BANQUET HOUSEMAN JOB DESCRIPTION

Rooms don't set themselves. When a Banquet Houseman is absent or undertrained, ballrooms open late, floor plans deviate from the Banquet Event Order, and the guest experience suffers before the first plate is served. This role owns the physical execution of the event environment, from reading BEOs and staging tables, chairs, podiums, and buffet lines to sweeping and resetting the space after the final guest departs. In hotels and event venues, every function runs through this position, and no guest-facing team can deliver on contracted service without it.

As the Banquet Houseman, you are accountable for the accurate setup, maintenance, and breakdown of all event spaces in accordance with Banquet Event Orders and the direction of the Banquet Manager or Captain. You operate across ballrooms, meeting rooms, and staging areas, supporting a broader banquet team that relies on your physical readiness and attention to floor plan detail to meet contracted room-ready timelines.

Career Impact: Experience gained in reading and executing BEOs in high-volume event environments builds the operational fluency that hotel employers look for when promoting candidates into Banquet Captain and Floor Supervisor roles.

Business Impact: The accuracy of each room setup directly determines whether contracted clients receive the space they were promised - a distinction that shapes repeat bookings and group revenue for the property.

Growth Opportunity: Consistent performance in this role opens pathways into banquet service, catering operations, and ultimately supervisory positions within hotel food and beverage departments.

• Read and execute Banquet Event Orders to configure tables, chairs, staging, podiums, and buffet lines according to approved floor plans.
• Ensure all event rooms are set and guest-ready at least 60 minutes before contracted start times.
• Assist with audio-visual placement and house sound system checks for meeting and event spaces as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness of banquet rooms, public hallways, patios, and restrooms before, during, and after events.
• Break down event spaces after functions, returning equipment and supplies to designated storage areas.
• Sort, count, and track linen inventory for delivery to and return from laundry service.
• Communicate immediately with the Banquet Manager or Captain regarding room changes, equipment shortfalls, or safety concerns.
• Perform light maintenance tasks, including touch-up painting, window cleaning, and carpet care, as assigned between events.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of training and work experience.
• Six months or more of event setup, hotel housekeeping, or related banquet service experience, with demonstrated ability to execute floor plans accurately.
• Ability to read and interpret Banquet Event Orders and written work instructions.
• Physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, stretch, and twist for extended shift durations.
• Knowledge of cleaning supply safety, proper usage techniques, and facility safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work both independently and as part of a banquet team.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event demand.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screening.

• ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety training applicable to banquet and buffet environments.
• Previous experience in a hotel or resort banquet department with exposure to high-volume event cycles.
• Valid driver's license for transporting equipment between venue locations or warehouse facilities.
• Familiarity with basic audio-visual equipment setup and portable sound system operation.

• Room-ready compliance rate, measured as percentage of event spaces cleared and set by the 60-minute pre-event threshold.
• BEO accuracy rate, reflecting how consistently room configurations match the contracted floor plan upon inspection.
• Linen count accuracy, tracking variance between sorted inventory and laundry delivery records across shifts.
• Post-event reset time, measuring how quickly spaces are broken down and returned to neutral condition for successive events.
• Safety incident rate within assigned banquet spaces, reflecting adherence to equipment handling and cleaning agent protocols.
• Typical tools: banquet event order systems (commonly paper BEO packets or property management printouts); linen tracking logs; basic AV and staging equipment.

• Base Salary Range: $15-$19 per hour, depending on property size and location
• Bonus: Gratuity sharing or event-based tip pools where applicable
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; eligibility timelines vary by employer
• PTO: 5-10 days annually; increases with tenure
• Common Perks: Hotel employee discounts, shift meal allowances, and uniform provision

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion and confirmed work authorization in the United States are conditions of employment for this position. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to request one at any time.

The Banquet Houseman delivers seamless guest experiences by maintaining banquet spaces, executing food and beverage service, and ensuring rooms are clean, stocked, and secured before and after each event. Working across housekeeping, service, and food production functions, this role supports the hotel's banquet operation and directly enables the quality standards guests expect at every function.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide guests with the finest quality of service at all times and warmly and enthusiastically.
• Vacuum, sweep, mop, polish, and wipe areas clean before, during, and after events.
• Maintain the banquet area in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Ensure that at the close of a function and at the end of the workday, all banquet rooms are cleared and securely locked.
• Store all equipment in the designated area.
• Remain present in the room and greet guests upon arrival.
• Maintain banquet and hotel standards of food, beverage, and quality guest service.
• Present menus, answer questions, and take food and beverage orders as needed.
• Cook or otherwise prepare food according to recipe and assist in food production based on menu and guest count.
• Monitor tables in assigned section to ensure all patrons are served.
• Clear and clean tables, reset counters and tables.
• Maintain kitchen and wait station by keeping the area tidy, clean, and stocked at the end of each shift.
• Ensure tips are reported properly for tax processing.

