Temp Banquet Captain, Catering Services

Vanderbilt University · Nashville

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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, décor, 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.

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.

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.

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