Banquet Captain

Overview

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Banquet Captain supports the successful execution of events hosted within Porter Hospitality

lounge spaces and designated building venues. This role requires strong leadership, impeccable

organization, and proactive guest service. The Banquet Captain supervises the floor staff during

events, ensuring set-up, service, and breakdown are completed to Porter Hospitality standards.

Additionally, this role acts as liaison between the event client and staff, supporting inventory,

logistics, and day-of coordination. The ideal candidate thrives in high-pressure environments and

exemplifies calm, agile leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty

satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with

disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Act as the primary point of contact and lead for event day operations.
• Direct set-up of event spaces per BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), including service ware, décor, and staging.
• Guide and lead banquet servers and bartenders through all service phases—prep, live service, and teardown.
• Attend BEO and catering event meetings or syncs as assigned.
• Confirm readiness of all event materials, equipment, and guest-facing setups before guest arrival.
• Serve as liaison to clients and internal event hosts—fielding questions, resolving issues, and ensuring timely communication.
• Assist in physical service when necessary (e.g. food running, drink delivery, bussing).
• Track and assist with post-event breakdown and reset duties.
• Communicate event notes, post-shift debriefs, and service performance updates to Event Manager.
• Maintain event inventory checklists, and track use of materials (e.g., glassware, bar tools, décor).
• Ensure compliance with alcohol service, health, and safety regulations throughout service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of event set-up, execution, tear down and reset.
• Confidence in answering any guest questions regarding the programming and offerings.
• Willingness to learn and grow through ongoing education with Porter Hospitality.
• Ability to work independently.

Personal Competencies

Self-Development: Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

Relationship management and Teamwork: The ability to leverage interpersonal skills to establish rapport and develop relationships as part of a multifunctional team in a fast-paced, collaborative and deadline driven environment.

Time Management: Ability to multi-task to meet goals, good time management skills and ability to take ownership for project deliverables.

Communications & Problem Solving: Ability to remain optimistic and enthusiastic while creatively solving problems. Convey information to all key stakeholders in both written and verbal formats. Determine and utilize the appropriate communication channels.

Empathy, Involvement & Support: Listen and respond with empathy. Ability to understand issues and different perspectives of others. Ability to ask for help and encourage others.

COMPENSATION & DETAILS

• Hourly position with access to shared service charges and gratuities where applicable.
• Banquet shifts are on-call, part-time or full-time depending on event calendar.
• Porter Hospitality employees enjoy shift meals, training development opportunities, and exposure to dynamic hospitality environments.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of banquet serving or bartending experience required.
• Experience as a banquet captain preferred
• WA MAST Permit required (or obtained within 14 days of hire).
• WA Food Handler’s Card required.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, beer, wine, mocktails, and bar efficiency.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs, kegs, or bus tubs, and working a full shift on your feet.
• Must be available evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color perception, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Regularly works with others face to face, over the phone and email in an office environment with moderate noise. Nature of work may require time spent out of the office; reliable transportation required. Periodically works outside and may work around moving objects, dust, and dirt. Must be able to climb up into and down from delivery trucks and walk up and down ramps where required.