Banquet Captain

General Notes

BENEFITS: UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Free Capital Metro bus rides
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Career growth & professional development

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website at https://hr.utexas.edu/ to learn more about the total benefits offered when you join our team!

Purpose

The Banquet Captain is responsible for acting as a lead contact for banquet functions with Forty Acres Catering within Longhorn Hospitality under University Housing and Dining (UHD). This position works with catering leadership to help oversee all catered event functions from start to finish. Monitors attendance and scheduling for part-time or student labor and ensures 5-star customer service.

Responsibilities

• Understand and use Banquet Event Order (BEO) forms and room diagrams, which is required for all events. Assist in overseeing all operations for catered functions, including working front of house during events and ensuring all food and presentation is of the highest quality. Ensure the proper setup and operation of all events per the customer's request. Effectively engage the client and maintain excellent customer service at all times.
• Lead and instruct all other servers and staff for catered event(s). Assist catering management in hiring and training new and part-time staff members. Effectively communicate all service needs to staff members in a clear and organized fashion. Provide staffing needs and feedback on scheduling to catering manager as needed or requested.
• Responsible for deliveries to all campus locations as required. Must verify the accuracy of all catering deliveries and resolve any issues. Must be able to operate various types of vehicles, including box trucks, golf carts, and delivery vans.
• Maintain and organize all banquet storage areas effectively. Ensure they are stocked with any and all appropriate supplies necessary for food service functions. Clean and organize cooler and freezer space. Conduct weekly inventory. Be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and food production software.
• Follow all hazard analysis critical control point (HAACP) guidelines for safe handling and storage of food. Use ServSafe allergy training and act as the representative in the event of any food allergy inquiries. Maintain a high-level standard of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and name tag when working.
• Effectively present information to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Report to the catering manager any need for housekeeping and/or repairs of banquet equipment. Must attend or conduct pre-event meetings. Respond to guest problems, complaints, and accidents. Communicate effectively to the catering manager and applicable departments to resolve problems if necessary.
• Clean up banquet space after the completion of the function in a timely and professional manner. Ensure that all equipment and supplies are stored and re-stocked properly at the end of each event. This includes washing dishes (must be able to operate a dish machine) and hand wash large and/or delicate equipment. Removal of trash and use of the trash compactor.
• Assist the culinary staff as needed when preparing for events which include basic back-of-the-house food prep duties such as but not limited to preparing salads and trays, cutting, chopping, and assembling food items.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of experience as a waiter in a dining establishment.
• Able to operate standard equipment, tools and materials in serving food and in the care, cleaning and maintenance of this equipment.
• Ability to complete and maintain Food Safety Training required by University Housing and Dining.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in catering services.
• Degree in hospitality or similar field.
• Experience working in university setting.
• Time management and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$44,500 depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work in all weather conditions
• May work in extreme temperatures
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around chemicals
• Use of manual dexterity
• Climbing stairs
• Lifting and moving

Work Shift

• Work days, hours and area may vary based upon the needs of the unit and University Housing and Dining.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest