Banquet Captain: Lead Elite Event Service

Workstream; Willow Beach (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel in Toledo, Ohio, is seeking an experienced Banquet Captain to oversee all banquet function activities, ensure flawless setup, and coordinate staff for timely service. The role requires leadership and a strong guest-service orientation in a high-volume hotel environment.

You will work closely with banquet chefs to ensure food quality and presentation meets luxury standards, supervise service teams, and uphold Star Service guidelines throughout every function.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years experience as a Banquet Captain in a high-volume hotel or banquet operation.
• Certifications: Certified Food Manager or TIPS or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, management, organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all banquet function activities and ensures proper setup and readiness.
• Schedules staff according to guidelines and forecasted needs.
• Review Banquet Event Orders and coordinate activities to ensure timely performance of setup, food prep and service.
• Assigns service stations and pre/post function duties.
• Supervises completion of setup and preparation activities.
• Inspects banquet food quality, appearance, and presentation prior to service.
• Ensures food prep and presentation meet guest expectations and hotel standards.
• Monitors banquet personnel performance.
• Observes Service staff to ensure adherence to Star Service Standards.
• Inspects equipment prior to, during, and after each function.
• Manages inventory of materials and supplies for shift.
• Coordinates coffee and tea service as required.
• Verifies banquet cover counts and prepares guest checks for billing.
• Responds professionally to guest complaints and follows Own & Resolve Guest Issues.

Skills

Banquet captain experience

Leadership

Management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Guest service

Certified Food Manager

TIPS certification

English proficiency

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Specific

• Oversees all aspects of assigned banquet function activities, ensuring that all areas are properly set up and ready at the appointed time
• Schedules staff according to established guidelines and forecasted needs
• Obtains/reviews Banquet Event Orders, coordinates activities as needed to ensure timely performance of all contracted setup, food preparation and service activities
• Assigns service stations, pre and post function duties
• Supervises completion of all function set up/preparation activities
• Inspects, accepts/rejects banquet food for quality, appearance & presentation prior to service
• Works closely with Banquet Chef to ensure that all banquet food preparation and presentation meets or exceeds guest expectations and hotel standards and that food is ready at appointed time
• Monitors all banquet personnel in the performance of their duties
• Observes/assists Banquet Service personnel to ensure that all food service activities follow Star Service Standards
• Inspects all banquet service equipment prior to, during and at the end of each function, to ensure that all equipment is in proper working order
• Inventories materials and supplies at the beginning of shift, obtains sufficient materials and supplies necessary to support forecasted level of business
• Coordinates preparation of coffee, iced/hot tea as required
• Verifies banquet cover count, prepares and presents banquet check for guest payment/signature, forwards signed check, all associated documentation and payment (if received) to appropriate accounting representative
• Responds to guests complaints/comments in a positive, professional manner, follows Star Service "Own & Resolve Guest Issues" standard
• Completes Banquet Captains Report to document all function specific activities and make suggestive critique
• Coordinates all break down activities designed to leave function rooms clean, orderly and ready for the next function
• Oversees security and maintenance of all banquet equipment and supplies
• Attends appropriate meetings to communicate and acquire information pertaining to scheduled event
• Conducts meetings with department personnel as needed to keep them informed of upcoming events and activities
• Follows New Hire Training and ongoing Star Service Competency program in accordance with hotel policy
• Trains, appraises, coaches, counsels and disciplines departmental employees according to Loews Hotels standards
• Evaluates individual employee performance, determines areas in need of improvement or requirements for advancement, establishes goals, objectives and training needs required to achieve same
• Coaches, counsels, retrains personnel as needed in order to ensure superior levels of performance
• Other duties as assigned

General

• Promotes and applies teamwork skills at all times
• Notifies appropriate individual promptly and fully of problems and/or unusual matters of significance
• Is polite, friendly, and helpful to guests, management and fellow employees
• Executes emergency procedures in accordance with hotel standards
• Complies with required safety regulations and procedures
• Attends appropriate hotel meetings and training sessions
• Maintains cleanliness and excellent condition of equipment and work area
• Complies with hotel standards, policies and rules
• Recycles whenever possible
• Remains current with hotel information and changes
• Complies with hotel uniform and grooming standards

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Three + years experience as a Banquet Captain in a high volume, upscale hotel or free standing restaurant/banquet operation
• Exceptional knowledge and understanding of various banquet and food service techniques and standards
• Effective leadership, management, organizational and communication skills
• Exceptional guest service skills
• Certifications; "Certified Food Manager", "TIPS" or equivalent responsible vendor
• Ability to lift and carry food service trays weighting 35+ pounds
• Ability to speak, read and write the English language
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend repetitively during entire shift
• Ability to work flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays

Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel is a 4-star Marriott property located in downtown Toledo, Ohio. The hotel features 241 air-conditioned rooms, including 7 suites, and sits within walking distance of major attractions. Imagination Station and Valentine Theater are each just 0.2 miles from the property, making the hotel an ideal base for exploring the city's cultural venues.
Guest rooms are appointed with refrigerators, smart televisions, and complimentary wireless internet. Each room includes a bed dressed with down comforters and premium bedding, along with a private bathroom stocked with designer toiletries and a hair dryer. Cable programming is available for in-room entertainment. Guest comfort ratings average 4.4 out of 5.
Dining options include Brim House, one of two on-site restaurants serving American cuisine, as well as a bar and lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are offered on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM for an additional fee.
The property provides a fitness center, garden views, and complimentary wireless internet throughout. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, business center, gift shop, and dry cleaning and laundry services. The hotel features over 15,000 square feet of conference and event space, including a ballroom and banquet hall, along with accessible meeting rooms and business facilities.
The hotel's downtown location places it within a 5-minute drive of Toledo Zoo and 7 minutes from Lake Erie. Toledo Express Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car, while Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is roughly 45 minutes distant. The property has received an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 across guest reviews.
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes dogs and cats. The property is wheelchair accessible with accessible routes throughout, including elevator access, accessible parking, and an accessible fitness center.