Every event space needs a banquet manager. This position serves as the backbone for event operations, from booking time slots to decorating the banquet halls. Without this role, it would be a major challenge to host private events. 

The banquet manager collaborates with numerous coworkers, such as the sous chef and each banquet server. When the whole team comes together under the supervision of the banquet manager, hospitality brands are able to bring event ideas to fruition. 

In turn, they’re able to cater to each and every client. Want to learn if this career field is suitable for you? Or, are you a hiring manager contemplating what your new banquet staff should comprise? Read on for all you need to know!

Banquet Manager Duties

Working as a banquet manager is a bit different from a catering or restaurant manager. It requires much more skill when it comes to event planning and execution. In fact, they are responsible for overseeing events from start to finish, as well as designing the details. 

Generally speaking, the following duties comprise what banquet managers do on a daily basis:

• Collaborate with the food and beverage director to create menus
• Assist in nurturing the sales funnel as guests book events
• Coordinate and execute banquet events 
• Lead banquet event operations from start to finish
• Prepare all event documents and invoices 
• Decorate and set up the banquet hall for various events
• Finalize menu types, the banquet table layout, and last-minute details
• Maximize revenue by upselling the banquet and catering menu 
• Ensure that hall banquet halls and equipment are functional 

Note that different businesses and brands across the hospitality industry can require different duties. However, this is a general overview that should prepare you for most positions. Are you a manager or business owner looking to fill this role? Use this as a guide when mapping out a job description. 

Banquet Manager Salary

The average salary for a banquet manager in the United States ranges from $47,000 to $104,000. Note that this is quite a broad range, and the average salary for this role is $68,900.

It's also important to remember that the salary for any role will vary based on your experience. Want to learn about whether you have the background to reach the higher end of the salary range? Continue reading to learn all about it.

Banquet Manager Background 

Brands that hire a banquet manager often require someone who has a relevant educational background. A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or management usually makes up the largest portion of candidates. However, a high school diploma or GED is fine, as long as you have an extensive professional background. 

On average, brands look for candidates with three to five years of experience working in banquet halls. Other event spaces will also suffice. As long as event management is present within your work history, you’re golden. There are many integral parts of planning and rolling out events. So, it’s vital that the banquet manager embodies the proper training and abilities. 

Additional experience in the hospitality or hotel industry is also ideal. Businesses like resorts or country clubs have banquet halls, therefore, host similar events. Plus, the operations are quite similar. 

Banquet Manager Skills

A banquet manager is a very busy person within the event space. You’ll often find this person multi-tasking, ensuring that various processes are running according to the plan. It takes an even balance of enthusiasm, skill, and patience to manage banquet events. See below to learn more about the most necessary traits:

Soft Skills to Be a Banquet Manager 

If you’re contemplating a career as a banquet manager, you can find out ahead of time if this is a good route to travel. To succeed in this role, there are a number of “soft” skills that one should embody. These are skills that stem from your personality, rather than technical experience. 

To name a handful, here are some traits that signal you'd enjoy being a banquet manager:

• An interest in delivering a stellar customer experience
• The ability to work with others on a team 
• Come up with creative designs and decor for banquet events
• A display of leadership qualities, such as motivation and energy

Note that even though these kinds of skills come naturally, people can acquire them over time. They're just the ones that might be present right now, guiding you toward a particular career path.

Technical Skills to Be a Banquet Manager 

Hiring managers are diving right into the nitty-gritty details when they consider technical skills. These are the traits that showcase a direct correlation between the candidate and the position. In other words, these are the skills that will literally let a person perform the job duties. 

So if you don’t think you qualify for a job as banquet manager, don’t walk away from this idea. Anyone can acquire technical skills if they put in the time and effort. 

Check out the following technical skills that are valuable when working as a banquet manager:

• Past experience using an integrated POS system
• Knowledge about food and beverage services 
• The ability to create a functional banquet setup 
• Experience using a venue platform for events 
• An understanding of restaurant tech, such as restaurant inventory apps

Don't have any of these skills? Consider working in an entry level job or internship. After investing the right amount of time into gaining experience, you'll be able to apply for upper-level roles in the banquet space. 

Frequently Asked Questions About a Banquet Manager 

Working as a banquet manager is much different from other food service jobs. In fact, it requires even more time and effort than a catering manager! Want to learn more about this high-demand role? See below:

What Does a Banquet Manager Do?

A banquet manager is someone who oversees and plans various events. As the name states, all of these events take place in a banquet hall. Their main duties revolve around the plans and execution of each event. As you can imagine, this requires a lot of contact with in-house staff and the client. At the time of the event, their role requires them to ensure the plans roll out smoothly. 

What Qualifications Are Necessary for a Banquet Manager?

Many qualifications are necessary to pursue a career as a banquet manager; some of the most important ones include:

• A bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or management
• Experience in event planning and management 
• Strong leadership skills and ability to lead a large team
• Knowledge about the entire food service industry 

How Does a Banquet Manager Work With Clients?

A banquet manager works with clients as they planned a special event. Such events can range from corporate luncheons to elaborate weddings. Once the client books a date and time, the banquet manager can begin planning all the nitty-gritty details. From menus to decor, it's their job to coordinate it all and bring the client's vision to life. 

What Challenges Can a Banquet Manager Face?

Even though working as a banquet manager is a rewarding job, it comes with its challenges. Some of the biggest issues that banquet managers face include:

• Balancing the timeline of event planning
• Meeting the clients' expectations
• Staff management and team leadership 
• Crafting difficult and complex menus 

What Are Some Career Advancement Opportunities for Banquet Managers?

A banquet manager can advance their career through promotions. Some job titles with a higher salary that can come after being a banquet manager include:

• Senior Banquet Manager 
• Banquet Director 
• Catering Director
• Event Coordinator 
• Food and Beverage Director

Let’s Manage a Banquet Hall! 

Banquet halls are some of the most exciting places to work. You get to see a simple idea for an event come to life, giving a group of people a memorable experience. If you have what it takes to successfully fill this role, it can be a rewarding and lucrative career path.