas.
• Conduct thorough pre-function checks to validate room layouts, AV, lighting, and décor against client expectations.
• Collaborate with Culinary and Stewarding to ensure timely, coordinated food and beverage service.
• Lead, train, and mentor the banquet team, fostering a culture of precision, efficiency, and service excellence.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively to ensure consistency and smooth event execution.
• Conduct daily pre-shift briefings to communicate event details, special requests, and service standards.
• Ensure banquet checklists are diligently completed and signed off by the Banquet-in-Charge.

Culture

• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment that promotes teamwork and accountability.
• Maintain respectful, supportive relationships across the team, encouraging collaboration and mutual trust.
• Uphold impeccable grooming, uniform presentation, and professional conduct standards.
• Champion workplace ethics, ensuring a harassment‑free and violence‑free environment.
• Recognize outstanding performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Administration

• Conduct monthly inventory of linens, glassware, cutlery, and banquet equipment to minimize losses and optimize stock.
• Enforce SOPs for asset management, ensuring timely cleaning, replenishment, and readiness.
• Report maintenance issues promptly to avoid operational disruptions.
• Collaborate with Accounts and Purchasing to manage inventories, analyze usage, and optimize stock levels.
• Ensure accurate recording of all F&B sales in the POS system.
• Prepare weekly function forecasts, detailing staffing, equipment, and resource requirements.
• Monitor and control banquet expenses, including labor costs, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Minimize waste and breakage through training and adherence to SOPs.
• Assist in forecasting departmental expenses and implementing cost‑control measures.
• Ensure strict compliance with cash handling procedures and accountability standards.

Guest & Team Member Experience

• Build strong client relationships, driving repeat business through exceptional service delivery.
• Handle guest requests with professionalism, ensuring satisfaction aligned with luxury standards.
• Convert potential leads into confirmed events, supporting revenue growth.
• Continuously monitor and elevate guest service standards.
• Address guest feedback in real time, documenting for future refinement.
• Ensure timely completion of Post‑Event Logs to capture insights for improvement.
• Support team welfare and development through training, mentorship, and well‑being initiatives.
• Promote punctuality and consistent attendance across all team activities.

Communication & Other Duties

• Ensure full compliance with Waldorf Astoria Brand Service Standards, consistently delivering a luxury banquet experience.
• Represent WA Kuala Lumpur with professionalism, fostering strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Coordinate with Sales, Culinary, and Stewarding to align service delivery with guest expectations.
• Lead departmental meetings and briefings to ensure clear communication.
• Exemplify high standards of grooming, hygiene, and professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate ethical management behavior, embodying Hilton values at all times.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support banquet operations and departmental success.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of banquet operations experience in a luxury hotel, with proven managerial responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of banquet setup, service flow, and BEO (Banquet Event Orders) execution.
• Solid understanding of banquet operations, event logistics, and service standards.
• Exceptional attention to detail in cleanliness, equipment presentation, and table settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate a diverse team to deliver exceptional service.
• Quick decision‑making and problem‑solving skills under pressure.
• Proficiency in managing banquet equipment usage, tracking, and maintenance.
• Ability to multi‑task and manage high‑pressure events while maintaining quality standards.
• Strong guest engagement skills with the ability to address last‑minute changes and requests.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including weekends and holidays, based on business demands.
• Capability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
• Competence in operating banquet AV equipment, lighting systems, and sound setups.
• Physical fitness to lift, move, and arrange banquet equipment and furniture as required.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.