San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Banquet Manager is responsible for all internal and external banquet operations. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to event operations, leadership of the team, food and beverage execution, and coordination of catering events. This position reports to the Associate Director of Retail Operations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversees banquet event operations including planning and coordination of all banquet events, collaborating with other departments, staffing of events, food and beverage execution, and ensuring the highest quality guest experience. In addition, will provide oversight to other operational areas as needed including quick service restaurants/retail.
• Leads and inspires the banquet team and is responsible for hiring, training and development, mentoring, and performance management. Fosters an environment that encourages innovation and sharing of ideas. Is focused on building relationships and providing encouragement and recognition to staff.
• Oversees all inventory-related activities for front of house banquet operations as well as any additional assigned food service areas. Is responsible for inventory control, ordering, managing supplies, and storage and maintenance of equipment/supplies.
• Exercises fiscal responsibility for front of the house banquet operations. Ensures that all banquet and catering functions are aligned with the departmental budget established by the director of the department. Manages employee cash control and register functions.
• Ensures compliance with health, safety, sanitation and alcohol awareness standards for banquet operations.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
JOB EXPERIENCE

• 2-3 years experience managing large and small catered and VIP events
• Experience working with represented labor unions

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in hospitality, business administration or a related field
• Servsafe Certification within 90 Days

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Outstanding customer service skills and the ability to diffuse complex situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and motivate a team in a diverse environment
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Able to operate Point of Sale (POS) systems
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult situations using effective service recovery best practices to yield a high level of customer satisfaction
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and events with competing deadlines using effective time management principles
• Knowledge of Safe Food Handling requirements
• Understanding of budgets and profit and loss statements

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Position
• Salary Rate: $86,200 to $95,320  

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.