Competition: Banquet & Special Events Manager

Al Rashid Cultural Association is currently accepting applications from forward thinking people to fill the position of a full time Banquet & Special Events Manager.

Al Rashid Cultural Association is a non-profit organization and a subsidiary of the Arabian Muslim Association (AMA) which is a charitable organization providing religious, social, educational and cultural services to the Muslim community of central and northern Alberta, since 1938. The AMA has played an integral part in advancing and promoting Muslims’ issues in the City of Edmonton and throughout the Province of Alberta.

Position Abstract: This challenging and exciting role is a key organizational position providing the planning, organizing and the direction of the service of food & beverages for banquets, conferences, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals, fundraisers and other special events and social functions.

The Banquet & Special Events Manager performs and/or delegates a wide range of duties including but not limited to the following:

Banqueting Duties:

 promote and market the banquet facilities and services to potential customers
 negotiate, design and implement public relations campaigns
 co-ordinate arrangements such as room, hall and/or gymnasium rentals
 discuss requirements with customers
 develop banquet menus in consultation with caterers, chefs or cooks, accommodating any special dietary requirements
 develop yearly plans, agendas and programs
 determine requirements for serving staff and supplies
 negotiate contracts with suppliers (with board approval)
 plan, supervise and/or assist in, everything from the set up prior to the function to the tear down and clean up afterward
 develop work schedules and supervise food services during the function
 ensure that equipment is properly cleaned and maintained
 follow up with clients after functions and deal with customer complaints
 recruit, train and supervise chefs, cooks or serving staff, volunteers and support staff as necessary to ensure that service standards are met
 purchase supplies
 supervise food preparation and food and beverage service during the function
 ensure safe food handling practices during preparation, transport and service

Organizing Special Events:

 identify the objectives of the event and determine the requirements that must be met to accomplish those objectives (for example, facilities and services)
 meet with trade and professional associations and other groups to promote conference, convention and trade show services and research potential sponsors
 meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan event scope and format
 market events and promote sponsorships
 establish and monitor budgets, review administrative procedures and discuss progress
 co-ordinate building and property services (for example, audiovisual and technical details, decorations, seating, special effects, etc.)
 develop crowd management and risk management systems
 co-ordinate other necessary services (for example, accommodation and transportation for participants, catering, signage, displays, translation services, audio-visual equipment, printing, security)
 deal with any problems that arise
 plan entertainment and social gatherings for participants
 receive and process registrations, organize admissions, parking, security and emergency services
 negotiate rates with suppliers, controlling expenses, administer financial procedures, contracts for services, approve invoices, maintain financial records, prepare or review final billing for the event
 prepare event minutes and reports for the Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors

Financial duties:

 prepare monthly/yearly budgets
 assist in developing annual reports for the organization’s annual general body meetings
 assist in processing accounts payable & receivable, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of information
 assist in collecting unpaid deposits, rents, fees and/or charges
 assist in coding and filing financial material according to established records management procedures
 assist in administering petty cash according to established procedures as required
 assist with financial reports and month end duties as required

Personal characteristics
Banquet & Special Events managers must have the following personal characteristics:

 excellent communication and presentation skills
 excellent organizational and time management skills
 problem solving skills
 ability to work effectively with all sorts of people
 ability to pay close attention to details
 ability to work well under pressure and make responsible decisions quickly
 ability to work alone or as part of a team
 flexibility and creativity.

Educational requirements

 Preferred related post-secondary education/certification or commensurate experience
 food and beverage service training and food safety training
 experience in dining room management
 food allergy training
 computer skills
 business management knowledge and skills related to planning, accounting, marketing, staffing and administration.

Working conditions
Banquet & Special Events Managers often work long hours that include evenings, weekends and holidays. Assisting staff may involve heavy lifting.

Special conditions
Being an Islamic organization, there are few restrictions on some food and drink items, such as alcohol and pork:
 No alcohol processed and/or served anywhere throughout the whole organization.
 No pork meat, pork products and/or pork by-products are processed and/or served anywhere throughout the whole organization.
Submitting the Application:

Please forward (in confidence) your resume and three references to:
“The Selection Committee” by responding to this ad.

Application Deadline: January 31st, 2013

Salary: Competitive salary and benefits are offered, commensurate with experience and education.
Al Rashid Cultural Association thanks all applicants; however only those selected for an interview
will be contacted.