JOB PURPOSE
The Banqueting Manager is responsible for leading the planning, organisation and delivery of all banqueting and event operations across the hotel, ensuring every event is delivered to the highest standard. The role requires a highly organised and hands-on manager who can successfully coordinate multiple events simultaneously, lead and motivate a large team, and consistently exceed guest expectations.
Working closely with the Events/ Sales office, Kitchen, Beverage and wider Food & Beverage teams, the Banqueting Manager will ensure all events are planned, set up and executed efficiently while maintaining exceptional service standards, strong financial control and excellent team morale.
Salary: £32,000 to 36,000
Full Time - 45 hours PW
Tasks and duties:
Our banqueting operation is diverse, fast-paced and exciting, delivering a wide variety of events throughout the year, including:
- Traditional weddings
- Dry hire weddings
- Private dinners
- Public theme nights
- Conferences and corporate events
- Celebration events
- Golf society dinners and presentations
- Buffet functions
- Outdoor catering (on-site), including BBQs, Shack dinners and marquee events
Events typically range from 10 to 350 guests, although larger events of 1,000+ guests are regularly delivered. Multiple functions often operate simultaneously, requiring excellent organisational skills, planning and leadership.
OPERATIONAL:
Function Room Setup & Event Delivery
- Oversee the preparation and presentation of all function rooms.
- Ensure room layouts, equipment, décor are completed accurately and on time.
- Carry out final quality inspections before guests arrive.
- Ensure smooth room turnaround between consecutive events.
- Maintain exceptionally high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout all event spaces.
- Ensure all events are delivered professionally from setup through to breakdown.
Guest Experience
- Deliver outstanding hospitality and create memorable guest experiences.
- Ensure every guest receives a warm, professional and personalised welcome.
- Lead by example by maintaining a visible presence throughout service.
- Anticipate guest needs and resolve any issues quickly and professionally.
- Strive to consistently exceed guest expectations.
- Build positive relationships with clients, event organisers and repeat customers.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, inspire and motivate the banqueting team to deliver exceptional service.
- Build a positive working environment with high team morale.
- Recruit, train, coach and develop team members.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback.
- Promote teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Recognise and celebrate individual and team achievements.
- Ensure all team members understand service expectations and operational standards.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure multiple events are managed efficiently and simultaneously.
- Allocate resources effectively to meet business demands.
- Monitor service standards throughout every event.
- Maintain excellent communication between all departments.
- Ensure equipment, linen, crockery and glassware requirements are met for each function.
- Continuously review operational processes to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Financial Responsibility
- Manage labour costs in line with budgets.
- Produce efficient staff rotas based on business levels.
- Control overtime and agency staffing.
- Minimise wastage and maximise operational efficiency.
- Support departmental profitability through effective planning and resource management.
Cross-Department Support
The Banqueting Manager plays a key leadership role across the wider Food & Beverage operation and is expected to support other departments when business levels require.
This includes:
- Working closely with the Beverage team to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Supporting bar operations during busy event periods.
- Assisting restaurant operations, particularly Aston's Restaurant, during quieter banqueting periods.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience managing banqueting or large-scale hospitality operations.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Proven experience organising and delivering multiple events simultaneously.
- Excellent planning and organisational abilities.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Desirable
- Experience managing weddings and large-scale events.
- Personal Licence Holder.
- WSET or equivalent beverage knowledge.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- High standards of professionalism and presentation.
- Commercial awareness and sound decision-making.
- Resilience and the ability to perform under pressure.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Benefits:
At Whittlebury Park, we believe in rewarding our dedicated staff with a fantastic range of benefits. When you join our team, you can look forward to:
- Free Golf & Leisure Membership: Enjoy complimentary access to our Leisure Club if you work a minimum of 40 hours each month, and a complimentary Golf membership if you work a minimum of 60 hours each month.
- Free Staff Meals: Savour a delicious meal whilst on duty, on us!
- Healthcare Cashback: Get cashback on essential healthcare expenses (contracted hours staff only).
- Employee Awards: Be recognised and rewarded for your hard work and dedication, whether it’s through our Employee of the Month scheme or Welcome to Workdays.
- Food & Beverage: Up to 50% off on food and drink, including our delicious Sunday carvery.
- Spa Products and Treatments: Pamper yourself with discounted spa products and treatments, and exclusive staff offers.
- Hotel Stays: Enjoy discounted rates on luxurious stays.
Join us at Whittlebury Park and take advantage of these amazing benefits while working in a beautiful, award-winning environment!
Whether we are welcoming corporate working groups, hosting family celebrations and wedding parties, or providing respite to those hoping to escape the pressures of life and simply relax, our mission is always to make someone’s day.
Pay: £32,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
