Banquet Captain

ERIE YACHT CLUB - 3.7

Erie, PA Job Details Full-time $16.00 - $18.50 an hour 7 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Qualifications Teamwork High school diploma or GED Schedule management Attention to detail Time management Full Job Description Position Summary The Banquet Captain is a hands-on lead service position responsible for helping coordinate and execute weddings, banquets, member events, private parties, meetings, and other catered functions at the Erie Yacht Club. Serving as the connection between the Director of Catering and Club Events, the Food Service Manager, and the banquet service crew, the Banquet Captain ensures that each event is carried out according to the approved banquet event order and the Club's service standards. The Banquet Captain works alongside the service crew throughout the event. For weddings and other formal functions, this position may personally serve the head table, wedding party, hosts, or other designated guests while remaining available to assist servers, respond to changing needs, and keep the overall event on schedule. This position may also serve as the closing lead for large events. When assigned to close, the Banquet Captain is responsible for checking with the event host before departure, assisting with the removal of personal items, overseeing cleanup and room resets, and ensuring that the building is properly secured before the final crew member leaves the property. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Event Preparation Review the banquet event order and all related event details before the function. Confirm the event timeline, room layout, table settings, menu, beverage service, guest count, special requests, and service expectations. Communicate with the Director of Catering and Club Events and the Food Service Manager regarding any questions, changes, or concerns. Help assign service stations, tables, side work, and specific responsibilities to banquet servers and support crew. Participate in and, when assigned, lead the pre-event crew meeting. Ensure that banquet servers understand the event timeline, menu, service style, table assignments, and special accommodations. Inspect the event space before guest arrival to ensure it is clean, organized, properly set, and ready for service. Confirm that tables, chairs, linens, place settings, service stations, buffet areas, bars, signage, and other event elements match the banquet event order. Verify that necessary service supplies, equipment, glassware, china, flatware, and linens are available and properly arranged. Notify management promptly of missing items, setup concerns, or last-minute changes. Event Service and Leadership Serve as the lead server and on-floor point of contact during assigned catered events. Work side by side with banquet servers and provide hands-on assistance throughout the event. Maintain a visible presence in the event space and monitor the overall guest experience. Coordinate the timing of food service with the culinary team, Director of Catering and Club Events, Food Service Manager, entertainment, and other vendors. Ensure that the event follows the banquet event order and approved timeline. Personally provide attentive service to the head table, wedding party, event hosts, or other designated guests when assigned. Remain available to assist other servers even when responsible for a designated table or service area. Monitor each service station and step in when additional support is needed. Help direct meal service, buffets, clearing, coffee service, dessert service, and other scheduled activities. Ensure that food and beverages are served accurately, safely, and professionally. Monitor presentation, service timing, table maintenance, and guest needs. Provide direction, reminders, and coaching to banquet crew members during the event. Ensure that servers remain in their assigned areas, complete their responsibilities, and follow Club service standards. Communicate special dietary needs, guest requests, service delays, and other concerns to the appropriate manager or culinary leader. Respond promptly and professionally to guest concerns. Report significant service issues or changes to the Food Service Manager or Director of Catering and Club Events. Maintain a calm, professional, and welcoming presence throughout the event. Host and Guest Relations Introduce themselves to the event host and establish a clear point of contact before service begins. Periodically check with the event host throughout the function to confirm that expectations are being met. Communicate professionally and discreetly with hosts, guests, wedding parties, vendors, and fellow crew members. Anticipate service needs and address concerns before they affect the event experience. Confirm any requested changes with the appropriate manager before altering the banquet event order or service plan. Check with the host before leaving or closing the event to ensure there are no remaining needs or concerns. Assist the host with gathering decorations, gifts, personal belongings, leftover materials, and other approved items. Help carry and load event-related belongings into the host's vehicle when requested and operationally appropriate. Confirm that all host belongings have been removed or properly stored before securing the event space. Event Closing Responsibilities When assigned as the closing lead, the Banquet Captain will: Remain on property until the event has concluded and all assigned closing responsibilities are complete. Ensure that no crew member leaves before being released and completing assigned side work. Oversee the clearing and cleaning of tables, chairs, service stations, bars, buffet areas, and event spaces. Confirm that food, beverages, equipment, decorations, linens, china, glassware, and supplies are properly removed, stored, or secured. Ensure that trash is removed and all event areas are left clean, organized, and presentable. Confirm that lost-and-found items are secured and reported to management. Oversee the room reset according to