Event Production & Banquet Operations Manager

Job Title: Event Production & Banquet Operations Manager
Location: Southall – Franklin, TN
Reports To: Director of Events and Catering
Collaborates With: Catering, Banquets, Culinary, Security, Facilities

Position Summary:

Southall is seeking a highly organized and experienced Event Production & Banquet Operations Manager to lead, streamline, and enhance the production planning, event setup, and operational execution of on-property events. This role is particularly focused on outdoor productions and complex load-in/load-out coordination and will serve as the critical bridge between our Catering and Banquets teams.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of event logistics, hospitality excellence, and team leadership. This position plays a central role in ensuring flawless guest experiences, operational efficiency, and brand consistency across all events.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Execution

• Lead production planning for major outdoor events, including dimensioned tent layouts, vendor schedules, and dock coordination.
• Create and maintain scaled, dimensioned site plans for tent and plaza configurations in partnership with Sales and Event teams.
• Determine accurate guest capacities for event configurations.

Banquet Set-Up Team Oversight

• Supervise and schedule the Banquets Set-Up Team for efficient event installations and breakdowns.
• Standardize set-up procedures, equipment storage, and OSE (on-site equipment) protocols.
• Maintain expertise in all event spaces and production flows.

Load-In / Load-Out Management

• Direct all load-in and load-out logistics, ensuring alignment with internal departments and external vendors.
• Coordinate dock access, timing, and movement plans with Security and Facilities to uphold safety and operational standards.

Operational Bridging

• Act as the operational liaison between the Catering and Banquets teams.
• Translate event specs and BEOs into executable plans.
• Identify and resolve communication gaps and inefficiencies by implementing clear systems and tools.

Inventory & Rentals

• Maintain accurate inventories of banquet furniture and OSE.
• Oversee all rental needs for events, including forecasting needs and managing third-party rentals.
• Collaborate with the Sales and Event teams to incorporate rental items into client proposals as needed.

Collaboration & Training

• Assist in the onboarding and training of team members across departments on Southall event production standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and support resource for high-impact events across property.

Asset Protection & Property Stewardship

• Operate with asset protection as a top priority in all aspects of production
• Ensure all event spaces—indoor and outdoor—are returned to their original condition or better
• Implement protective measures to minimize or eliminate impact to floors, walls, landscaping, and infrastructure
• Partner with Engineering and Events leadership to immediately address and resolve any property issues

Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in event production, banquet operations, or hospitality event logistics.
• Proven track record in outdoor event planning, vendor coordination, and production execution.
• Strong team leadership, problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration skills.
• Experience with CAD, AllSeated, or similar event diagramming tools preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in event lighting, sound, rigging, and technical production support.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.