Lead Banquet Server

About Us

The story of The Laura Hotel is inextricably linked to the steamboat of the same name which inspired the property's rebirth. Just as The Laura once forged intrepidly ahead, navigating waters once thought impassable, our hotel will help to take Downtown Houston into a brave new future filled with culinary excellence, inspiring creativity, and opportunities for both business and pleasure too numerous to count. We are building our team with passionate, hospitality focused individuals who are looking to create a memorable experience for our guests. When you join the family, you also get the benefit of the HEI Loves culture. HEI Loves is dedicated to celebrating our associates by offering the most competitive compensation, benefits, and PTO programs. Our associates are also eligible to take advantage of everything from free lunch, discounted parking to travel benefits, and much more.

Don't meet every single requirement of this job? At HEI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. You may be the perfect candidate for this or for other roles within our organization!

We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.

Compensation

Tipped/Service Charge Eligible? Yes

Discretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? No

Overview

Lead and support banquet operations to ensure efficient event execution and an exceptional guest experience. Coordinate with banquet staff, supervisors, catering, and other hotel departments to ensure all functions are properly prepared, staffed, and executed according to Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and hotel standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure event details, room setups, menus, service requirements, and schedules are accurate and properly communicated.
• Set up banquet rooms according to supervisor and BEO specifications, including linens, tables, chairs, serviceware, glassware, and other event equipment.
• Inspect banquet rooms and public areas before functions to ensure proper setup, cleanliness, appearance, and readiness.
• Coordinate banquet staff with event setups, schedule changes, room resets, service requirements, and last-minute adjustments.
• Communicate BEO changes and event updates to the catering office, supervisors, and affected hotel departments.
• Serve as a point of contact for group representatives, providing assistance and explaining how to contact banquet staff throughout the function.
• Lead and assist banquet servers with greeting guests, taking care of guest requests, and providing friendly, courteous, and professional service.
• Serve food and beverages according to established service standards, supervisor instructions, and event requirements.
• Replenish beverages and monitor guest needs throughout functions to ensure overall satisfaction.
• Maintain knowledge of menus, major ingredients, preparation methods, and appropriate service techniques in order to accurately answer guest questions.
• Follow all state, federal, corporate, and hotel requirements regarding the responsible service of alcoholic beverages.
• Promptly clear dishes, glassware, and service items as guests complete each course or meal.
• Break down banquet functions and reset rooms according to BEO and supervisor specifications for subsequent events.
• Inspect banquet areas at the conclusion of each function to ensure all equipment is returned to designated locations and all areas are clean and organized.
• Recap banquet checks at the end of each day and submit required documentation to Night Audit.
• Assist and support coworkers with assigned duties while promoting teamwork and maintaining a professional, positive work environment.
• Maintain effective communication with hotel management, guests, coworkers, catering personnel, and other departments.
• Work effectively under time constraints, deadlines, and changing event requirements while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Follow hotel safety, security, quality assurance, attendance, and operational policies and procedures.
• Safely transport supplies, food, beverages, and equipment weighing up to 30 lbs. through crowded banquet areas.
• Operate beverage and banquet equipment, including coffee makers and other service equipment.
• Remain on feet for extended periods and perform physically demanding duties throughout the shift.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Hotel experience preferred.
  
• Must be willing to "pitch-in" and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player with or without reasonable accommodation.
  
• Must have basic knowledge of food and beverage preparations, service standards, guest relations and etiquette.
  
• Knowledge of the appropriate table settings and serviceware.
  
• Ability to comprehend and apply written product labeling instructions to enable the safe application of products and processes within the hotel.
  
• Ability to remember, recite and promote the variety of menu items.
  
• Ability to transport up to 30 lbs. through a crowded room on a continuous basis throughout the shift. Ability to operate beverage equipment, e.g., coffee maker with or without reasonable accommodation.
  
• Ability to stand for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.
  
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.
  
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.
  

Benefits

HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you!

For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed. Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.


HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.