Catering Coordinator Banquets

As a Catering Coordinator at Westgate Resorts, your main responsibilities include supervising banquet activities, coordinating daily procedures with restaurant managers, overseeing the quality and inventory of food and beverages, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. You will also prepare revenue forecasts, manage staff schedules, and guarantee excellent service for both owners and guests, ensuring that every event is a success.

To become a Catering Coordinator at Westgate, you must possess at least one year of catering supervisory experience and be at least 18 years old with a valid FL State Driver’s License. Additionally, you should be prepared to lift items up to 50 pounds occasionally, work weekends and holidays, and successfully pass a background check and drug test.

As a Catering Coordinator at Westgate Vacation Villas, you should expect to work varied hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed. This role is dynamic and allows you to engage with diverse events and guest experiences, meaning that flexibility and adaptability in your schedule will be essential.

Westgate Resorts offers an impressive range of benefits for its Catering Coordinators, including comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), Paid Time Off (PTO), generous 401K plans with company match, daily pay access, tuition assistance, and exclusive discounts on hotels and entertainment. You’ll also have the opportunity for personal and professional growth within a supportive team environment.

At Westgate Resorts, the commitment to core values such as integrity and passion helps foster a positive work environment for Catering Coordinators. The company encourages team collaboration, offers professional development opportunities, and promotes community involvement, ensuring that each team member feels valued and supported in their role.

To effectively prioritize tasks as a Catering Coordinator at Westgate, I would begin by assessing urgent tasks that directly impact upcoming events, such as confirming vendor arrangements and staff schedules. Then, I would create a checklist of operational needs and delegate responsibilities to ensure all team members are aligned. This organized approach enhances efficiency and helps maintain a high standard of service.

Certainly! In my previous role, I led a team of catering staff during various events, which involved training new employees and ensuring that everyone knew their specific duties. I utilized regular communication to provide feedback, support, and motivate the team to create an engaging atmosphere for guests, understanding that a united team is essential for successful events.

Handling difficult situations with guests requires a calm and professional demeanor. I would listen to their concerns carefully, acknowledging their feelings, and assure them that I would resolve the issue promptly. By taking immediate action to correct the situation and following up with the guest, I demonstrate our commitment to excellent service, which can often turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Ensuring food and beverage quality at events involves thorough inventory checks before events and maintaining communication with the kitchen staff. I would establish clear guidelines for presentation and serve temperature, while also conducting taste tests when possible. Regular team briefings before events can also help reinforce expectations regarding quality standards.

Communication is crucial for a Catering Coordinator's success. It keeps all team members informed about daily operations, staff schedules, and event requirements, leading to better coordination and teamwork. Effective communication also helps to create a positive atmosphere, making it easier to address any challenges or changes that may arise during events.

To ensure compliance with financial policies, I would familiarize myself with Westgate's standards and regularly review financial documentation, including invoices and receipts. I would implement a systematic approach to cash handling, including double-checking transactions and ensuring all records are maintained accurately, which supports transparency and proper financial management.

In my previous role, I coordinated a wedding reception that required meticulous planning. I liaised with the couple to understand their vision, organized a detailed timeline, and ensured that all staff were synchronized on the day of the event. By proactively managing the flow of the event and addressing needs quickly, the reception was a tremendous success and received high praise from the couple and their guests.

To manage stress during peak times or large events, I prioritize effective time management and organization. I maintain a checklist for ongoing tasks and delegate responsibilities to trusted team members. Taking short breaks when possible helps me to recharge and regain focus, ensuring that I remain calm and responsive, ultimately leading to a successful event execution.

A successful Catering Coordinator embodies strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and a genuine passion for customer service. Being detail-oriented while maintaining a big-picture focus ensures that all aspects of an event are considered. Additionally, adaptability and excellent communication skills are vital to navigate the dynamic nature of the catering industry.

I stay updated with the latest catering trends by regularly reading industry publications, participating in webinars, and attending catering expos and culinary workshops. Engaging with fellow professionals in networking events also affords me new insights and ideas that I can incorporate into my catering strategies, maintaining a fresh and innovative approach to events.