Banquet Captain, Catering at Vanderbilt University

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 Operations Manager will work closely with the Catering Operations Manager to oversee the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Campus Dining hourly union employees. This position will be responsible for training, preparing daily pull sheets, daily task sheets, assisting with event set up and breakdown, and overseeing all catering operations at selected events.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Executes and develops catering events in order to meet established goals, objectives and timelines.
• Drives box trucks, van, or golf carts to deliver staff, equipment, and food to various locations around the campus community. 
• Coaches and supports team members by providing guidance and direction for assigned tasks. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of how and when to impose deadlines for task delegation.
• Supervises the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees. Monitor their work and event set ups to ensure their daily tasks are preformed and they meet department standards. 
• Continuously complies, reviews, and analyzes operation needs against the established goals, objectives and guidelines.
• Records event details and makes improvements to future catering events.
• Provides insight and recommends strategies to promote continued change, growth, or expansion of Vanderbilt Catering.
• Works with the Operations Manager to develop the overall logistical plan necessary to successfully carry out special events.  Communicates and delegates tasks to contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees. 
• Works with the Operations Manager to plan the timeline for the set up and breakdown of special events.
• Communicates with kitchen staff to coordinate food deliveries to ensure the quality and safety of food.
• Maintains appropriate documentation of events to ensure compliance with Vanderbilt Catering policies and procedures.
• Trains and supervises contracted wait staff and Campus Dining hourly union employees and student employees.
• Manages quality control process in areas of customer service and employee satisfaction. 
• Manages group or interpersonal conflict situations and escalates issues when appropriate. 
• Controls catering inventory of event supplies (i.e. alcohol, uniforms, equipment, linen, props, and vehicles) and make recommendations for repair and replacement.     
• Works with Catering Management team to develop and implement continuous improvement trainings.
• Supervise breakdown and clean up after events, including distributing catering equipment, rental items, décor, etc. to appropriate locations. 
• Assist with delivery of equipment and order for Campus Dining and other special events within the department. 
• Maintains a safe work environment by enforcing all safety standards and performing safety audits.
• Writes daily event pull sheets and daily task assignments to ensure successful execution of all catering events.

Supervisory Relationships:

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

Education and Certifications:

• 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.

Experience and Skills 

• 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

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

• 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.

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