Event Manager/Banquet/Catering Manager/S

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
wellness programs

Job Description

Michigan State University (MSU) is a renowned public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and distinguished service to the community. Within MSU, the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center stands as a historic and prestigious venue, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, the Kellogg Center has been a cornerstone for hosting a vast array of events including conferences, corporate functions, social gatherings, weddings, and student engagement activities. Alongside Kellogg Catering, events are also catered across the campus at notable locations such as the Breslin Student Events Center, Munn Ice Arena, the Student Recreation & Wellness Center, and the Multicultural Center. The Banquet and Catering Event Manager position operates under the Division of Culinary Services and Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS), which prioritizes holistic and engaging experiences for the Spartan community. RHS is guided by core values including belonging, partnership, stewardship, learning and development, and safety, all aimed at fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students, staff, and guests alike.

The Banquet and Catering Event Manager plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of event planning and execution at the Kellogg Center and across MSU venues. This full-time role involves overseeing an extensive portfolio of events, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards of service excellence. The manager collaborates closely with the sales team, culinary staff, audiovisual experts, and event setup crews to deliver seamless experiences tailored to client expectations. They are responsible for coordinating logistics, managing budgets and expenses, scheduling and training event staff, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. This position requires someone who is highly organized, creative, and adaptable, with the ability to troubleshoot challenges quickly while maintaining a customer-focused approach. The successful candidate will contribute to the ongoing legacy of the Kellogg Center by driving operational success and delivering memorable events that uphold MSU’s commitment to hospitality and community engagement. The role also involves leading staff, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and ensuring that service protocols align with university policies and industry standards. With variable schedules including nights and weekends, and some physical demands such as lifting and moving event materials, the Banquet and Catering Event Manager is essential in creating unforgettable experiences for Spartans and their guests, supporting the university’s mission and vision for excellence in hospitality.

Job Requirements

  • Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Hospitality, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management, General Business, or a related field
  • One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in banquet/catering service to include proper meal service techniques and protocol, special events and banquet services setup and displays, food sanitation and safety procedures, alcoholic beverage service including application of State of Michigan sale and service regulations, food/beverage preparation and presentation, cost control and supervision, menu planning
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Possession of a valid chauffeur or commercial driver’s license with applicable endorsements and medical certificate to comply with State of Michigan requirements by first day of employment
  • Good driving record and submission of driver’s license number for motor vehicle record check
  • Ability to work variable schedule including nights and weekends
  • Ability to lift over 75 lbs and engage in physical tasks approximately 26%-75% of the time

Job Qualifications

  • Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree program in Hospitality, Hotel, Restaurant, or Institutional Management, General Business, or a related field
  • One to three years of related and progressively responsible experience in banquet/catering service including meal service techniques, special events setup, food sanitation and safety, alcoholic beverage service following State of Michigan regulations, food/beverage preparation and presentation, cost control, supervision, and menu planning
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong experience with cost controls, forecasting, and revenue growth
  • Knowledge and experience with upscale service standards
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Ability to remain calm and solve problems under pressure
  • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or similar credentials (desired)
  • Three to five years of related and progressively responsible management experience in banquet/catering, hotel, or upscale catering environments (desired)
  • Recent graduates encouraged to apply

Job Duties

  • Manage and oversee all food service and event setup activities to ensure high-quality service and exceptional guest experiences
  • Coordinate room setups, vendor logistics, and food service timing for seamless event execution
  • Serve food and beverages in accordance with established hotel service standards
  • Set up event spaces, including place settings, décor, buffet lines, linens, tables, and chairs
  • Clean and maintain all work areas, including back hallways, carts, storage closets, and event spaces
  • Instruct and assist event staff with proper meal service, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage service, and standard operating procedures
  • Collaborate closely with the kitchen to ensure accurate event details, proper timing, and smooth service flow
  • Manage food and beverage inventory, equipment usage, labor staffing levels, and related costs
  • Monitor guest behavior and alcohol consumption
  • verify identification for guests appearing under 40 years of age
  • Discontinue alcohol service when appropriate and report incidents involving excessive consumption or impaired guests to management
  • Assist with special projects and additional operational needs as assigned
  • Analyze operational data to forecast needs and support departmental strategic planning
  • Manage event budgets to minimize costs while maximizing revenue and profitability
  • Prepare and review event billing to ensure accuracy and timeliness
  • Schedule, train, supervise, and manage banquet servers and setup teams
  • Interview, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate performance of part-time team members
  • Plan, develop, and oversee training programs to ensure consistent service quality and staff readiness
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations
  • Adhere to hotel safety protocols and established procedures at all times
  • Immediately report any safety, service, or guest-related incidents to the Restaurant Manager

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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