Banquet Supervisor

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a prominent public regional university located in Northwest Indiana, near the Indiana Dunes National Park and within the greater Chicago area. Serving approximately 9,000 students, with about 6,000 core students, PNW offers a wide range of academic programs at the bachelor's, master’s, and applied doctoral levels. The university is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, community engagement, and regional development. PNW employs over 1,000 faculty and staff members across its campuses in Hammond and Westville, Indiana, as well as additional sites in Northwest Indiana, including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso. The university is consistently recognized for academic excellence and socioeconomic impact, ranking highly in U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges and earning distinctions such as First Scholars institution, Innovation University, and Economic Prosperity University.

The Dining Services department at Purdue University Northwest's Hammond campus is currently seeking a dedicated and dynamic Banquet Supervisor to join their team. This role is critical in ensuring the smooth operation, exceptional client experience, and financial success of internal and external events hosted at the campus. As a Banquet Supervisor, you will be responsible for overseeing the venue and catering services, managing event coordination, fostering positive client relations, and ensuring compliance with university policies and state regulations. In this position, you will act as the onsite manager for events, supervising all activities from setup to completion while serving as the main liaison between clients, vendors, and internal staff.

The Banquet Supervisor is expected to lead a team to execute high-quality catering services, including the setup, delivery, and teardown of events consistent with client specifications and banquet event orders (BEOs). You will coordinate staffing to support the smooth operation of events and respond to client inquiries and special requests to guarantee satisfaction. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and a customer-oriented mindset to manage multiple tasks effectively during fast-paced and dynamic event environments. Working hours can vary, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasionally off-campus site locations is required. A budgeted salary for this role is $44,500, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Ideal candidates will possess knowledge of banquet and catering operations, including principles related to the storage, preparation, and service of food in large quantities. It is important to demonstrate attention to detail, reliability, professionalism, and proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and event management software. The ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds and handle physically active tasks during events is also essential. Prior experience in banquet supervision or a related field, particularly within PNW Dining Services, is highly desirable. A High School diploma or GED is required, with preference given to candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, or a related field.

Working at Purdue University Northwest offers the opportunity to be part of a student-centered institution with a vibrant campus community dedicated to transformation through education and research. The university values respect, innovation, and excellence while promoting a supportive and engaging work environment. Additionally, as part of Purdue Northwest, you will contribute to initiatives that advance student success and regional economic growth. This is an exempt position that requires professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to delivery excellence in every event you supervise.