Lead Banquet Server

The Laura Hotel; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Laura Hotel in Houston, TX is seeking a Banquet Lead to coordinate and execute events with the banquet team, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and flawless service. You will work with catering, staff, and hotel departments to prepare, staff, and run functions per BEOs and standards.

Responsibilities include reviewing BEOs, setting up banquet spaces, guiding servers, ensuring menu knowledge, and maintaining safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Hotel banquet experience preferred.
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Knowledge of BEOs and event setup is a plus.
• Excellent guest service and communication.

Responsibilities

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to confirm details.
• Set up banquet rooms with tables, linens, serviceware, and equipment.
• Inspect banquet rooms and public areas for cleanliness and readiness.
• Coordinate banquet staff with event setups, schedule changes, room resets, service requirements, and last-minute adjustments.
• Communicate BEO changes to departments.
• Lead banquet servers and greet guests, handling requests with a friendly, courteous approach.
• Serve food and beverages according to established standards.
• Replenish beverages and monitor guest needs throughout functions.
• Maintain knowledge of menus and ingredients to answer guest questions.
• Ensure safe service of alcohol and compliance with policies.
• Break down functions and reset rooms for subsequent events.
• Recap banquet checks with Night Audit and document accordingly.

Skills

Hotel experience

Team player

Food & beverage knowledge

Guest relations

Communication skills

Safety compliance

Job description

About Us

About Us The story of The Laura Hotel is inextricably linked to the steamboat of the same name which inspired the property’s rebirth. Just as The Laura once forged intrepidly ahead, navigating waters once thought impassable, our hotel will help to take Downtown Houston into a brave new future filled with culinary excellence, inspiring creativity, and opportunities for both business and pleasure too numerous to count. We are building our team with passionate, hospitality focused individuals who are looking to create a memorable experience for our guests. When you join the family, you also get the benefit of the HEI Loves culture. HEI Loves is dedicated to celebrating our associates by offering the most competitive compensation, benefits, and PTO programs. Our associates are also eligible to take advantage of everything from free lunch, discounted parking to travel benefits, and much more. Don't meet every single requirement of this job? At HEI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. You may be the perfect candidate for this or for other roles within our organization! We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.

Compensation

Tipped/Service Charge Eligible? Yes Discretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? No

Overview

Lead and support banquet operations to ensure efficient event execution and an exceptional guest experience. Coordinate with banquet staff, supervisors, catering, and other hotel departments to ensure all functions are properly prepared, staffed, and executed according to Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and hotel standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure event details, room setups, menus, service requirements, and schedules are accurate and properly communicated.
• Set up banquet rooms according to supervisor and BEO specifications, including linens, tables, chairs, serviceware, glassware, and other event equipment.
• Inspect banquet rooms and public areas before functions to ensure proper setup, cleanliness, appearance, and readiness.
• Coordinate banquet staff with event setups, schedule changes, room resets, service requirements, and last-minute adjustments.
• Communicate BEO changes and event updates to the catering office, supervisors, and affected hotel departments.
• Serve as a point of contact for group representatives, providing assistance and explaining how to contact banquet staff throughout the function.
• Lead and assist banquet servers with greeting guests, taking care of guest requests, and providing friendly, courteous, and professional service.
• Serve food and beverages according to established service standards, supervisor instructions, and event requirements.
• Replenish beverages and monitor guest needs throughout functions to ensure overall satisfaction.
• Maintain knowledge of menus, major ingredients, preparation methods, and appropriate service techniques in order to accurately answer guest questions.
• Follow all state, federal, corporate, and hotel requirements regarding the responsible service of alcoholic beverages.
• Promptly clear dishes, glassware, and service items as guests complete each course or meal.
• Break down banquet functions and reset rooms according to BEO and supervisor specifications for subsequent events.
• Inspect banquet areas at the conclusion of each function to ensure all equipment is returned to designated locations and all areas are clean and organized.
• Recap banquet checks at the end of each day and submit required documentation to Night Audit.
• Assist and support coworkers with assigned duties while promoting teamwork and maintaining a professional, positive work environment.
• Maintain effective communication with hotel management, guests, coworkers, catering personnel, and other departments.
• Work effectively under time constraints, deadlines, and changing event requirements while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Follow hotel safety, security, quality assurance, attendance, and operational policies and procedures.
• Safely transport supplies, food, beverages, and equipment weighing up to 30 lbs. through crowded banquet areas.
• Operate beverage and banquet equipment, including coffee makers and other service equipment.
• Remain on feet for extended periods and perform physically demanding duties throughout the shift.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Hotel experience preferred.
• Must be willing to “pitch-in” and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have basic knowledge of food and beverage preparations, service standards, guest relations and etiquette.
• Knowledge of the appropriate table settings and serviceware.
• Ability to comprehend and apply written product labeling instructions to enable the safe application of products and processes within the hotel.
• Ability to remember, recite and promote the variety of menu items.
• Ability to transport up to 30 lbs. through a crowded room on a continuous basis throughout the shift.
• Ability to operate beverage equipment, e.g., "coffee maker" with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.

Benefits

• Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed.
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs.
• Pet insurance through the ASPCA.
• Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds.
• discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future.
• specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.

Equal Opportunity

HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.