the next scheduled event or approved closing layout. Verify that hallways, entrances, restrooms, storage areas, and other spaces used by the event are clean and ready. Ensure that all kitchen and service areas used by the banquet crew are properly closed. Complete the event-closing checklist and document any damages, incidents, missing items, maintenance concerns, or unfinished work. Confirm that all guests, vendors, and crew members have safely exited the building. Walk through the designated areas of the Clubhouse before departure. Check that doors, windows, and approved access points are closed and locked. Turn off lights, equipment, and other designated items according to Club procedures. Set alarms and secure the building in accordance with Club security policies. Ensure that the building is fully locked and secured before the final person leaves the property. Immediately contact the manager on duty or General Manager if the building cannot be properly secured or if a safety concern arises. Crew Leadership Provide clear and respectful direction to banquet servers and support crew during assigned events. Lead by example through punctuality, teamwork, professionalism, and attention to detail. Help train new banquet crew members in setup, table service, buffet service, clearing, event breakdown, and closing procedures. Reinforce uniform, grooming, name-tag, attendance, and service expectations. Encourage teamwork and assist wherever needed to keep service running smoothly. Address minor service concerns in the moment and refer significant performance issues to the Food Service Manager. Report attendance, conduct, safety, and performance concerns to management. Help ensure that crew members take authorized breaks without disrupting event service. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid discussing confidential Club or event information with members, guests, or vendors. Safety, Sanitation, and Compliance Follow all food-safety, sanitation, responsible alcohol service, workplace-safety, and Club security requirements. Maintain clean, safe, and organized event and service areas. Ensure food is handled, transported, displayed, and served safely. Monitor floors, walkways, entrances, and service areas for spills or other hazards. Report accidents, injuries, property damage, guest incidents, and safety concerns immediately. Ensure alcoholic beverages are served responsibly and report concerns to the appropriate manager. Follow emergency, evacuation, severe-weather, and building-security procedures. Protect member, guest, employee, and Club information. Qualifications Previous banquet, catering, restaurant, hotel, resort, or private-club service experience required. Lead server, banquet captain, shift leader, or supervisory experience preferred. Experience with weddings and formal catered events strongly preferred. Knowledge of banquet service styles, table settings, food service, and event procedures. Working knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, and responsible alcohol service. Ability to read and follow banquet event orders, diagrams, timelines, and written instructions. Strong communication, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills. Ability to direct a service crew while remaining actively involved in service. Ability to manage several priorities and adjust quickly when event needs change. Professional appearance and a calm, courteous demeanor. Ability to handle guest concerns with discretion and sound judgment. Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions when serving as the closing lead. RAMP certification, food-safety certification, or the ability to obtain required certifications within an established period. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Must meet all Club requirements for building access, keys, alarm codes, and closing responsibilities. Schedule Requirements This position requires a flexible schedule based on the Club's event calendar. The Banquet Captain must be available to work: Days and evenings Weekends and holidays Weddings, banquets, and special events Late-night closing shifts Extended hours during large or complex events Additional hours as needed to support Club operations Physical Requirements The employee must be able to: Stand and walk for extended periods. Move quickly and safely throughout banquet and service areas. Bend, reach, carry, push, and pull items required for event service. Carry trays of food, beverages, china, and glassware. Regularly lift and carry up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance. Move tables, chairs, service equipment, and event materials with appropriate assistance. Work in a fast-paced environment that may include heat, cold, noise, wet surfaces, stairs, and outdoor weather conditions. Performance Standards Success in this position will be evaluated based on: Quality and consistency of banquet service Adherence to banquet event orders and event timelines Satisfaction of event hosts and guests Readiness and presentation of event spaces Ability to lead and support the banquet service crew Communication with the Director of Catering and Club Events, Food Service Manager, culinary team, and event hosts Accuracy and completeness of event setup, breakdown, and room resets Responsiveness to changing event needs Completion of closing checklists and assigned side work Proper care of Club equipment, supplies, and facilities Accurate reporting of incidents, damages, and service concerns Compliance with safety, sanitation, responsible-service, and building-security procedures Proper securing of the Clubhouse following assigned events Additional Responsibilities The responsibilities listed in this description are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. The Banquet Captain may be assigned other duties consistent with the operational needs of the Erie Yacht Club. Erie Yacht Club is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay:

$16.00 - $18.50 per hour Expected hours: 36.0 - 45.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person