Assistant Director Catering Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort – Miramar Beach, Florida

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is seeking an experienced, service-driven Assistant Director of Banquets to help lead one of the Emerald Coast's premier banquet and catering operations. Situated on a spectacular 2,400-acre resort featuring four championship golf courses, a luxury marina, Hotel Effie, Autograph Collection, and more than 90,000 square feet of meeting and event space, this position plays a vital role in delivering exceptional guest experiences for weddings, conferences, galas, corporate meetings, holiday events, and social celebrations.

The Assistant Director of Banquets partners closely with the Director of Banquets to oversee the daily operations of banquet service, ensuring exceptional hospitality, operational excellence, financial performance, and team development. This leader will motivate and mentor a large banquet staff while maintaining the highest standards of luxury service and guest satisfaction.

• Assist in planning, organizing, and directing all banquet and catered events across the resort.
• Lead banquet operations during conferences, weddings, meetings, golf tournaments, holiday events, and special functions.
• Ensure flawless execution of banquet event orders (BEOs) and event timelines.
• Partner with Catering, Conference Services, Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, Housekeeping, Audio Visual, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution.
• Conduct daily pre-shift meetings and communicate event expectations with banquet teams.
• Supervise banquet captains, supervisors, bartenders, servers, setup staff, and housemen.
• Monitor staffing levels and create efficient labor schedules based on business demands.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Develop future banquet leaders through ongoing coaching and mentorship.
• Ensure compliance with resort service standards, health department regulations, and food safety practices.
• Maintain liquor control and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Oversee banquet room setups to ensure accuracy according to BEO specifications.
• Inspect event spaces before, during, and after events to maintain luxury presentation standards.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally while exceeding guest expectations.
• Monitor labor costs, payroll, scheduling, and departmental expenses.
• Assist in managing banquet inventories, equipment, linens, china, glassware, and operating supplies.
• Work closely with the Director of Banquets to improve operational efficiencies and guest satisfaction scores.
• Support department budgeting, forecasting, and achievement of financial goals.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and safety standards.
• Serve as Manager on Duty for banquet operations during evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.

• Minimum 5 years of banquet or food & beverage leadership experience in a luxury hotel, resort, convention hotel, or conference center.
• Previous experience managing high-volume banquet operations with multiple simultaneous events.
• Strong knowledge of banquet service standards, food presentation, wine service, and event logistics.
• Experience supervising large hourly teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple events while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of banquet event software, POS systems, Microsoft Office, and scheduling software.
• Ability to read and interpret Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and floor diagrams.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak business periods.
• Alcohol service certification or ability to obtain certification.

• Luxury resort or convention hotel experience preferred.
• Marriott brand experience is a plus.
• Previous experience overseeing events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout large event venues.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and reach overhead frequently.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work long shifts during weddings, conferences, and special events.
• Must possess excellent manual dexterity and mobility to inspect multiple event locations throughout the resort.
• EOE M/D/F/V