Position Summary

The banquet captain is responsible for setting up events at the Faculty Club while providing outstanding service to all clients during both luncheon service and private events. This person coordinates and supervises private luncheons for the University, the President of the University, the Board of Trustees, Rice Women's Club, club members and guests. This person leads, trains and supervises part-time student wait staff in delivering quality service in a productive manner and ensures that any customer concerns are addressed in a timely and professional manner. The banquet captain ensures the correct appearance, cleanliness and proper set-up of the dining rooms and checks the maintenance of all equipment in the dining room and reports deficiencies.

Essential Functions

• Designs, implements, and coordinates events
• Hires, trains and supervises student wait staff
• Evaluates and selects vendors and providers of services according to stakeholder requests and requirements
• Closes out all luncheon tickets, ensures all tickets are accounted for, and resolves any ticketing issues
• Inspects the appearance, cleanliness and proper set-up of the dining rooms
• Regularly inspects all front- and back-of-the-house service areas and equipment to assure that sanitation, safety, energy management, preventive maintenance and other standards for the department are met
• Works closely with Events Manager during special events ensuring all details are completed (layout, food, flowers, music, cake, etc.)
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions / Information

• Ensures customer satisfaction by checking tables throughout service times and resolving any member/guest complaints that may arise
• Serves alcohol at events
• Maintains inventory of Cohen House wait staff uniforms (includes ordering, distributing, and collecting)
• Maintains the wait staff storeroom in a neat and organized manner, stocked with any and all appropriate supplies necessary for meetings or food service functions
• Organizes, tracks, and monitors the Cohen House inventory of silver, china, crystal, liquor and linens
• Prepares assignments for staff assigned to each event (includes assignments for each portion of the work shift, including set-up, reception, event tear-down and side work)
• Supervises and assists with the break down after the completion of functions
• Ensures that wait staff return all equipment to the storage areas and the rooms are left clean and tidy
• Ensures that the dining room and other club areas are secure at the end of the business day
• Inspects table place settings, including table linen, china, glass, silverware and condiments for correct placement and ensures that each element is clean, undamaged and attractive

Required Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent
• Two years of related experience in food and event services
  • No substitution for education or experience allowed
• Certified Food Handler's Permit as issued by the City of Houston Health Department
• TABC seller-server license
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines
• Demonstrated creativity, problem solving skills, taking initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Well organized and detail oriented
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience in a food service operation
• Experience as a bartender
• Knowledge of food and beverage preparation, service standards, guest relations, and etiquette
• Knowledge and experience using point of sales system
• Knowledge of catering & event software, preferably Caterease and AllSeated

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies