Banquet Manager

Banquet & Event Manager

East Lansing MI

Lead High-Impact Events in a Premier Hospitality Environment

Salary: $56000 - $70000

Comprehensive Health Benefits Exceptional Retirement Package

Harper Associates has been exclusively retained for this search.

Were seeking an experienced Event Manager / Banquet Manager / Catering Manager to oversee the execution of large-scale events conferences weddings and corporate functions across the Kellogg Hotel & Center and Michigan State University venues including Breslin Center and Munn Ice Arena.

This is a hands-on hospitality leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced food & beverage operations and delivers exceptional guest experience in high-volume event environments. Bonus for Spartan athletics fans who would like to be totally immersed in the MSU sports atmosphere!

What Youll Do

• Lead event execution for banquets catering services conferences weddings and social events
• Coordinate event logistics including room setup vendor management audiovisual coordination and service timing
• Partner with culinary and food & beverage operations teams to ensure seamless service delivery and high-quality presentation
• Oversee banquet operations staffing and labor scheduling for efficient event execution
• Manage event budgets forecasting inventory and cost control to support revenue and operational goals
• Ensure accurate event billing reporting and financial reconciliation
• Hire train and supervise banquet staff servers and setup teams supporting ongoing performance management and development
• Maintain compliance with food safety sanitation and alcohol service regulations ensuring a safe and professional environment
• Act as on-site leader for event coordination troubleshooting and real-time problem solving

What You Bring

• 13 years of experience in banquet operations catering services or event management
• Background in hospitality management hotel operations or upscale catering environments
• Strong leadership experience managing teams in high-volume customer-facing operations
• Knowledge of food safety beverage service standards and hospitality compliance
• Proven ability in event coordination vendor management and guest service delivery
• Strong communication organizational and guest experience management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 35 years in hotel banquet or catering management
• Experience with budgeting forecasting and revenue management
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or similar hospitality certification
• Chauffers license for driving catering trucks (must be willing to obtain if you dont already have it)

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $56000 - $70000 (based on experience)
• Comprehensive benefits including medical dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with 5% employee contribution and 10% employer match
• Generous PTO including vacation holidays sick time and winter break

Role Details

• On-site position in a dynamic university hospitality environment
• Active role requiring movement setup and lifting up to 75 lbs
• Exposure to event venues kitchens and large-scale guest operations
• Must be available for peak event scheduling and operational needs

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to lead large-scale event operations in a high-visibility setting working across premier venues while building expertise in hospitality management banquet operations and event leadership. Excellent career advancement opportunities!

If youre ready to lead high-volume events catering operations and hospitality teams please email your resume to or hit apply below.

Kevin Swanquist

Executive Recruiter

Harper Associates

Required Experience:

Manager