Assistant Banquet Operations Manager – M/F

About the job

Company Description

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva with magnificent views of the Alps, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel is a prestigious establishment, part of the Accor group, the Fairmont brand, and affiliated with Swiss Deluxe Hotels. Boasting an unparalleled global reputation, featuring 236 luxurious rooms and suites and a highly refined gastronomic experience, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is truly an enchanting place. Its six restaurants and bars offer a wide selection of delights sure to satisfy the most discerning palates.

The Montreux Jazz Café is the perfect place to experience the Festival rhythm 365 days a year within the magical setting of the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace; MP’s Bar & Grill is a high-end restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, specialising in grills and unmatched in the region; and Funky Claude’s Bar is the must-visit spot to unwind late into the night, savouring an incredible selection of traditional and exclusive cocktails to the sound of the city’s best live music scene. The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace also specialises in organising congresses, meetings, and seminars. The Fairmont Spa is a 2000 m² wellness oasis dedicated to fitness, relaxation, and beauty.

Job Description

Reporting to the Banquet & La Palmeraie Operations Manager, the key responsibilities and functions of the role include, but are not limited to:

Leadership & People

• Be a visible and exemplary hands-on leader.
• Cover for the Manager during their absence.
• Develop, coach, and support employees in their growth.
• Identify talents and contribute to succession planning.
• Conduct regular performance and development reviews.
• Foster a culture of engagement, recognition, and accountability.
• Manage conflicts and maintain a positive work environment.
• Ensure effective communication between different teams and departments.
• Be responsible for employee engagement and well-being.

Financial Management

• Participate in monitoring the department’s P&L.
• Regularly control personnel costs according to budgets.
• Optimise productivity.
• Monitor labour ratios.
• Contribute to the annual budget and monthly forecasts.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Contribute to achieving GOP targets.

Banquet Operations

• Simultaneously supervise multiple events.
• Ensure proper execution of BEOs.
• Check room set-ups before each event.
• Coordinate with Kitchen, Stewarding, Technical Service, and Housekeeping.
• Participate in daily operational meetings.
• Organise post-event debriefings.

Guest Experience

• Be present with guests during events.
• Anticipate guests’ needs.
• Manage VIP requests and special events.
• Create personalised experiences.
• Turn complaints into loyalty opportunities.
• Encourage upselling and additional sales.

Quality & Standards

• Ensure compliance with Fairmont and Accor standards.
• Ensure adherence to LQA standards.
• Monitor Voice of Guest (VOG) indicators.
• Develop, implement, and follow up on action plans from LQA, Voice of Guest, and TrustYou audits.
• Conduct regular quality audits.
• Ensure compliance with emotional and technical standards.

Agency Staff Management

• Develop a sustainable partnership with agencies.
• Select the best temporary staff profiles.
• Organise the integration of temporary staff.
• Evaluate performance after each assignment.
• Build a pool of qualified temporary staff.
• Control hours and associated costs.
• Implement a recruitment and retention strategy for a regular temporary team, optimising personnel costs and ensuring better operational continuity.

Administration & Planning

• Prepare weekly schedules.
• Prepare personnel forecasts.
• Control timesheets.
• Ensure employee records are up to date.
• Ensure compliance with HR procedures.

Commercial Performance

• Identify opportunities for additional revenue.
• Optimise the use of event spaces.
• Collaborate with Sales & Events to anticipate operational needs.
• Support the commercial success of events.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure application of HACCP standards.
• Ensure compliance with allergen regulations.
• Ensure adherence to hygiene procedures.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Guarantee the safety of employees and guests.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in upscale catering, including significant experience in Banquet operations.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in team management or supervision. (1 year seems a bit low for a hotel like Fairmont Montreux Palace.)
• Recognised qualification in service.
• Experience in 5* hospitality.
• Written and spoken proficiency in French and English.
• Knowledge of a third language is an asset.
• Knowledge of OperaCloud is an asset.
• Previous experience with a point of sale system (POS).
• Comfortable with IT tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, payroll system).
• Team supervision skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility regarding working hours.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to focus on guests’ needs while remaining calm and courteous at all times.

Physical requirements of the role: 

Physical requirements of the role include, but are not limited to:

• Constant: standing and walking throughout the work period.
• Constant: lifting and carrying loads.
• Frequent: kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting.
• Frequent: climbing up or down stairs and ramps.

Additional Information

Our Fairmont Values

Respect:
We value the needs, ideas, and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Belonging:
We celebrate our differences. We support one another and always stand together.

Empowerment:
We have the power to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences.

Excellence:
We build genuine connections and cherish every opportunity to make those around us feel special.

Diversity and Inclusion

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talents thrive. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

Employee Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague benefits, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays at Fairmont and Raffles properties, special discounts on dining and wellness services, and additional luxuries to enhance your experience.
We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits.