Banquet Lead - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Safari Park; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is seeking a Banquet Lead to oversee event execution, supervise staff, and coordinate catering operations with a focus on guest satisfaction.

You will manage room setup, food and beverage service, and ensure top standards of hospitality, safety, and sanitation while coordinating with the Retail team and chefs. This role requires leadership and strong communication in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Education, training, or work experience reflecting essential duties and knowledge.
• Lead and supervise responsibilities; effective customer service skills.
• Experience preferred in Zoo or Theme Park environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee event operations and staff for banquet events.
• Manage room setup, food/beverage execution, and catering coordination.
• Ensure best-in-class guest service and sanitation standards.
• Coordinate with Retail and Chef teams and adapt to schedule changes.
• Maintain inventory and operate POS and inventory logs.

Skills

Food service basics

Safety regulations

Menu knowledge

Inventory controls

POS systems

Leadership

Communication

Record keeping

Team coordination

Multitasking

Staff development

Education

High School Diploma

RBS Training

Food Handler Card

Tools

POS system

Inventory system

Job description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Banquet Lead under direction oversees event execution including a variety of moderately difficult duties in the serving of food orders to customers, setting and clearing properly; presents and serves food and beverages in an attractive, safe and efficient manner. This position reports to the Retail Management. This position requires constant fulfillment of all facets of catering to ensure customers at the Zoo or the Safari Park are served in a prompt, courteous and efficient manner; must assist the Retail office in clarification of details of catered events and recommend improvements to enhance service or customer satisfaction. Responsible for execution of "Best in Class" Banquet events. May assist in other Retail outlets as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Event Execution – Responsible for oversight of event operations and employees, room setup and reset, food and beverage execution and coordination of catering events ensuring the highest standards of hospitality. Oversees the execution and fulfilment of event according to the established banquet booking order. Adapts to last minute schedule or contract changes. Transportation of banquet food and supplies and communicates effectively with Chef/Back of House team. Completes event orders and associated paperwork in a correct and timely manner.Employee Oversight - Oversees banquet employees including, but not limited to, training, mentoring, and coaching. Works with other organizational departments to ensure successful execution of all banquet events. Facilitate a positive environment amongst staff, an environment where professional ideas are encouraged. Coaches and develops talent through the understanding of different learning styles and provides performance feedback. Ensures team’s compliance of safety, banquet execution best practices, sanitation and alcohol awareness standards.Guest Service – Ensures team is providing “Best in Class” guest service including greeting guests upon arrival to venue and escorting guests to and from scheduled activity locations. Educates team to advise guests regarding menu items.Facility Upkeep - Cleans and maintains Banquet equipment and facilities. Assigns tasks and completes cleaning logs. Follow best practice standards established by Retail Management.Inventory – Oversees inventory. Orders items and supplies for events. Operates point of sale and inventory system.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORJOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training, or work experience which would perform the essential duties, knowledge and skills outlined; Lead and supervise responsibilities; effective customer service skills; an example would be two or more years of experience working in a Zoo or Theme Park environment preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma RequiredRBS Training within 30 daysFood Handler’s Card within 30 days

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Methods, materials and equipment used in food serviceSafety rules and regulationsAll menu items including ingredients and cooking methodsInventory controls, procedures and best practices

Basic computer usageEffective leadership practicesOperates and understand the point of sale and inventory systemKeeping accurate and detailed recordsMulti-task and prioritize to meet the demands of businessWork competently with large groups in a diverse environmentPerform each Essential job function at a high levelUnderstand and carry out instructionsCommunicate clearly and positively concerning all facets of a function