Catering Services Manager - University of Houston - Hilton Hotel

Aramark is a global leader in event and banquet hosting, delivering exceptional experiences worldwide. As we continue to expand our portfolio of high-profile events, we are seeking a highly skilled banquet manager to lead end?to?end planning and execution. The ideal candidate excels at producing successful, cost-effective, and memorable events. Strong negotiation and leadership skills are essential, as the banquet manager collaborates closely with a wide array of vendors. Creativity, balanced with uncompromising quality, is a vital attribute for this role.

A banquet manager is a hospitality professional responsible for leading the planning and execution of events, banquets, and galas. This role involves designing event layouts, coordinating setup, and supervising staff serving guests. With significant influence over the cost, scale, and quality of each event, the banquet manager ensures operations run efficiently while delivering an exceptional guest experience. Their primary focus centers on strategic planning and seamless execution.

Key Functions

• Plan all aspects of event layout and setup from start to finish
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors and suppliers
• Assign duties and oversee staff, including the banquet Captain, to ensure smooth execution
• Oversee décor, layouts, placements, and all elements contributing to the event?s atmosphere
• Manage guest requests and respond to inquiries professionally
• Monitor food and beverage service with the precision expected of a banquet service manager

Objectives of the Role

• Lead event planning and execution in alignment with the banquet manager?s responsibilities
• Uphold Aramark?s vision and standards in every event
• Collaborate consistently with the banquet sales manager and director
• Develop actionable plans that maintain budget discipline
• Adhere strictly to schedules, timelines, inventory, and event milestones

Responsibilities

• Determine staffing needs, including waiters, servers, and other personnel. Oversee the placement of tables, décor, chairs, and cutlery, ensuring alignment with event themes and standards
• Maintain accurate documentation of schedules, timelines, and event plans.
• Provide a complete schedule, including the server count needed for each event.
• Collaborate with the chef and provide detailed briefings on meal courses
• Negotiate with vendors and train banqueting assistants to do the same
• Comply with all local laws and regulations relevant to event execution

Daily Opening Duties

• Facility Check: Perform a full walkthrough of the interior and exterior.
• Safety & Compliance: Check air conditioning/heat, ensure lighting is functional, and verify POS systems are operational.
• Operational Readiness: Review the manager?s log from the previous night, check that all areas are clean, and verify stock levels.
• Staffing & Communication: Review the schedule, conduct a pre-shift meeting to set goals, and communicate daily specials or unavailable items.
• Financial Setup: Count the safe, assign cash drawers, and check deposit slips.

Daily Shift & Closing Duties

• Operations Monitoring: Supervise staff, monitor table turnover, and manage food quality.
• Customer Service: Actively engage with guests and resolve complaints.
• Closing Procedures: Ensure all floors are swept/mopped, equipment is shut down/cleaned, and all entry points are secured.

Weekly/Monthly Duties

• Inventory & Purchasing: Conduct inventory and beverage count, order new stock, and manage supplier relationships.
• Staff Management: Create employee schedules, handle payroll, and conduct training.
• Financial Analysis: Review labor costs, food waste, and P&L statements to ensure profitability.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

? Requires at least 2 years of experience
? Prior experience as an assistant banquet manager, or within the hotel/hospitality industry
? Previous experience in events, hospitality and catering preferred
? Requires a bachelor?s degree or equivalent experience
? Available to work event-based hours
? Must have excellent communication, organization, and negoatiation skills
? Certificate or diploma in catering, hospitality, or a related discipline
? Strong understanding of hospitality industry standards and practices
? Familiarity with catering management software

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.