Banquet Captain

Position Summary:

The Catering Banquet Captain is responsible for overseeing and assisting with the execution of all daily catered events, including, but not limited to, Chancellor receptions, private high-level receptions, seated dinners, buffet lunches and dinners, continental breakfasts, breakfast buffets, and coffee breaks. The Catering Banquet Captain will work closely with the Catering Service Manager to oversee the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Enterprises hourly union and non-union employees. This position will be responsible for training, preparing daily pull sheets, daily task sheets, assisting with event setup and breakdown, and overseeing all catering operations at selected events.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Event Planning, Coordination, and Execution

• Coordinate and execute catering events in accordance with established goals, timelines, and service standards.
• Collaborate with Catering Management to develop logistical plans, event timelines, staffing assignments, and operational requirements.
• Prepare daily event pull sheets and task assignments to ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee event setup, service, breakdown, and cleanup activities, ensuring events are completed efficiently and professionally.
• Maintain accurate event documentation and evaluate outcomes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• Lead, train, coach, and supervise contracted wait staff, student employees, and hourly union employees.
• Assign work, communicate expectations, and monitor performance to ensure compliance with departmental standards and event requirements.
• Foster a positive work environment through effective communication, conflict resolution, and employee engagement.
• Support employee development through ongoing training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in task delegation, prioritization, and escalation of operational or personnel concerns.

Operational Logistics and Resource Management

• Coordinate food, equipment, and supply deliveries to event locations while ensuring quality, safety, and timeliness.
• Operate department vehicles, including box trucks, vans, and golf carts, in a safe and responsible manner.
• Manage catering inventory, including equipment, linens, uniforms, décor, alcohol, and vehicles, and recommend repairs or replacements as needed.
• Assist with departmental deliveries and special event logistics to support Campus Dining operations.
• Continuously assess operational needs and recommend strategies to improve efficiency, service quality, and program growth.

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing safety standards, conducting safety audits, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Monitor customer service, food quality, event presentation, and employee performance to maintain high operational standards.
• Ensure food deliveries, handling, and service practices meet all applicable safety and sanitation requirements.
• Promote accountability and consistency through regular review of operational processes, event outcomes, and service expectations.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports to the Catering Service Manager. This position is responsible for directing contracted wait staff, hourly union and non-union employees, and student employees.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED is necessary.

• An Associate’s degree from an accredited higher education institution is preferred.

• Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire and expected to pass renewal every five year

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide continuous up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

• At least 3 years of related experience is necessary.

• At least 2 years offsite catering, restaurants, or specialty events experience is strongly preferred.

• Previous experience as a Banquet Manager or Banquet Captain is preferred.

• Ability to drive a catering van and medium size box truck is necessary.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Food and Labor Management Systems is necessary.

• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary.

• Ability to make on-site decisions to resolve problems brought forth by customers, vendors, contracted wait staff, etc.

• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail is necessary.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service is necessary.

• Manage people, maintain confidentiality and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is necessary.

• Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and possess excellent customer service skills.

• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills

• Must be flexible, high energy and passionate in getting things done

• Must enjoy fast-paced working environment.

• Be able to work on a team and also be a self-starter.

• Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights and weekends

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.

• Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours

• Ability to bend, stretch, twist and lift

• Ability to frequently lift/transport hot food items in hotboxes (200#) onto and off box trucks and to event locations

This is a full-time non-exempt position.

Shift hours vary; must be available to work nights and weekends. Flexibility in workplace locations, days and hours is essential, including willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.