Assistant Banquets Director

Kalahari Resorts; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

401(k) matching

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Employee discounts and perks

Education assistance programs

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking an Assistant Banquets Director to lead front-of-house banquet and beverage teams, ensuring events run smoothly and to standard. You will partner with the Director of Banquets on staffing, setup, execution, and service quality across multiple events.

This hands-on leadership role emphasizes team direction, problem-solving, and adherence to safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness standards. Strong operations acumen and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Three+ years of management experience in a major convention center or large hotel (500+ rooms).
• Beverage service experience is required.
• Banquet Manager experience is preferred.
• Bi-lingual abilities in English and Spanish are helpful.

Responsibilities

• Oversee front-of-house banquet and beverage teams across events.
• Ensure events are executed efficiently, safely, and to standard.
• Develop event plans, staffing schedules, and equipment needs.
• Collaborate with catering, kitchen, sales, and other departments to meet specs.
• Provide training and supervision to staff; ensure good guest experiences.

Skills

Management experience

Beverage experience

Banquet management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Job description

Description

Help Deliver the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, wedon’tjust create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, andcutting-edgeconvention centers that redefine hospitality.

Butwe’remore thana resort. As a family-owned company, our Promise is simple:Lead with Love. This means caring deeply for our guests,associates, andcommunities—treating people like family, giving back generously, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.

Through our partnershipwith charity:water,we’realso committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking anAssistant Banquets Director.In this role, you’ll work side by side with the Director of Banquets to oversee the front-of-house banquet and beverage teams, ensuring events are executed efficiently, consistently, and to standard. This is a hands‑on leadership position where you’ll be actively involved in service, team direction, and real‑time problem‑solving. You’ll help manage staffing, oversee event setup and execution, and ensure all service, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness standards are met during every shift. You’ll play a key role in maintaining organization and flow across multiple events, ensuring timelines are followed, and guest expectations are met. Success in this role comes from strong operational awareness, clear communication, and the ability to lead teams through fast-paced service environments.

As part of our leadership team,you’llembody our Promise toLead with Love—guiding, supporting, and inspiring associates while delivering extraordinary guest experiences.You’ll support and develop associates by providing direction, coaching, and accountability—helping the team deliver consistent, high-quality service while creating positive guest experiences.

Salary Range - $80k - $90k

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the execution of events, ensuring smooth operations, and delivering beyond expectations guest experiences.
• Understanding of and experience implementing SOPs.
• Develop and implement event plans, including timelines, staffing schedules, and equipment requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments (catering, kitchen, sales, etc.) to ensure event specifications are met.
• Ensure events run smoothly by providing guidance and leadership to the team.
• Provide training and support to ensure staff members understand their roles and deliver high-quality service.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the event, ensuring safety standards are followed.
• Basic knowledge of P&L and budgets.

WhatWe’reLooking For

• We do require that you have a background consisting of at least three years of management experience in a significant convention center or large hotel (over 500-room property).
• Beverage experience is required.
• Prior experience working in banquet/event space centers of 75,000+ sq. ft.
• Prior experience as a Banquet Manager is preferred.
• Bi-lingual, English and Spanish speaking is helpful.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, andperksat all resorts
• Educationassistanceprograms to help advance your career

BePart of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we believe the best leadersLead with Love—because love builds trust, inspires growth, and creates experiences that last a lifetime.That’swhywe’reproud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and by USA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whetheryou’redelivering guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

• Wisconsin Dells, WI
• Sandusky, OH
• Pocono Manor, PA
• Round Rock, TX
• Spotsylvania County, VA

Wisconsin Dells - 608-254-5466 ext. 42123

Pennsylvania - 570-580-6000 ext. 21077

Texas - 512-582-4765

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.