Vanderbilt University

Banquet Captain, Catering

Work at Vanderbilt

City: Nashville, TN, US

Employer Reference: 10006366

Company Description

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

  • Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
  • Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
  • Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

Job Description

The Catering Banquet Captain is responsible for overseeing and assisting with the execution of all daily catered events including, but not limited to, Chancellor receptions, private high-level receptions, seated dinners, buffet lunches and dinners, continental breakfasts, breakfast buffets, and coffee breaks. The Catering Operations Manager will work closely with the Catering Operations Manager to oversee the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Campus Dining hourly union employees. This position will be responsible for training, preparing daily pull sheets, daily task sheets, assisting with event set up and breakdown, and overseeing all catering operations at selected events.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

  • Executes and develops catering events in order to meet established goals, objectives and timelines.
  • Drives box trucks, van, or golf carts to deliver staff, equipment, and food to various locations around the campus community. 
  • Coaches and supports team members by providing guidance and direction for assigned tasks. 
  • Demonstrates knowledge of how and when to impose deadlines for task delegation.
  • Supervises the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees. Monitor their work and event set ups to ensure their daily tasks are preformed and they meet department standards. 
  • Continuously complies, reviews, and analyzes operation needs against the established goals, objectives and guidelines.
  • Records event details and makes improvements to future catering events.
  • Provides insight and recommends strategies to promote continued change, growth, or expansion of Vanderbilt Catering.
  • Works with the Operations Manager to develop the overall logistical plan necessary to successfully carry out special events.  Communicates and delegates tasks to contracted wait staff, student staff, and Campus Dining hourly union employees. 
  • Works with the Operations Manager to plan the timeline for the set up and breakdown of special events.
  • Communicates with kitchen staff to coordinate food deliveries to ensure the quality and safety of food.
  • Maintains appropriate documentation of events to ensure compliance with Vanderbilt Catering policies and procedures.
  • Trains and supervises contracted wait staff and Campus Dining hourly union employees and student employees.
  • Manages quality control process in areas of customer service and employee satisfaction. 
  • Manages group or interpersonal conflict situations and escalates issues when appropriate. 
  • Controls catering inventory of event supplies (i.e. alcohol, uniforms, equipment, linen, props, and vehicles) and make recommendations for repair and replacement.     
  • Works with Catering Management team to develop and implement continuous improvement trainings.
  • Supervise breakdown and clean up after events, including distributing catering equipment, rental items, décor, etc. to appropriate locations. 
  • Assist with delivery of equipment and order for Campus Dining and other special events within the department. 
  • Maintains a safe work environment by enforcing all safety standards and performing safety audits.
  • Writes daily event pull sheets and daily task assignments to ensure successful execution of all catering events.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports to the Operations Manager.  This position is responsible for directing contracted wait staff, hourly union employees and student employees. 

Education and Certifications:

  • A high school diploma or GED is necessary. 
  • An Associate’s degree from an accredited higher education institution is preferred. 
  • Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire and expected to pass renewal every five year
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide continuous up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Experience and Skills 

  • At least 3 years of related experience is necessary.
  • At least 2 years offsite catering, restaurants, or specialty events experience is strongly preferred.
  • Previous experience as a Banquet Manager or Banquet Captain is preferred.
  • Ability to drive a catering van and medium size box truck is necessary.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Food and Labor Management Systems is necessary.
  • Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary. 
  • Ability to make on-site decisions to resolve problems brought forth by customers, vendors, contracted wait staff, etc.
  • Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail is necessary.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service is necessary.
  • Manage people, maintain confidentiality and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is necessary. 
  • Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and possess excellent customer service skills.
  • Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

  • Must be flexible, high energy and passionate in getting things done
  • Must enjoy fast-paced working environment.
  • Be able to work on a team and also be a self-starter.
  • Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights and weekends 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs. 
  • Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours 
  • Ability to bend, stretch, twist and lift 
  • Ability to frequently lift/transport hot food items in hotboxes (200#) onto and off box trucks and to event locations

This is a full-time non-exempt position.

Shift hours vary; must be available to work nights and weekends. Flexibility in workplace locations, days and hours is essential, including willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.

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