Assistant Banquets Manager

Discover Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Located on Sydney’s vibrant waterfront, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is Sofitel’s flagship hotel in the Pacific, featuring 590 rooms and suites, four bars and restaurants, an award-winning infinity pool and luxury spa.

We’re passionate about developing our people, celebrating individuality and creating opportunities to grow within the world of luxury hospitality.  We know that behind every exceptional guest experience is an exceptional team.

We’re looking for our next extraordinary team member to join our Conference & Events team as Assistant Banquets Manager, a leadership role where you’ll manage exceptional events, inspire a high-performing team and create memorable guest experiences.

Reporting to the Conference & Events Operations Manager, you’ll be a hands-on leader, on the floor, overseeing the delivery of events from pre-event preparation and room set-up through to service, pack-down and final guest departure.

You’ll be a key point of contact for clients and event organisers, ensuring every detail is delivered to specification, challenges are resolved confidently and our guests receive the personalised service and French elegance that define Sofitel.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and motivate the Banquets team, creating a culture of accountability, teamwork and the Sofitel Heartist attitude.
• Oversee event requirements, equipment and service standards, ensuring every function is delivered accurately and efficiently.
• Work closely with Conference & Events, Kitchen and other hotel departments to ensure a seamless transition from planning to operations and smooth execution of every event.
• Build strong client relationships and confidently manage enquiries, requests, feedback and challenges.
• Roster and deploy the team to meet event requirements while managing labour costs and supporting departmental revenue targets.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience and maximise food and beverage revenue.
• Ensure accurate event charging and accounts are completed in a timely manner.
• Support the onboarding, development and performance of team members through regular communication, coaching and feedback.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, hygiene, cleanliness, food safety and operational compliance.

You’re an experienced Banquets, or Food & Beverage professional who enjoys being where the action is and is ready to take the next step in their leadership career. 

You bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing teams in a busy events or hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of banquet and conference operations, including function set-up, service and event logistics.
• Confidence managing client relationships and resolving challenges in the moment.
• Strong commercial awareness, with an understanding of labour management, revenue generation and cost control.
• Excellent organisation, communication and attention to detail.
• A natural ability to lead by example, coach others and create a high-performing team.
• A genuine passion for luxury hospitality and personalised service.
• An understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergens and dietary requirements.
• Flexibility to work across a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
• A current RSA.
• Experience in a luxury or five-star hotel will be highly regarded.

Why Sofitel?

This is an opportunity to take the next step in your hospitality career within one of Sydney’s leading luxury hotels. You’ll have the opportunity to lead people, strengthen your commercial and operational skills and grow your career within the global Sofitel network.  As a Sofitel Ambassador, you’ll enjoy exclusive hotel and dining benefits, tailored learning and development, and opportunities to build your career across our network worldwide.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise, leadership and passion for events to a luxury environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We are an inclusive company, and our ambition is to attract, recruit, and promote diverse talent. We offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know how we can support you.