Director of Banquets

Company: Highgate Hotels
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Job Description:

Highgate Hotels Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing Caribbean and Latin America footprint. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, and Seattle. www.highgate.com . Overview Responsible for the management of all aspects of the Banquet Department functions, in accordance with Hotel standards. Directs, implements and maintains a service and management philosophy which serves as a guide to respective staff to ensure 100% guest satisfaction. Responsibilities Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards. Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment. Use equipment only as intended. Anticipate guests' needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and whatever time of day. Maintain positive guest relations at all times. Be familiar with all Hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately. Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction. Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas. Maintain complete knowledge of: Manual system procedures. Daily house count, arrivals/departures, VIPs. Scheduled in-house group activities, locations and times. Correct maintenance and use of equipment. All department policies/service procedures. Maintain complete knowledge of service requirements for each scheduled function: Detailed menu selections, major ingredients, appearance, texture, quality standards, garnish and method of presentation. Particular characteristics/descriptions of wines/champagnes ordered. Prices of specified selections of cash functions. Groups' names and background. Type of functions and expected attendance/guarantee numbers. Scheduled hours of service. Special requests/arrangements. Order of service, traffic flow in room. Payment arrangements. Maintain complete knowledge of strictly abide by state liquor regulations, particularly those prohibiting service to minors, intoxicated persons and drunk driving. Check storage areas for proper supplies, organization and cleanliness. Instruct designated personnel to rectify any cleanliness/organization deficiencies. Establish par levels for supplies and equipment. Complete requisitions to replenish shortages or additional items needed for the anticipated business. Requisition linens/skirting required for business and assign staff to transport such to the storage areas. Review sales for previous day and resolve discrepancies with Accounting. Track revenue against budget. Retrieve and organize Banquet Event Orders (B.E.O.'s) according to departmental standards. Make note of changes as received from Catering and post function sheets for the next 7 days. Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecasts. Adjust schedules throughout the week to meet the business demands. Ensure that staff reports to work as scheduled. Document any late or absent employees. Coordinate breaks for staff. Inspect the scheduled function areas/rooms for cleanliness, working condition and proper furniture/equipment set up; rectify any deficiencies with respective departments Meet with the Chef and Stewarding to review scheduled group's menu and equipment requirements. Ensure agreement of delivery times, amounts and special arrangements. Prepare station assignments according to group requirements and Hotel standards. Assign side work to Servers in accordance with departmental procedures. Communicate additions or changes to the assignments as they arise throughout the shift. Conduct pre-function meeting with Servers and review all information pertinent to set-up and service of group. Inspect grooming and attire of staff; rectify any deficiencies. Inspect table set-ups; check for cleanliness, neatness and agreement with group requirements and departmental standards; rectify deficiencies with respective personnel. Check bar set-ups for cleanliness, organization and agreement with group requirements and departmental standards; resolve any problems. Check buffet tables/receptions/coffee breaks for cleanliness, attractiveness, layout; ensure agreement with function order and departmental standards; resolve any problems. Ensure replenishment of items as specified on event orders and requested by group contact. Set out name cards, escort cards in accordance with group requirements and departmental standards. Organize head table assembly and assist in group's entrance into the function area. Meet group coordinator/host (ess) prior to function, make introduction and ensure that all arrangements are agreeable. Greet guests upon arrival at function and assist in seating as required by group in accordance with departmental standards. Direct Servers on timing of service throughout function. Communicate additional meal requirements and special requests to the Kitchen. Constantly monitor staff performance in all phases of service and job functions, ensuring that all procedures are carried out to departmental standards; rectify any deficiencies with respective personnel. Assist Banquet staff with their job functions to ensure optimum service to guests. Observe guest reactions and confer frequently with service staff to ensure guest satisfaction. Promote positive guest relations at all times. Total all charges for the group function, prepare check and present to group contact for payment. Adhere to all cashiering procedures/policies. Ensure that unused food is returned to the Kitchen, that designated condiments are broken down and properly stored (butters, cream, dressings, etc.) and that all Banquet supplies are returned to designated storage areas. Direct the final breakdown of function room and clean up. Ensure all department standards are met. Answer outlet phone within 3 rings, using correct salutations and telephone etiquette. Access all functions of the P.O.S. system in accordance to specifications. Restock journal tape and change ribbons as needed. Handle void checks in accordance with Accounting procedures. Assist servers with expediting problem payments. Ensure all cashiering procedures are processed in compliance with Accounting standards. Issue manual checks when the system is down and ensure accountability of such. Run system-closing reports and ensure that all Servers' checks are closed before they sign out. Ensure all closing duties for staff are completed before staff sign out. Provide feedback to staff on their performance. Handle disciplinary problems and counsel employees according to hotel standards. Respond to all calls and email promptly. Prepare and submit daily/weekly payroll and tip distribution records. Complete work orders for maintenance repairs and submit to Engineering. Contact Engineering directly for urgent repairs. Document pertinent information in department log book. Complete all paperwork and closing duties in accordance with departmental standards. Review status of assignments and any follow-up action with ...

Keywords: Highgate Hotels, San Francisco , Director of Banquets, Executive , San Francisco, California