Banquet Events Concierge - Washington D.C. - Salamander Washington DC

Description

Banquet Coordinator

We look for people who are passionate about service and have a hunger for learning new skills. We believe in the power of teamwork and the professional development of our team members. With our employees being our greatest assets, we are committed to providing competitive wages and benefits, the best training, a safe and enjoyable work environment along with many opportunities for advancement to ensure a very rewarding career. We take great pride in our dedicated and diverse team of employees.

All professionals at Salamander Collection live by our Vision, Brand Promise, and Core Values.

We specialize in the management of Four and Five Star luxury hotels, resorts and fine food establishments. If your outside interests include golf, tennis, spa, beach, water sports, equestrian, shopping or just relaxation, we have the employee discounts to match.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate all logistical and operational details for meetings, conferences, weddings, and social events
• Distribute, and maintain accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) in a timely manner
• Attend internal event review meetings with Banquet, Culinary, AV and Security teams (BEO meetings, Resume meetings)
• Ensure all event details align with client contracts and brand service standards

Client & Guest Experience

• Serve as a point of contact for clients leading up to and during events
• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries, changes, and special requests
• Anticipate guest needs and proactively resolve issues to ensure a seamless experience
• Maintain a high level of discretion and professionalism, particularly with VIP and high-profile guests

Operational Support

• Collaborate closely with Banquet Managers to ensure proper room setups, staffing, and service flow
• Verify function space availability, setup times, and breakdown schedules
• Support on-site event execution as needed, including greeting clients and overseeing event flow
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, safety standards, and union contract guidelines

Administrative & Systems Responsibilities

• Manage event details within the property's sales and catering system (e.g., Delphi, Opera, or similar)
• Track changes, guarantees, and billing details to ensure accurate post-event invoicing
• Maintain organized records of BEOs, and event correspondence

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 13 years of banquet, event coordination, or hotel operations experience, preferably in a luxury or upscale hotel
• Strong knowledge of banquet service standards, food & beverage operations, and event flow
• Experience working in a unionized environment preferred
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in hotel sales and catering systems (Delphi, Opera, Amadeus, or similar)
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Ability to learn new systems quickly

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally

Luxury Service Expectations

• Uphold the hotel's brand standards and service culture at all times
• Demonstrate professionalism, poise, and attention to detail
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all guest and client interactions

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.