Director of Banquets

At Fairmont, our passion is to connect our guests to the very best of our destinations.  Our hotels offer guests extraordinary places, created by combining unique architecture, expressive décor and artistry and magnificent features.  Add engaging service and the result is an unforgettable guest experience. 

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park features beautifully appointed, extraordinarily spacious guestrooms and spectacular suites, including 82 newly renovated rooms and Fairmont Gold Lounge along with our recently launched pan-Latin Restaurant in partnership with Richard Sandoval Hospitality.  Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers a superior and distinctive array of amenities and services, including seasonal pop-ups and luxury event space.

What is in it for you:

• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide for you and your family.
• Learning programs through our Academies designed to sharpen your skills.
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• Career development opportunities with national and international promotion opportunities. The sky is your limit.
• Compensation: Subject to experience and qualifications, salary range $77,000 - $88,000 plus service charges.

The Director of Banquets will lead the day-to-day operations of the hotel’s banquet department, ensuring flawless execution of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and social celebrations. This is a leadership role that requires a strategic vision, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality standards. The Director will work closely with other hotel departments to ensure seamless execution of events, maintaining the highest standards of luxury and service to make special happen.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the banquet team, ensuring they consistently deliver exceptional service and uphold the luxury standards of Fairmont Chicago.
• Oversee the planning and execution of all banquet events, including weddings, corporate meetings, and social events.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure all event needs are met with precision.
• Collaborate with the sales and events team to customize banquet offerings and packages to meet client requirements.
• Manage the banquet department budget, ensuring effective cost control while maintaining the quality and luxury experience for guests.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and quality standards.
• Maintain inventory control of all banquet equipment and supplies, ensuring proper storage and maintenance.
• Oversee the preparation, setup, and breakdown of event spaces to meet client specifications.
• Ensure that all events are executed to perfection, anticipating client needs and resolving any issues swiftly and professionally. Continuously analyze feedback to refine processes and improve guest satisfaction.
• Responsible for Scheduling, Hiring, Payroll and Disciplinary actions.
• Analyze banquet event orders with the Catering Conference Services Department daily.
• Oversee breakdown of function areas as scheduled in accordance to departmental procedures. 
• Attend all internal and external meetings which include Pre-convention, BEO, Food and Beverage and all staff meetings.
• Collaborate with Talent & Culture to engage, develop, provide guidance, and hold team members accountable for their performance.
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of all policies, procedures and quality standards within the department, utilizing a continuous improvement approach to ensure a high quality, cost effective and customer focused operation.

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Banquet Manager, Director of Banquets, or in a similar leadership role within a luxury hotel environment.
• Expertise in luxury event planning, food and beverage operations, and exceptional guest service standards.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance work environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple high-profile events simultaneously.
• Financial acumen and experience in budgeting, cost control, and maximizing profitability without compromising service quality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining poise, professionalism, and exceptional service standards.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the event schedule.

Visa Requirements: Successful candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor?
We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.
By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/
 
Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.