Banquet Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Banquet & Event Manager

East Lansing, MI

Lead High-Impact Events in a Premier Hospitality Environment

Salary: $56,000 - $70,000

Comprehensive Health Benefits + Exceptional Retirement Package

Harper Associates has been exclusively retained for this search.

We're seeking an experienced Event Manager / Banquet Manager / Catering Manager to oversee the execution of large-scale events, conferences, weddings, and corporate functions across the Kellogg Hotel & Center and Michigan State University venues, including Breslin Center and Munn Ice Arena.

This is a hands-on hospitality leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced food & beverage operations and delivers exceptional guest experience in high-volume event environments. Bonus for Spartan athletics fans who would like to be totally immersed in the MSU sports atmosphere!

What You'll Do

• Lead event execution for banquets, catering services, conferences, weddings, and social events
• Coordinate event logistics, including room setup, vendor management, audiovisual coordination, and service timing
• Partner with culinary and food & beverage operations teams to ensure seamless service delivery and high-quality presentation
• Oversee banquet operations, staffing, and labor scheduling for efficient event execution
• Manage event budgets, forecasting, inventory, and cost control to support revenue and operational goals
• Ensure accurate event billing, reporting, and financial reconciliation
• Hire, train, and supervise banquet staff, servers, and setup teams, supporting ongoing performance management and development
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations, ensuring a safe and professional environment
• Act as on-site leader for event coordination, troubleshooting, and real-time problem solving

What You Bring

• 1–3+ years of experience in banquet operations, catering services, or event management
• Background in hospitality management, hotel operations, or upscale catering environments
• Strong leadership experience managing teams in high-volume, customer-facing operations
• Knowledge of food safety, beverage service standards, and hospitality compliance
• Proven ability in event coordination, vendor management, and guest service delivery
• Strong communication, organizational, and guest experience management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3–5+ years in hotel banquet or catering management
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or similar hospitality certification
• Chauffer's license for driving catering trucks (must be willing to obtain if you don't already have it)

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $56,000 - $70,000 (based on experience)
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with 5% employee contribution and 10% employer match
• Generous PTO including vacation, holidays, sick time, and winter break

Role Details

• On-site position in a dynamic university hospitality environment
• Active role requiring movement, setup, and lifting up to 75 lbs
• Exposure to event venues, kitchens, and large-scale guest operations
• Must be available for peak event scheduling and operational needs

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to lead large-scale event operations in a high-visibility setting, working across premier venues while building expertise in hospitality management, banquet operations, and event leadership. Excellent career advancement opportunities!

Apply Now

If you're ready to lead high-volume events, catering operations, and hospitality teams, please email your resume to [email protected] or hit apply below.

Kevin Swanquist

Executive Recruiter

Harper Associates

[email protected]

248-737-0222