Conference and Banqueting Manager The National Liberal Club
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Whitehall Place SW1A 2HE

Conference and Banqueting Manager

About us

The National Liberal Club is London’s most inclusive private members club with a philosophy to celebrate difference and enjoy life. Founded in 1882, the Club occupies a historic building overlooking the Thames, and offers its members and guests an oasis of calm, comfort, and elegance in the heart of Westminster. 

Job Types:                            Full-time, Permanent

Location:                             London SW1, Office Based

Pay:                                      £40,000 per annum 

Expected hours:                 40 per week 

Shift and schedule:           Monday to Friday, 8-hour shift (some Weekends in accordance with the events and business requirements) 

Main responsibilities

  • Monitor the North Star System for all confirmed F&B events and ensure all F&B events are organised and planned for in good time, liaising with the Member/External event contact as required.
  • Ensure the Club’s Function Rooms, furniture and fixtures are maintained to a high standard and equipment is in good working order. Report any maintenance issues to the Facilities Manager & maintenance log.
  • Ensure banquet glassware, crockery and cutlery is in sufficient supply, good condition and clean.
  • Plan the layout and organise the setup of function rooms. Oversee the placement of tables, chairs, cutlery, plates, glasses, table linens, centrepieces, heating lamps, serving utensils and carving stations.
  • Oversee the banqueting staff during a banqueting event to ensure the banquet service (seating of guests, serving of meals and beverages, and clearing of tables) is delivered in a timely manner and to the standards prescribed, accommodating any last-minute changes and special requests so that expectations are exceeded where this is possible.
  • Complete satisfaction checks and resolve service issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Train the banqueting team to meet and greet Members and guests, serve food and drinks in accordance with the Club’s standards, and assist Members, guests, colleagues and contractors in a polite and helpful manner, including use of the Club’s audio visual equipment.
  • Ensure all members of the Banqueting team are aware and accountable for their responsibilities.
  • Write and implement Banqueting SOP’s for Banqueting operational procedures and set ups
  • Monitor individual performance within the Banqueting team and ensure SOPs are being followed. Provide on the job training as required.
  • Ensure all catered functions are appropriately resourced, working with the Dining Room Manager and Bar Supervisor to share resource and arrange temporary banqueting resource when required.
  • Maintain a trained team of casual banqueting temps. 
  • Manage the cost of Linen suppliers based on business levels
  • Provide effective communication to the team and ensure an up to date knowledge of all current and future event details.
  • Ensure a positive work environment is maintained and resolve staff concerns quickly and efficiently.
  • Provide cover for Food and Beverage colleagues as required.
  • Provide Duty Supervisor cover when required as part of the Duty Supervisor rota.
  • Set a good example to the Banqueting team through good time keeping, attendance and teamwork.
  • Address any attendance or timekeeping issues taking appropriate action as required.
  • Conduct regular stock takes to maintain an accurate inventory of Banqueting glassware, tableware and cutlery. 
  • Embrace feedback to ensure continuous improvement, high standards and Member satisfaction.
  • Carry out other reasonable duties delegated to you by Management, and assist colleagues, in other departments as required.
  • Ensure correct H&S and Hygiene is being maintained across the department areas. Records keeping and DD is being upheld and filed accordingly 
  • Chair weekly BEO meetings linking events with operations and plan for the week ahead.

To be successful in this role, you should possess the following:

Skills, abilities, and attributes

  • A passion for food, beverage and excellent customer service.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative under pressure.
  • Resilient with the ability to keep calm under pressure.
  • Effective communication skills at all levels.
  • Well organised with effective multi-tasking and time management skills and good attention to detail.
  • Member focused with excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible and diplomatic approach.
  • Ability to develop good working relationships both upwards and downwards.
  • Motivated to achieve continuous improvement and high standards.
  • Ability to lead and direct a team.
  • IT literate and competent user of Microsoft office packages including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Good administrative skills including record keeping.
  • Ability to anticipate, identify and solve problems.
  • High standard of personal presentation.

Experience and Knowledge

  • Experience as a Manager or Supervisor in a private members club, luxury hotel or fine dining restaurant. 
  • Banqueting service experience essential.
  • Event planning experience desirable.
  • Detailed knowledge of food and beverage. 
  • Experience of supervising and training a small team.
  • Extensive knowledge of catering equipment.
  • Experience of working with events management software.
  • Good working knowledge of health and safety and COSHH regulations.

Qualifications

  • Accredited Certificate or Diploma in Catering, Culinary Arts, or Hospitality is desirable but not essential.

Benefits:

  • Complimentary meals while on duty.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • 20 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
  • Company sick pay, life assurance and season ticket loan on successful completion of the probationary period.
  • Annual staff fund (bonus).

If you believe you meet the above qualification, please send your CV today to hr@nlc.org.uk or/ you could search us on Indeed and apply directly. 

Conference and Banqueting Manager
The National Liberal Club

Recruiter

The National Liberal Club

Location

Whitehall Place SW1A 2HE

Salary

Per annum

Job Type

Full Time

Reporting To

Executive Chef & Head of F&B

Closing Date

31 December 2024

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