Banquet Houseperson (AM)

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA with Company Match

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Parental Leave

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Hotel Discounts

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels in Charlotte, NC seeks a Banquet Houseperson to set up and break down banquet and meeting spaces, ensuring rooms match event specifications and guest service standards.

You will work with Banquet Leadership and departments to prepare spaces, manage equipment, and maintain safety and cleanliness, with a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Previous banquet, hotel, convention, event setup, warehouse, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Ability to read and understand Banquet Event Orders, room diagrams, and setup instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Comfort with physically demanding shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Set banquet and meeting rooms according to BEO specifications and room diagrams.
• Arrange tables, chairs, linens, staging, and other equipment; ensure proper room configurations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of rooms and storage areas.
• Assist with last-minute changes and equipment requests with urgency and professionalism.
• Ensure equipment and supplies are present before events begin.
• Provide professional guest service and safe handling of equipment during events.

Skills

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Guest service

Flexibility

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

We’re People People. Are you? We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ). With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be. But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Banquet Houseperson is responsible for the setup, breakdown, cleanliness, and overall readiness of banquet and meeting spaces. This position works closely with the Banquet and Events teams to ensure function rooms are properly arranged according to event specifications and that guests receive a professional, seamless experience.

Key responsibilities include

setting up and breaking down tables, chairs, staging, dance floors, linens, and other banquet equipment; maintaining clean and organized meeting spaces and storage areas; refreshing rooms during events; assisting with event transitions and last‑minute changes; safely moving and storing equipment; and responding promptly to requests from banquet leadership and guests. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, urgency, teamwork, flexibility, and a strong commitment to guest service and safety. Banquet Housepersons must be able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business and event needs.

What you’ll be doing Banquet Houseperson Job Description Department: Food & Beverage / Banquets Reports To: Banquet Manager / Food & Beverage Director Employment Status: Hourly / Non-Exempt Position Summary The Banquet Houseperson is responsible for the setup, breakdown, cleanliness, organization, and overall readiness of banquet rooms, meeting spaces, pre-function areas, and event equipment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring every meeting, conference, wedding, banquet, and special event is prepared accurately, safely, and on time according to the Banquet Event Order (BEO) and hotel standards. The Banquet Houseperson works closely with Banquet Leadership, Banquet Servers, Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, and other hotel departments to execute events successfully. This role requires a strong sense of urgency, attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, and the ability to adjust quickly when event needs or room setups change. The expectation is simple: every event space should be clean, complete, properly set, and guest-ready before the client or guests enter the room.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Banquet & Meeting Room Setup Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), room diagrams, and instructions from Banquet Leadership to understand daily event requirements. Set banquet and meeting rooms according to the specifications outlined on the BEO and approved room diagrams. Properly arrange tables, chairs, linens, staging, dance floors, podiums, risers, easels, registration tables, buffet tables, water stations, and other required equipment. Set rooms in various configurations, including classroom, theater, conference, boardroom, U-shape, hollow square, rounds, reception, banquet, and other customized arrangements. Ensure tables and chairs are properly aligned, evenly spaced, clean, and presentable. Ensure room setups meet hotel standards as well as applicable safety and fire-code requirements. Confirm all required equipment and supplies are present before the event begins. Complete assigned setups within established deadlines and communicate immediately if a setup cannot be completed on time. Assist with last-minute room changes or additional equipment requests with urgency and professionalism.

Event Readiness & Quality Control Conduct a final review of assigned event spaces before guest arrival. Ensure meeting rooms, banquet spaces, pre-function areas, hallways, and entrances are clean and free of clutter. Check tables, chairs, linens, floors, walls, doors, lighting, trash receptacles, and other visible areas for cleanliness and presentation. Ensure water stations and other designated meeting supplies are properly positioned and maintained. Immediately report damaged furniture, equipment, fixtures, carpet, walls, lighting, or other maintenance concerns to Banquet Leadership. Correct setup deficiencies immediately when identified. Maintain awareness of the daily event schedule and anticipate upcoming room turns and changes.

Room Turns & Event Transitions Efficiently break down completed events and reset rooms for the next scheduled function. Prioritize room turns based on event start times and instructions from Banquet Leadership. Work with the banquet team to execute quick room changes while maintaining accuracy and safety. Remove used linens, trash, equipment, and supplies promptly after events. Return tables, chairs, staging, equipment, and other materials to their proper storage locations. Ensure event spaces are not left unattended in an incomplete or unsafe condition during room transitions.

