Conference and Banqueting Manager

About us

The National Liberal Club is London’s most inclusive private members club with a philosophy to celebrate difference and enjoy life. Founded in 1882, the Club occupies a historic building overlooking the Thames, and offers its members and guests an oasis of calm, comfort, and elegance in the heart of Westminster. 

Job Types:                            Full-time, Permanent

Location:                             London SW1, Office Based

Pay:                                      £40,000 per annum 

Expected hours:                 40 per week 

Shift and schedule:           Monday to Friday, 8-hour shift (some Weekends in accordance with the events and business requirements) 

Main responsibilities

• Monitor the North Star System for all confirmed F&B events and ensure all F&B events are organised and planned for in good time, liaising with the Member/External event contact as required.
• Ensure the Club’s Function Rooms, furniture and fixtures are maintained to a high standard and equipment is in good working order. Report any maintenance issues to the Facilities Manager & maintenance log.
• Ensure banquet glassware, crockery and cutlery is in sufficient supply, good condition and clean.
• Plan the layout and organise the setup of function rooms. Oversee the placement of tables, chairs, cutlery, plates, glasses, table linens, centrepieces, heating lamps, serving utensils and carving stations.
• Oversee the banqueting staff during a banqueting event to ensure the banquet service (seating of guests, serving of meals and beverages, and clearing of tables) is delivered in a timely manner and to the standards prescribed, accommodating any last-minute changes and special requests so that expectations are exceeded where this is possible.
• Complete satisfaction checks and resolve service issues quickly and efficiently.
• Train the banqueting team to meet and greet Members and guests, serve food and drinks in accordance with the Club’s standards, and assist Members, guests, colleagues and contractors in a polite and helpful manner, including use of the Club’s audio visual equipment.
• Ensure all members of the Banqueting team are aware and accountable for their responsibilities.
• Write and implement Banqueting SOP’s for Banqueting operational procedures and set ups
• Monitor individual performance within the Banqueting team and ensure SOPs are being followed. Provide on the job training as required.
• Ensure all catered functions are appropriately resourced, working with the Dining Room Manager and Bar Supervisor to share resource and arrange temporary banqueting resource when required.
• Maintain a trained team of casual banqueting temps. 
• Manage the cost of Linen suppliers based on business levels
• Provide effective communication to the team and ensure an up to date knowledge of all current and future event details.
• Ensure a positive work environment is maintained and resolve staff concerns quickly and efficiently.
• Provide cover for Food and Beverage colleagues as required.
• Provide Duty Supervisor cover when required as part of the Duty Supervisor rota.
• Set a good example to the Banqueting team through good time keeping, attendance and teamwork.
• Address any attendance or timekeeping issues taking appropriate action as required.
• Conduct regular stock takes to maintain an accurate inventory of Banqueting glassware, tableware and cutlery. 
• Embrace feedback to ensure continuous improvement, high standards and Member satisfaction.
• Carry out other reasonable duties delegated to you by Management, and assist colleagues, in other departments as required.
• Ensure correct H&S and Hygiene is being maintained across the department areas. Records keeping and DD is being upheld and filed accordingly 
• Chair weekly BEO meetings linking events with operations and plan for the week ahead.

To be successful in this role, you should possess the following:

Skills, abilities, and attributes

• A passion for food, beverage and excellent customer service.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative under pressure.
• Resilient with the ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Effective communication skills at all levels.
• Well organised with effective multi-tasking and time management skills and good attention to detail.
• Member focused with excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible and diplomatic approach.
• Ability to develop good working relationships both upwards and downwards.
• Motivated to achieve continuous improvement and high standards.
• Ability to lead and direct a team.
• IT literate and competent user of Microsoft office packages including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Good administrative skills including record keeping.
• Ability to anticipate, identify and solve problems.
• High standard of personal presentation.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience as a Manager or Supervisor in a private members club, luxury hotel or fine dining restaurant. 
• Banqueting service experience essential.
• Event planning experience desirable.
• Detailed knowledge of food and beverage. 
• Experience of supervising and training a small team.
• Extensive knowledge of catering equipment.
• Experience of working with events management software.
• Good working knowledge of health and safety and COSHH regulations.

Qualifications

• Accredited Certificate or Diploma in Catering, Culinary Arts, or Hospitality is desirable but not essential.

Benefits:

• Complimentary meals while on duty.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• 20 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• Company sick pay, life assurance and season ticket loan on successful completion of the probationary period.
• Annual staff fund (bonus).

If you believe you meet the above qualification, please send your CV today to hr@nlc.org.uk or/ you could search us on Indeed and apply directly.