Director of Banquets

Swissôtel Chicago is a luxury 4 diamond hotel with 662 rooms and suites located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Inspired by our brand pillar, Vitality, our Swissôtel Chicago family is united by a common vision to re-engage, re-inspire and re-vitalize our commitment to delivering quality service, building quality relationships and living quality lives. 

 At Swissôtel Chicago, we put the emphasis on our people. We are extremely proud of our Vitality initiatives and offer a variety of wellness programs for our Colleagues, who – in turn – aspire to bring quality of life into our guests’ lives. Our goal is to provide a motivating and rewarding environment that attracts talented individuals who wish to develop their careers within a culture that values creativity and innovation in order to execute winning results aligned with our Vitality vision.  

Be Bold, Be Inspired, Be You.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
Engaging service, delicious cuisine and legendary views make every special event at Swissôtel Chicago a truly memorable experience. Your leadership and organization strengths as Director, Banquets, will ensure that each group function reflects your team’s commitment to quality, efficiency and superior guest service in our award-winning hotel!
 

Reporting to the Executive Chef & Director, Food & Beverage, the Director, Banquets is responsible for the fulfilling the client experience in our 65,000 square feet of state-of-the-art event center. The Director, Banquets will oversee a large team of talented individuals and will be responsible for managing and working with the Banquet Managers and Supervisors in supervising Banquet events, employees and the overall department.

• All areas of guest service and core standards
• Daily supervision, coordination and direction of all leaders and colleagues in the Banquet and Banquet Set-up Department including staff supervision, tip distribution, ringing in of checks, alcohol distribution, etc. 
• Ensuring all functions maintain a first class and positive visual impact; including ambiance, cleanliness, orderliness, décor and service flows.
• Maintaining high staff morale and team spirit within the Banquet Department.
• Leading and coaching all colleagues and leaders in the banquet services department
• Overall recruiting, staffing and scheduling ensuring adequate staffing levels to satisfy guest needs. 
• Create and implement colleague-training initiatives
• Implementing meeting and conference service standards. 
• Creating and implementing a preventative cleaning and maintenance program of all banqueting areas & equipment. 
• Creating and implementing new processes and procedures to drive the department forward
• The overall financial success of the department, including day-to-day payroll control, planning yearly capital improvements and exercising control of fixed and variable expenses. 
• The Director will partner with Meetings and Events, along with various Meeting Planners to produce positive Voice of the Guest scores. 
• Adhere to all budget guidelines that are established for each event. 
• Work together with the Culinary & Stewarding team to ensure that all food service exceeds guest expectations and to promote teamwork as a strong component of the daily service culture. 
• Work with the Stewarding team to ensure that all equipment needs are met and all equipment is properly maintained. 
• Finding creative solutions and proactively solving problems in order to meet a demanding client base. 
• Creation and implementation of guest preference programs. 
• Actively involved on a day-to-day basis with creative buffet décor and establishing new ideas. 
• Work with the Conference Service & Catering Department in order to ensure that revenues and guest satisfaction levels are maximized. 

• Maintain high level of professional appearance, demeanor and image of self / hotel
• Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service

• Any other tasks that may be assigned

Physical aspects of the position include but are not limited to the following: 

• Frequent walking throughout the shift
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs
• Occasional bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, walking and standing
• Occasional ascending or descending ladders, stairs and ramps  

YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Minimum 3-4 years’ experience as Banquet Director or Sr. Leader required within a 4 or 5 diamond hotel/resort 
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including holidays, weekends, mornings, afternoons and evenings.
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities necessary.
• Must be a highly organized person with strong planning skills.
• Must exhibit command and presence on the floor
• Must have exceptional working relationships with Culinary, Stewarding, Event Services etc.
• Goal and results oriented.
• Analytical skills, strength as a developer and a leader of others are essential.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required 
• University/College degree in a related discipline preferred 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills 
• Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times 
• Wine & spirits knowledge and an understanding of Banquet Beverage is preferred  

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU:

• Employee Benefit Card offering discounted rates at Accor worldwide
• Learning & Development programs through our Academies
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within our property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibilities, such as Sustainability, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging