Director of Banquets

Compass Group USA; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Time Off Plan

Holiday Time Off

Personal Leave

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Job summary

Levy, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a Director of Banquets at the First Financial Center in Cincinnati, OH. You will oversee planning, coordination, and execution of conventions, meetings, banquets, and special events while driving guest satisfaction, financial performance, and staff engagement.

Collaborate with culinary, sales, and operations to deliver exceptional events, optimize revenue, and lead a high-performing team across banquet operations in a fast-paced venue.

Qualifications

• Leadership and team development experience.
• Strong client relationship management.
• Proven ability to plan and execute complex events.

Responsibilities

• Lead all banquet and catering operations from planning through post-event review.
• Direct daily operations of banquet functions with high guest service standards.
• Collaborate with sales, culinary, and operations to create tailored event plans.
• Conduct pre-event meetings and coordinate with facilities and AV teams.
• Manage banquet staff and ensure a positive, high-performing culture.
• Develop and enforce standards, procedures, and training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Event planning

Budget management

Labor cost control

Food & beverage operations

Strategic planning

Conflict resolution

MS Office / event software

Job description

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Different perspectives make us better. We’re committed to creating an equal opportunity and fair treatment environment, where learning and growing together is just part of our every day. An environment where you can be your authentic self.

About Levy

The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.

FIRST FINANCIAL CENTER CINCINNATI OHIO

Position Summary

The Director of Banquets is responsible for leading all banquet and catered event operations at the First Financial Center. This position oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of conventions, meetings, banquets, trade shows, galas, and special events while ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, financial performance, and employee engagement. The Director partners closely with culinary, sales, event management, and facility operations teams to deliver seamless events that exceed client expectations and maximize revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of banquet and catering operations, ensuring events are executed flawlessly from planning through post-event evaluation.
• Direct the daily operations of banquet functions, maintaining the highest standards of guest service, presentation, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with sales, culinary, event management, and operations teams to develop and execute customized event plans that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Participate in client walkthroughs, menu tastings, planning meetings, and event reviews as needed.
• Manage banquet managers, supervisors, captains, servers, bartenders, and support staff while fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
• Recruit, train, coach, mentor, schedule, and evaluate banquet staff to support operational excellence and employee development.
• Establish and maintain service standards, operating procedures, and training programs that promote consistency and continuous improvement.
• Monitor banquet service quality and guest satisfaction, proactively resolving operational issues and client concerns.
• Prepare and manage departmental operating budgets, labor forecasts, and financial reports.
• Control labor costs, food and beverage costs, inventory, equipment, and operating supplies while meeting budget and profitability goals.
• Develop strategies to increase catering revenue, banquet profitability, and repeat business.
• Conduct pre-event meetings with internal departments to ensure all event details are communicated and executed accurately.
• Coordinate with facilities, audiovisual, housekeeping, security, and other operational departments to ensure successful event execution.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, food safety standards, alcohol service requirements, labor laws, and company policies.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and guest-focused work environment.
• Monitor departmental performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Job Info

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Leadership and team development
• Client relationship management
• Event planning and execution
• Financial management and budgeting
• Labor planning and cost control
• Food and beverage operations
• Strategic planning and operational improvement
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management software

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout event facilities.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in both office and event environments.
• Ability to respond quickly to operational issues during events.

At Levy, team = family. And we’ll always take care of family, learn more about Levy benefits offered.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Flexible Time Off Plan
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass/Levy, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.