Banquet Manager

Accor is a multinational hospitality company headquartered in France. It's one of the largest hotel groups globally and operates in over 100 countries. Accor was founded in 1967 by Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson. It initially focused on the motel-hotel market in France and expanded internationally in the 1970s and 1980s. Over the years, it has grown through acquisitions and diversification. Accor operates a wide range of hotel brands covering various segments of the market, from luxury to budget. Some of its well-known brands include Sofitel, Raffles, Fairmont, Novotel, ibis, Mercure, and many others.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Banquet Manager to join our hospitality team in Mumbai, India. As a Banquet Manager, you will be the driving force behind the successful execution of all banquet and group events, ensuring exceptional service delivery and operational excellence. You will lead a dedicated banquet team, coordinate seamlessly with multiple departments, and create memorable experiences for our guests while upholding the highest standards of luxury hospitality. This role offers the opportunity to showcase your leadership abilities, innovative thinking, and passion for delivering outstanding customer-focused service in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Oversee all banquet staff operations and develop scheduling strategies to optimize productivity, coverage, and guest service standards while managing labor costs effectively
• Review and analyze Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure operational accuracy, event readiness, and clear communication across all departments
• Conduct pre-shift and pre-event briefings to communicate event timelines, service expectations, special guest requests, and operational priorities to the banquet team
• Monitor banquet events in real-time to ensure service standards, timing, presentation, and guest satisfaction consistently meet luxury hospitality expectations
• Anticipate operational challenges and implement proactive solutions during event execution to maintain seamless service delivery
• Train, coach, mentor, and support banquet team members including supervisors, captains, servers, and setup staff to foster professional development and excellence
• Provide constructive performance feedback and create a positive, collaborative working environment that promotes inclusivity and team motivation
• Manage departmental supply ordering, inventory levels, and equipment usage including linens, service items, and banquet supplies to control costs
• Collaborate with Catering and Conference Services to ensure accurate event details, client expectations, and service requirements are communicated and executed
• Coordinate with Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, Housekeeping, and Security teams to ensure comprehensive operational readiness and event success
• Ensure all banquet spaces are properly set according to event specifications and diagrams, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation
• Serve as a visible leader and primary point of contact during events, addressing guest concerns promptly and professionally while ensuring service recovery when needed
• Foster positive relationships with clients and meeting planners to support repeat business, guest satisfaction, and long-term partnerships
• Assist other Food and Beverage departments as needed to support organizational goals and maintain operational flexibility
• Lead by example, modeling professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to creating inclusive and memorable guest experiences

**Required Skills and Competencies:**

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal and people skills to build rapport with guests, clients, team members, and colleagues across all organizational levels
• Advanced organizational and time management abilities with consistent follow-through on commitments and deadlines
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities with the ability to motivate and develop staff
• Excellent analytical and logical thinking skills to assess situations, solve problems, and make sound business decisions
• Strong customer service orientation with empathy and a commitment to exceeding guest expectations
• Proficiency in multitasking and managing multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to address challenges professionally and collaboratively
• Ability to remain calm, resilient, and decisive under pressure in fast-paced environments
• Flexibility and adaptability to work varying shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods during event operations
• Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations relevant to food and beverage operations

**Experience:**

• Minimum 2-4 years of supervisory or management experience in Food and Beverage operations, preferably in banquet or events management
• Proven track record of successfully managing banquet events and coordinating large-scale operations
• Experience with labor scheduling, budget management, and cost control in hospitality settings
• Demonstrated experience in training and developing hospitality staff

**Preferred Qualifications:**

• Hospitality management certification or relevant professional qualification
• Proficiency with event management software and banquet management systems
• Experience in luxury hospitality environments or high-end event management
• Knowledge of banquet event order (BEO) systems and event planning processes
• Previous experience coordinating with multiple departments in a hotel or catering environment
• Familiarity with inventory management and supply ordering systems

**Domain Expertise:**

• Comprehensive understanding of luxury hospitality service standards and protocols
• Knowledge of banquet operations, event setup, and service procedures
• Familiarity with food and beverage service standards and etiquette
• Understanding of event planning, coordination, and execution best practices