Banquet Manager

The Guest House at Graceland is a premier hospitality establishment located in Memphis, Tennessee, renowned for its top-tier accommodations and proximity to the iconic Graceland estate. As part of an esteemed hospitality group, The Guest House offers guests an immersive experience that complements the legendary legacy of Elvis Presley. This full-service hotel features extensive event spaces, upscale amenities, and a focus on personalized guest service, making it a highly sought-after location for conventions, special events, and large gatherings within the heart of Memphis. It thrives on delivering exceptional guest experiences by combining southern hospitality with world-class event management and guest services.

This opportunity in the Events Department offers a full-time position reporting directly to the Director of Events, designed for a key leadership role that oversees banquet operations campus-wide. The position demands variable and flexible working hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings as required, reflecting the dynamic nature of event scheduling at a high-volume venue. Candidates can expect a promotional opportunity with eligibility for benefits after a 60-day introductory period, aligning with the company’s commitment to employee growth and long-term success.

As the Banquet Operations Manager, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the overall success of the banquet business across multiple venues including The Guest House at Graceland, Graceland itself, and the Elvis Presley Memphis complex. This pivotal role involves managing all banquet leadership, servers, bartenders, and the setup team across a vast event space exceeding 80,000 square feet. The banquet operations handle over 600 groups, conventions, and special events annually, requiring exceptional organizational skills and leadership to coordinate seamless execution from conception to completion.

This position is primarily focused on maximizing operating income and profitability by managing departmental expenses, developing budgets and forecasts, and identifying opportunities to increase revenue while containing costs. You will play an integral role in driving customer satisfaction by maintaining high standards through continuous monitoring, direct customer engagement during events, and addressing guest concerns promptly and effectively.

Employee satisfaction is equally prioritized, with this role requiring you to foster open communication, teamwork, motivation, and employee development through continuous training and coaching. As the manager, you will oversee hiring, orientation, and performance assessments for your direct reports, encouraging a positive work environment and leadership culture focused on success and collaboration.

The Banquet Operations Manager will also be responsible for planning, organizing, and evaluating all banquet functions, including event setup and space design with knowledge of the latest hospitality trends. Collaboration across departments such as Catering, Convention Services, and Accounting ensures consistent quality control and financial accuracy. You will be a proactive change agent, streamlining operations, improving policies, and fostering communication with regular team meetings and effective conflict resolution.

Candidates should have at least five years of management experience in the banquet industry within large venues and possess strong communication, guest relations, organizational, and problem-solving skills. While a degree in hospitality or business management is preferred, it is not mandatory. Certification in food handling and alcohol beverage service, or the willingness to obtain these, is also required. Physical demands include the ability to communicate effectively, lift up to 25 pounds, and stand or move for extended periods.

The Guest House at Graceland is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. This recruitment is open internally and externally and will remain open until the position is filled. If you are a proactive leader passionate about hospitality and event management, this role provides an excellent platform for career growth and impact within a renowned hospitality institution.