Banquet Manager

The Banquet Manager at Pendry Chicago is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the banquet department. This includes recruiting and training staff, liaising with clients for event needs, planning and executing events in collaboration with the Meetings & Events and Culinary teams, maintaining high service standards, and ensuring safety and sanitation guidelines are met. The role also involves managing inventory and providing support to Banquet Associates to ensure a seamless experience for guests.

To qualify for the Banquet Manager position at Pendry Chicago, candidates should have a minimum of one year of previous banquet supervisory or management experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, is required. Candidates should also possess knowledge of food and alcoholic beverages, along with a willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Pendry Chicago offers an attractive benefits package for the Banquet Manager role, which includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching, and options for Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts. Additional perks include Discretionary Time Off (DTO), Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, hotel discounts, and support for fertility and family formation, among others.

Pendry Chicago places a strong emphasis on employee growth and development. We provide opportunities for learning through programs such as LinkedIn Learning memberships, which help team members to continuously enhance their skills. We encourage our employees to embrace technology and empower them to pursue personal and professional growth, allowing them to thrive within the organization.

The salary range for the Banquet Manager position at Pendry Chicago is between $65,000.00 and $68,000.00 annually. This range reflects the base salary and does not include potential incentive pay such as commissions or gratuities, which may also be available based on performance.

When addressing your management style, you should emphasize your ability to lead with empathy and integrity, focusing on fostering team collaboration and a positive work environment. Highlight how you adapt your leadership approach to different situations and individuals, ensuring that all team members feel valued and engaged.

To ensure high standards of quality and service during events, I believe in meticulous planning and coordination. I'd share examples of how I conduct regular inspections of staff readiness, food presentation, and guest interactions. Stress the importance of communication with all departments involved and ongoing staff training to uphold standards.

For effective staff training and development, I focus on hands-on experience and mentorship. I would design a comprehensive training strategy including role-playing scenarios and feedback sessions. Furthermore, I’d continually assess staff performance, provide constructive feedback, and encourage professional development opportunities to help individuals grow within their roles.

Handling a difficult client requires patience and exceptional communication skills. I would first listen attentively to their concerns to understand the issue fully. I would then ensure they feel heard and communicate the steps I would take to resolve their concerns promptly, aiming for a satisfactory outcome while maintaining professional decorum.

In addressing budget management, focus on your experience with planning and executing events within budget constraints. Discuss how you've previously tracked expenses, made adjustments as needed, and collaborated with other departments to ensure a successful event without exceeding budget limits.

To motivate my team during high-pressure events, I emphasize clear communication, support, and encouragement. I would ensure that everyone has well-defined roles and understands the overall plan, fostering a team atmosphere where everyone works together to achieve a common goal while also celebrating small wins to keep morale high.

Emphasize the importance of feedback as a pivotal management practice. I would explain how I actively seek feedback from both guests and team members to assess service quality and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, I would share how I incorporate feedback into training sessions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The key to a successful banquet event lies in meticulous planning, excellent communication, and attention to detail. I believe in aligning all elements, from food quality and presentation to service delivery, ensuring that every aspect meets or exceeds guest expectations.

For logistics planning of a large-scale banquet, I would create a detailed action plan, including timelines and responsibility charts. I'd collaborate closely with suppliers, ensure equipment availability, and proactively identify any potential challenges well in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly on the event day.

When providing an example, detail a specific banquet event, highlighting your role, the challenges faced, and how you successfully managed each aspect from planning to execution. Discuss the positive outcome, like guest satisfaction and any notable comments received, showcasing your effectiveness in managing events.