Assistant Banquet Manager – Arabic Speaker
AccorHotel · Abu Dhabi, UAE
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star Abu Dhabi beach resort with a stunning setting on Abu Dhabi Creek. Our luxurious urban hideaway offers unparalleled panoramas over the glittering white-marble minarets of iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Alongside exquisite restaurants and bars, Fairmont Abu Dhabi boasts 366 spacious rooms, suites and a villa. Designed with discerning business and leisure guests in mind, our incomparable facilities include a private beach, pool, meeting rooms, and a magnificent ballroom for lavish celebrations.
- Assist the Banquet Manager in overseeing all banquet operations, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, social gatherings, and special events.
- Ensure all events are executed seamlessly in accordance with the approved banquet event orders (BEOs), hotel standards, and guest expectations.
- Coordinate with the Sales, Events, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, and Engineering teams to ensure all event requirements are met.
- Monitor event setup, food and beverage service, table arrangements, and overall presentation to ensure the highest standards.
- Conduct pre-event briefings with the team to communicate event details, service requirements, and special guest requests.
- Supervise the smooth execution of events and promptly address operational challenges.
- Deliver personalized and memorable guest experiences in line with Fairmont’s luxury service standards.
- Communicate professionally with Arabic-speaking and international guests, ensuring their requirements are understood and met.
- Handle guest feedback, special requests, and service recovery situations promptly and professionally.
- Build strong relationships with clients and event organizers to support guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Supervise, motivate, and guide banquet colleagues to maintain high standards of service and teamwork.
- Assist with colleague training, coaching, performance monitoring, and development.
- Prepare duty assignments and coordinate staffing requirements according to event schedules and business levels.
- Conduct team briefings and ensure colleagues understand their responsibilities and service expectations.
- Foster a positive working environment that reflects Fairmont’s values and culture.
- Support the Banquet Manager in monitoring operating costs, labour productivity, and departmental expenses.
- Assist in controlling food and beverage wastage, breakages, and operating supplies.
- Ensure accurate completion of banquet checklists, event reports, and other required documentation.
- Support revenue optimization through efficient resource planning and the identification of additional guest requirements.
- Ensure compliance with hotel policies, food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and UAE health and safety requirements.
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of all banquet areas and equipment.
- Ensure responsible handling of hotel assets, equipment, and operating supplies.
- Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, and operational concerns promptly.
- Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in banquet operations or food and beverage service within a luxury hotel or upscale hospitality environment.
- Previous supervisory experience in banquet operations is essential.
- Experience handling weddings, corporate functions, conferences, and large-scale events is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of banquet service standards, event setups, food and beverage operations, and guest service procedures.
- Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory, both written and spoken.
- Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, according to business requirements.