Cleanliness & Organization Maintain banquet rooms, meeting rooms, pre-function areas, banquet storage rooms, service corridors, and equipment areas in a clean and organized condition. Sweep, vacuum, spot clean, mop, or otherwise prepare event spaces as needed. Remove trash and debris before, during, and after events. Keep banquet storage areas organized so equipment can be safely and efficiently located. Properly stack and store tables, chairs, risers, staging, dance floors, and other banquet equipment. Maintain clear walkways, exits, fire doors, and emergency access points at all times. Immediately address spills, trip hazards, broken equipment, or other safety concerns. Assist in maintaining banquet equipment to extend its useful life and reduce unnecessary damage or replacement costs.

Guest & Client Service Maintain a professional and welcoming presence when working in guest areas. Acknowledge guests and clients appropriately and provide assistance when requested. Respond to reasonable guest or meeting-planner requests promptly and communicate requests to Banquet Leadership when additional assistance is required. Avoid disruptive conversations, excessive noise, or unnecessary activity while meetings or events are in progress. Protect the guest experience when performing room turns or moving equipment near active functions. Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and respect when working around clients, meeting planners, executives, and event attendees.

Equipment Handling & Safety Safely move, lift, carry, assemble, disassemble, and store banquet furniture and equipment. Use banquet carts, dollies, and other equipment properly and safely. Follow proper lifting techniques and request assistance when moving oversized or heavy equipment. Never block emergency exits, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, hallways, or other required access points. Follow all hotel safety, sanitation, security, and loss-prevention procedures. Report accidents, injuries, damaged equipment, and unsafe conditions immediately. Handle hotel equipment carefully to prevent unnecessary damage and financial loss.

Teamwork & Communication Maintain consistent communication with Banquet Leadership regarding room status, completed setups, outstanding needs, and potential delays. Work collaboratively with Banquet Servers, Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, Housekeeping, Front Office, Sales/Catering, and other departments. Assist other banquet team members when operational needs require additional support. Participate in pre-shift meetings and review the day's events and priorities. Communicate respectfully and professionally with fellow team members and leaders. Support a culture of accountability, teamwork, urgency, and hospitality. Accept coaching and direction and make immediate adjustments when expectations are clarified.

BEO Accountability The Banquet Houseperson is expected to understand that the Banquet Event Order (BEO) is the operational roadmap for each event. The Houseperson is responsible for reviewing assigned BEO requirements and ensuring the physical room setup matches those requirements. Any discrepancy, missing equipment, unclear instruction, or potential operational concern must be brought to Banquet Leadership's attention before the event begins. Do not assume or make unauthorized changes to a client's setup. When clarification is needed, escape to Banquet Leadership.

Attendance & Scheduling Expectations Banquet operations are driven by business volume and event schedules. The Banquet Houseperson must be available to work a flexible schedule that may include: Early mornings Day shifts Evenings and late nights Weekends Holidays Extended shifts based on business demand Reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position. Team members are expected to arrive on time, in proper uniform, and ready to work at the beginning of their scheduled shift. Because event setups are time-sensitive, tardiness or unplanned absences can significantly impact the operation and guest experience.

Physical Requirements This is a physically demanding position. Team members must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The position regularly requires: Standing and walking for extended periods. Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting, and lifting. Moving banquet tables, chairs, staging, risers, dance-floor sections, carts, and other event equipment. Repetitive setup and breakdown activities throughout the shift. Working at a fast pace during room turns and high-volume event periods. Safely lifting and carrying items consistent with the physical requirements established by the hotel. Working in banquet rooms, storage areas, service corridors, loading areas, and other operational environments.

Qualifications Previous banquet, hotel, convention, event setup, warehouse, or hospitality experience preferred. Ability to read and understand Banquet Event Orders, room diagrams, and setup instructions. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team. Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize multiple assignments. Ability to communicate professionally with guests, clients, leaders, and fellow team members. Dependable attendance and punctuality. Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs. Ability to safely operate banquet carts and other approved equipment. Must maintain a professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming and uniform standards.

Performance Expectations Success in this position is measured by the Houseperson's ability to consistently deliver: Accurate BEO execution. On-time room setups. Clean and organized event spaces. Efficient room turns. Proper care and storage of banquet equipment. Safe work practices. Strong attendance and punctuality. Effective communication with Banquet Leadership. Professional interaction with guests and clients. Teamwork and willingness to support the overall operation. The Banquet Houseperson is expected to take ownership of assigned areas. If something is missing, damaged, incorrect, or not guest-ready, the expectation is to correct it when possible or immediately communicate it to the appropriate leader rather than leaving the issue unresolved.

Overall Expectation Our banquet spaces are a direct reflection of the hotel. Guests and clients should never walk into a room that appears unfinished, disorganized, dirty, or unprepared. The Banquet Houseperson plays an essential role in creating the first impression of every event. Through attention to detail, urgency, teamwork, and pride in presentation, this position helps ensure every event begins with a space that is clean, polished, safe, accurate, and ready to create an exceptional experience.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

How we reward you At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you’ll want to use these)
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.