Banquet Manager - Huntington Place

Job Listing: Banquet Manager

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location: We are seeking an experienced Banquet Manager for Huntington Place located in Detroit, Michigan.

Unit Description:

Huntington Place is a premier convention center located in downtown Detroit along the International Riverfront. The facility spans approximately 2.4 million square feet, including over 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 40,000-square-foot Grand Riverview Ballroom, and more than 100 meeting and banquet rooms. It hosts major events such as the North American International Auto Show and serves over a million visitors annually.

Job Overview:

The Banquet Manager is responsible for coordinating the planning, preparation, set-up, service, and breakdown of banquet events including breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, receptions, and other group functions and plays a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of food and beverage operations, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving revenue, and maintaining operational excellence. This position is responsible for managing the food and beverage program across multiple event types and service outlets, including banquets, concessions, catering, and premium hospitality spaces. The Banquet Manager ensures consistent quality and service standards, develops innovative food and beverage offerings, and maintains compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol regulations. In addition, this role oversees food and beverage inventory, cost controls, vendor partnerships, and staff training to ensure efficient operations and profitability. The Banquet Manager collaborates closely with culinary, catering, and event operations teams to design and execute beverage service strategies that elevate the guest experience and align with client expectations.

This position provides day-to-day supervision to banquet staff, ensuring events are executed smoothly, service standards are upheld, and guest expectations are met. The Banquet Manager works closely with Director of Operations to support staff scheduling, event logistics, and service delivery.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of banquet events, ensuring all details are met according to Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Supervise banquet staff during events, including servers, bartenders, barbacks, and concession stand workers ensuring service standards are upheld and events run smoothly.
• Support staff scheduling and training for all beverage and banquet staff, including bartenders, barbacks and servers, to maintain consistent service standards.
• Oversee the setup and breakdown of banquet spaces and bar areas to ensure readiness, cleanliness, and compliance with client specifications.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients during events, resolving service issues and ensuring overall guest satisfaction.
• Manage daily food and beverage services across banquet and event spaces, including monitoring product availability and ensuring quality service.
• Monitor and manage beverage costs, including portion control, inventory levels, and ordering, to meet or exceed budgeted goals.
• Maintain standards for cleanliness, food safety, workplace safety, and responsible alcohol service.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 1–2 years of banquet, catering, or hospitality management experience in a hotel, convention center, or high-volume event venue.
• Prior experience managing a beverage program.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-service focus.
• Problem-solving ability and initiative to respond effectively to changing event demands.

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Why Join Sodexo Live!?

At Sodexo Live!, we're proud to be experience makers, creating unforgettable moments for people across a wide range of industries and events. We bring that same commitment to our team members by offering a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one, additional benefits include:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.