What does the job involve?
As Banqueting Manager, you'll be responsible for running the hotel's conference and banqueting facilities. These are a major source of revenue for many hotels. In this senior role you'll be involved at every level of decision-making from marketing and selling to ensuring that all events run smoothly.
You'll be dealing with a variety of clients. Some will be used to running events such as conferences, receptions and exhibitions; others will have little or no experience, and their planned event may be a once-in-a-lifetime-affair. You'll work with your clients and give all their requirements your full attention to guarantee their event is perfect.
Key responsibilities
Important areas of a Banqueting Manager's work include:
- marketing and selling conference and banqueting facilities
- making sure these facilities operate profitably
- ensuring each event runs smoothly
- checking all bills are paid on time
In addition:
- before the event you'll brief all staff and check the room set-up
- afterwards, you'll need to ensure the room is cleared and reorganised quickly, ready for the next event
What skills do I need?
You'll need good management skills, including:
- Strong leadership skills: as part of the hotel's management team you'll liaise with other heads of department to deliver what the client has requested. You will let your staff know what is required of them.
- Good communication: you'll have the ability to listen to what your clients want, and to assure them that their requirements receive your full attention. Organisers or hosts and VIPs must be greeted.
- Excellent organisation and administrative skills: your attention to detail will be second to none as you oversee the smooth running of each event. Last-minute requests must be attended to. You may also need to hire audio-visual, lighting and other special equipment for the event, a DJ, a band, an orchestra, stages, dance floors, and marquees.
- Ability to be flexible: your days may involve very early starts and late finishes.
Is it the right job for me?
You'll need to enjoy managing a hard-working team to deliver successful events for a variety of clients. You should be calm under pressure and have the ability to think on your feet. Strong leadership, good communication and excellent organisation skills are essential.