Director of Banquet (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria

Job description

With thousands of hotels in over 100 countries and territories, Hilton offers countless opportunities to delight. From an open door to a welcoming smile and an exceptional experience, we offer the millions of travellers who stay with us every year a welcome they will never forget. In addition to our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the family of brands includes Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad, Canopy, Curio Collection, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and many others.

If you appreciate the impact global travel can have on the world, you may be just the person we are looking for to work as a Hilton Team Member. Because it’s with Hilton where we never forget the reason we're here: to delight our guests, Team Members, and owners alike.

Are you a visionary hospitality leader with a passion for orchestrating extraordinary events and a talent for creating unforgettable guest experiences? We invite you to bring your expertise to our prestigious 5-star luxury hotel, where excellence, elegance, and innovation define every occasion. As our Director of Banquets, you will oversee the planning and execution of world-class banquets, gala dinners, and bespoke celebrations, ensuring flawless service and seamless coordination across every detail. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team, elevate our banquet operations, and craft memorable moments that reflect the artistry and prestige of hospitality at its finest.

 

What will I be doing?

As the Director of Banquet, you will be responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:

Operations

· Ensure all banquet setups (buffets, meetings, coffee breaks, receptions, etc.) are flawlessly aligned and executed in accordance with BEO specifications.

· Confirm event spaces are immaculate and fully prepared at least one hour prior to start time.

· Maintain a strong floor presence to oversee operations, address guest concerns, and guarantee seamless service delivery.

· Uphold service excellence by enforcing SOPs and sequences of service tailored to each event type.

· Partner with the banquet team on setup, breakdown, and maintaining pristine operational areas.

· Conduct thorough pre-function checks to validate room layouts, AV, lighting, and décor against client expectations.

· Collaborate with Culinary and Stewarding to ensure timely, coordinated food and beverage service.

· Lead, train, and mentor the banquet team, fostering a culture of precision, efficiency, and service excellence.

· Delegate responsibilities effectively to ensure consistency and smooth event execution.

· Conduct daily pre-shift briefings to communicate event details, special requests, and service standards.

· Ensure banquet checklists are diligently completed and signed off by the Banquet-in-Charge.

Culture

· Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment that promotes teamwork and accountability.

· Maintain respectful, supportive relationships across the team, encouraging collaboration and mutual trust.

· Uphold impeccable grooming, uniform presentation, and professional conduct standards.

· Champion workplace ethics, ensuring a harassment-free and violence-free environment.

· Recognize outstanding performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Administration

· Conduct monthly inventory of linens, glassware, cutlery, and banquet equipment to minimize losses and optimize stock.

· Enforce SOPs for asset management, ensuring timely cleaning, replenishment, and readiness.

· Report maintenance issues promptly to avoid operational disruptions.

· Collaborate with Accounts and Purchasing to manage inventories, analyze usage, and optimize stock levels.

· Ensure accurate recording of all F&B sales in the POS system.

· Prepare weekly function forecasts, detailing staffing, equipment, and resource requirements.

Financial

· Monitor and control banquet expenses, including labor costs, ensuring optimal resource allocation.

· Minimize waste and breakage through training and adherence to SOPs.

· Assist in forecasting departmental expenses and implementing cost-control measures.

· Ensure strict compliance with cash handling procedures and accountability standards.

Guest & Team Member Experience

· Build strong client relationships, driving repeat business through exceptional service delivery.

· Handle guest requests with professionalism, ensuring satisfaction aligned with luxury standards.

· Convert potential leads into confirmed events, supporting revenue growth.

· Continuously monitor and elevate guest service standards.

· Address guest feedback in real time, documenting for future refinement.

· Ensure timely completion of Post-Event Logs to capture insights for improvement.

· Support team welfare and development through training, mentorship, and well-being initiatives.

· Promote punctuality and consistent attendance across all team activities.

Communication & Other Duties

· Ensure full compliance with Waldorf Astoria Brand Service Standards, consistently delivering a luxury banquet experience.

· Represent WA Kuala Lumpur with professionalism, fostering strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.

· Coordinate with Sales, Culinary, and Stewarding to align service delivery with guest expectations.

· Lead departmental meetings and briefings to ensure clear communication.

· Exemplify high standards of grooming, hygiene, and professional demeanor.

· Demonstrate ethical management behavior, embodying Hilton values at all times.

· Undertake additional duties as required to support banquet operations and departmental success.

What are we looking for?

A Director of Banquet serving Hilton Brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

· 3–5 years of banquet operations experience in a luxury hotel, with proven managerial responsibility.

· Strong knowledge of banquet setup, service flow, and BEO (Banquet Event Orders) execution.

· Solid understanding of banquet operations, event logistics, and service standards.

· Exceptional attention to detail in cleanliness, equipment presentation, and table settings.

· Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate a diverse team to deliver exceptional service.

· Quick decision-making and problem-solving skills under pressure.

· Proficiency in managing banquet equipment usage, tracking, and maintenance.

· Ability to multi-task and manage high-pressure events while maintaining quality standards.

· Strong guest engagement skills with the ability to address last-minute changes and requests.

· Flexibility to work varied schedules, including weekends and holidays, based on business demands.

· Capability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.

· Competence in operating banquet AV equipment, lighting systems, and sound setups.

· Physical fitness to lift, move, and arrange banquet equipment and furniture as required.

· Experience in budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!