Banquet Captain (10008406)

The Catering Banquet Captain is responsible for overseeing and assisting with the execution of all
daily catered events, including, but not limited to, Chancellor receptions, private high-level receptions, seated dinners, buffet lunches
and dinners, continental breakfasts, breakfast buffets, and coffee breaks. The Catering Banquet Captain will work closely with the Catering
Service Manager to oversee the work of contracted wait staff, student staff, and Vanderbilt Enterprises hourly union and non-union
employees. This position will be responsible for training, preparing daily pull sheets, daily task sheets, assisting with event setup and
breakdown, and overseeing all catering operations at selected events.

Key Functions and Expected
Performance:

Event Planning, Coordination, and Execution

• Coordinate and execute catering events
  in accordance with established goals, timelines, and service standards.
• Collaborate with Catering Management to develop logistical
  plans, event timelines, staffing assignments, and operational requirements.
• Prepare daily event pull sheets and task assignments to
  ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee event setup, service, breakdown, and cleanup activities, ensuring events are completed
  efficiently and professionally.
• Maintain accurate event documentation and evaluate outcomes to identify opportunities for continuous
  improvement.

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• Lead, train, coach, and supervise contracted wait staff,
  student employees, and hourly union employees.
• Assign work, communicate expectations, and monitor performance to ensure compliance
  with departmental standards and event requirements.
• Foster a positive work environment through effective communication, conflict
  resolution, and employee engagement.
• Support employee development through ongoing training and continuous improvement
  initiatives.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in task delegation, prioritization, and escalation of operational or personnel
  concerns.

Operational Logistics and Resource Management

• Coordinate food, equipment, and supply deliveries
  to event locations while ensuring quality, safety, and timeliness.
• Operate department vehicles, including box trucks, vans, and golf
  carts, in a safe and responsible manner.
• Manage catering inventory, including equipment, linens, uniforms, decor, alcohol, and
  vehicles, and recommend repairs or replacements as needed.
• Assist with departmental deliveries and special event logistics to
  support Campus Dining operations.
• Continuously assess operational needs and recommend strategies to improve efficiency, service
  quality, and program growth.

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Maintain a safe work environment by
  enforcing safety standards, conducting safety audits, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Monitor
  customer service, food quality, event presentation, and employee performance to maintain high operational standards.
• Ensure food
  deliveries, handling, and service practices meet all applicable safety and sanitation requirements.
• Promote accountability and
  consistency through regular review of operational processes, event outcomes, and service expectations.

Supervisory
Relationships:

This position reports to the Catering Service Manager. This position is responsible for directing
contracted wait staff, hourly union and non-union employees, and student employees.

Qualifications:

• A
  high school diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited higher education institution is
  preferred.
• Must be ServSafe certified within 3 months of hire and expected to pass renewal every five year
• Must have and
  maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide continuous
  up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• At least 3 years of related experience is
  necessary.
• At least 2 years offsite catering, restaurants, or specialty events experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous
  experience as a Banquet Manager or Banquet Captain is preferred.
• Ability to drive a catering van and medium size box truck is
  necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Food and Labor Management Systems is necessary.
• Strong communication
  (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary.
• Ability to
  make on-site decisions to resolve problems brought forth by customers, vendors, contracted wait staff, etc.
• Strong time management,
  organizational and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer
  service is necessary.
• Manage people, maintain confidentiality and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is
  necessary.
• Proactive, enthusiastic attitude, and possess excellent customer service skills.
• Strong supervisory and
  interpersonal skills
• Must be flexible, high energy and passionate in getting things done
• Must enjoy fast-paced working
  environment.
• Be able to work on a team and also be a self-starter.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule, including nights
  and weekends
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to walk or stand
  for extended time periods, up to 6 hours
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist and lift
• Ability to frequently lift/transport hot
  food items in hotboxes (200#) onto and off box trucks and to event locations

This is a full-time non-exempt position.

Shift
hours vary; must be available to work nights and weekends. Flexibility in workplace locations, days and hours is essential, including
willingness to work long, non-standard workdays.

Required Skills

• Catering – VU
• Cooking – VU
• Culinary Presentation – VU
• Customer Support – VU
• Dietary Restriction Management – VU
• Food Quality Assurance
  And Control – VU
• Inventory Control – VU
• Kitchen Management – VU
• Process Improvement – VU
• Sanitation –
  VU
• Service Improvement – VU

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work – regardless of title or role – is in service to an important and noble mission in
which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been
named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for
several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create,
foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a
career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part
of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a
protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10008406
• Posting Date 06/12/2026, 02:28 PM
• Locations Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Category University Operations
• Job Function Catering
• Management Level Service & Support 4

Tagged as: Employment