Required Qualifications

• Three to six months of related experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations and respond promptly to customer needs and requests.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and treat others with respect regardless of their status or position.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow policies, procedures, and safety and security guidelines.
• Ability to present and express ideas clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether verbal or written.
• Ability to meet work schedule demands, be at work on time, and work outside regularly scheduled hours as needed.

Embedded within the banquet operations team, the Banquet Houseman manages end-to-end event logistics by setting up floor plans, loading and unloading equipment per Banquet Event Orders, and performing barback and execution duties throughout each function. Working closely with members, guests, and colleagues, this role ensures superb event execution for clients through precise equipment handling, accurate counts, and consistent breakdown and warehouse storage after each event.

Core Functions

• Set up events according to the desired floor plan and secure all equipment and peripherals as stated on Equipment Pull Forms.
• Ensure cleanliness and count accuracy before departing for the event location.
• Make logical equipment substitution or replacement selections when needed and document changes.
• Load and unload equipment and other items as needed per Banquet Event Orders.
• Perform services during the event as needed, including barback and other assigned execution duties.
• Break down events by loading, accounting for, returning, and storing equipment to the warehouse appropriately.
• Maintain a congenial and cooperative attitude toward members, guests, and colleagues throughout events.
• Perform light repair, maintenance, cleaning, and side work as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least two years of related experience required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software to create and maintain reports and logs.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods and perform work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift to 15 pounds and bend, lift, stretch, climb, and crawl as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment.

Reporting to the Banquet Manager and Captain, the Banquet Houseman shapes event readiness by interpreting Banquet Event Orders, arranging tables, chairs, staging, and bar setups, and configuring audio-visual equipment and house sound systems for each function. Partnering with banquet leadership through open communication on changes and needs, this role ensures all meeting and event rooms are client-ready at least 60 minutes before contracted time, enabling consistent and professional event delivery.

Primary Duties

• Read and interpret Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and follow instructions from the Banquet Manager and Captain.
• Set up events including moving and arranging tables, chairs, staging, podiums, buffet lines, and bar setups.
• Set up audio-visual equipment and special lighting and ensure operation of the house sound system as required.
• Ensure all meeting and event rooms are prepared for clients a minimum of 60 minutes prior to contracted time.
• Communicate openly with the Banquet Manager or Captain regarding any changes or needs as they arise.
• Clean up after functions by sweeping, mopping, clearing dishes, reorganizing staging areas, and storing equipment and supplies.
• Complete necessary preparation work for future banquet events as directed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous meeting and event setup and cleanup experience required.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screen required.
• Ability to lift to 30 pounds and stand, bend, stretch, and twist for long periods of time.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules based on business demands.
• Proven teamwork ability and professional image that inspires trust and confidence.
• Ability to multitask and maintain enthusiastic and positive energy throughout events.

Sitting at the intersection of event operations and facilities maintenance, the Banquet Houseman leads daily setup and teardown of tables, chairs, and food stations while performing light room maintenance duties such as painting, window cleaning, and carpet shampooing across banquet and meeting spaces. Operating across housekeeping, laundry, and guest-facing functions in a hotel setting, this role preserves the condition and readiness of all event venues and contributes to the positive atmosphere guests experience at every event.

Duties

• Review daily event schedules and floor plans and set up tables and chairs accordingly.
• Assist with all setup requirements for scheduled events, including tables, chairs, and food stations.
• Ensure all equipment in banquet and meeting rooms is in proper working order.
• Clean common areas including banquet rooms, meeting rooms, patios, hallways, and restrooms.
• Sort and count linens for delivery to laundry and verify counts upon return.
• Perform light room maintenance duties such as painting, window cleaning, and carpet shampooing as required.
• Tear down tables, chairs, and other event equipment after functions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• ServSafe Certificate required.
• Previous experience in a hotel setting preferred.
• Knowledge of proper use of cleaning supplies, techniques, and safety precautions for cleaning agents.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate clearly with managers, coworkers, guests, and vendors.
• Committed to promoting a positive atmosphere and professional interaction with guests.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, and lift to 50 pounds for extended periods.
• Valid Driver's License required.