Banquet Operations Lead: Staffing, Service & Beverage

Los Poblanos; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Banquet Operations Manager to lead events, staff, and beverage service. This hands-on role works with the Banquet Manager to plan, staff, and execute private and public events with hospitality excellence.

The ideal candidate has strong banquet or event-service experience, professional bartending experience, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for developing hospitality teams.

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in the food & beverage, hospitality, banquet, or events industry.
• Previous banquet, catering, restaurant, hotel, or event operations experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional bartending and beverage service.
• Valid Food Handler and beverage service certifications.
• Strong understanding of wine service, fine dining standards, and banquet service techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, ordering, and receiving.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with staff, guests, vendors, and leadership.
• Ability to anticipate operational needs and proactively solve problems.
• Energetic, approachable, and professional leadership style.
• Commitment to delivering warm, gracious hospitality.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure.
• Familiarity with POS systems and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move for extended periods, including shifts of up to 12 hours.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and move up to 200 lbs. using a hand cart.
• Flexibility to work AM/PM shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Support the Banquet Manager in the execution of all private and public events, including social, corporate, and special events.
• Help maintain consistent service standards and ensure the guest experience reflects Los Poblanos’ commitment to warm, gracious hospitality.
• Assist with event setup, service, breakdown, and post-event procedures.
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and event details to ensure staff are prepared and service requirements are understood.
• Work closely with the Banquet Manager, Event Managers, and Banquet Chef to ensure food and beverage service is properly coordinated.
• Act as an operational leader during events, proactively identifying and resolving service issues.
• Responsible for the oversight and coordination of Afternoon Tea & Library Bar Operations.
• Maintain a visible presence during events and provide hands-on support to banquet staff as needed.
• Assist with ensuring event spaces, bars, service areas, equipment, and supplies are properly prepared before each event.
• Assist the Banquet Manager with opening and closing procedures and ensure all post-event responsibilities are completed.
• Partner with the Banquet Manager to develop and maintain banquet staff schedules based on event needs, staffing levels, and business volume.
• Help ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill sets are assigned to each event.
• Communicate schedules, event assignments, and operational expectations clearly to banquet staff.
• Conduct ongoing training in banquet service, beverage service, bartending, hospitality standards, and event-specific procedures.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
• Help create and maintain departmental training materials, service standards, and operating procedures.
• Lead pre-shift meetings and event briefings as needed to ensure staff understand event details, service expectations, and responsibilities.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and a positive work environment.
• Ensure banquet bars are properly stocked, set up, staffed, and operated according to Los Poblanos standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively identify upcoming needs based on the event calendar and BEOs.
• Responsible for general supply ordering and inventory management.
• Organize and maintain banquet storage areas to ensure products and supplies are accessible, properly stored, and accurately accounted for.
• Participate in BEO meetings and share relevant event operations information with the team.
• Participate in client planning meetings when needed.
• Assist in developing and implementing procedures that improve efficiency, consistency, and profitability.
• Proactively anticipate operational needs and communicate solutions before issues affect an event.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to meet business and operational needs.

Skills

Leadership experience

Banquet/event operations

Bartending knowledge

Inventory management

Staff training

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Banquet Operations Manager to lead events, staff, and beverage service. This hands-on role works with the Banquet Manager to plan, staff, and execute private and public events with hospitality excellence.

The ideal candidate has strong banquet or event-service experience, professional bartending experience, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for developing hospitality teams.