Banquet Captain at HEI Hotels & Resorts in San Diego, CA

About Us

Surround yourself with modern comforts at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla. Our stylish hotel positions you near dazzling destinations including La Jolla Shores, Birch Aquarium, the University of California, San Diego and the beautiful Westfield UTC shopping mall. The San Diego Trolley line has been extended North and now stops right outside our hotel for commuting. Our associates enjoy daily free meals in our spacious associate cafeteria, and a monthly Town Hall/luncheon in our ballroom with special delights from our Chef and games and prizes. We also offer free parking on site and hotel discounts with all Marriott brands worldwide. Join our commitment to our community with one of our monthly volunteer activities throughout the city. Come see us today to learn more!

Don't meet every single requirement of this job? At HEI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still send in your information. You may be the perfect candidate for this or for other roles within our organization!

We value U.S. military experience and invite all qualified military candidates to apply.

Compensation Salary Range: $19.00 - $19.00 Hourly

Tipped/Service Charge Eligible? Yes

Discretionary Performance Bonus Eligible? No

Overview

At Marriott La Jolla, our Banquet Captains are leaders on the floor who ensure every banquet event is executed with precision, professionalism, and exceptional hospitality. They serve as the primary operational leader during assigned events by coordinating banquet associates, communicating with clients and hotel departments, maintaining service standards, and ensuring each function exceeds guest expectations.

This position combines hands-on service with operational leadership. Banquet Captains set the tone for each event by leading by example, coaching associates in real time, anticipating guest needs, and ensuring seamless execution from setup through breakdown.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Event Leadership

• Lead banquet associates before, during, and after assigned functions.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings to review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), service sequence, assignments, guest expectations, and safety reminders.
• Ensure all banquet associates understand their responsibilities before each event begins.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, meeting planners, wedding coordinators, and event hosts during assigned functions.
• Maintain a calm, organized presence while adapting to changing event needs.

Event Execution

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to verify room setup, timelines, menus, audiovisual requirements, and special requests.
• Inspect function spaces before guest arrival to ensure room setups meet hotel standards and BEO specifications.
• Coordinate event timing with Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, Housekeeping, Audio Visual, and other departments.
• Communicate all event changes promptly to affected departments.
• Ensure food and beverage service is timely, professional, and consistent with Marriott brand standards.
• Personally assist with service whenever operationally necessary.

Guest Experience

• Deliver personalized, anticipatory service throughout each event.
• Build positive relationships with clients by remaining accessible throughout the function.
• Resolve guest concerns quickly and professionally while minimizing disruption.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and proactively address opportunities to enhance the event experience.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead by example through professionalism, teamwork, and accountability.
• Coach banquet associates during service to reinforce Marriott service standards.
• Assist with onboarding and training new banquet associates.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
• Recognize outstanding performance and provide constructive feedback to improve service quality.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure banquet areas remain clean, organized, and guest ready throughout each event.
• Monitor service flow to maximize efficiency while maintaining quality.
• Verify banquet equipment, china, glassware, silverware, and linens are properly handled and returned after events.
• Complete banquet paperwork, event reconciliation, and guest check documentation accurately.
• Assist with inventory control and report damaged or missing equipment.
• Support proper food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Marriott, HEI, and hotel safety policies and procedures.
• Promote safe lifting techniques and proper equipment use.
• Ensure compliance with Responsible Beverage Service guidelines.
• Maintain compliance with local health department regulations and sanitation standards.
• Support emergency procedures when necessary.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support banquet operations during high-volume periods.
• Assist with special events, holiday functions, and large conferences.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by hotel leadership.

Success in This Role

Successful Banquet Captains consistently demonstrate the following:

• Leads confidently during fast-paced events while maintaining composure.
• Creates exceptional guest experiences through professionalism and attention to detail.
• Communicates effectively with clients, banquet associates, culinary teams, and hotel leadership.
• Anticipates operational challenges before they affect service.
• Coaches associates while fostering teamwork and accountability.
• Maintains high service standards regardless of event size.
• Demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic hospitality environment.
• Supports operational goals while protecting the Marriott guest experience.

Qualifications & Skills

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent guest service and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to lead multiple associates simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of banquet service standards and event operations.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules.
• Commitment to Marriott's service culture and guest satisfaction.

Education & Experience

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous banquet, restaurant, hotel, or hospitality experience.
• Previous experience leading banquet teams or serving in a lead role preferred.

Preferred:

• Luxury or full-service hotel banquet experience.
• Marriott or branded hotel experience.
• Knowledge of Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Food Handler Certification (as required by local regulations).
• Responsible Beverage Service certification (as applicable).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate should possess the ability to:

• Interpret and execute Banquet Event Orders accurately.
• Lead banquet operations while maintaining exceptional guest service.
• Prioritize multiple events and changing operational demands.
• Communicate effectively with guests, associates, and leadership.
• Maintain professionalism during high-volume operations.
• Resolve guest concerns using sound judgment.
• Build collaborative relationships across hotel departments.
• Perform physical duties including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, carrying trays, pushing carts, and moving banquet equipment.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer HEI Hotels & Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Benefits

HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you!

For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs ​through EyeMed. ​Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.

HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Applicants with arrest or Conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.