About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

It’s About the Food!
Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. – YouTube

As the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award-winning culinary talent.

UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas’ first and only university dining hall certified Free From™ the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university’s first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts—all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.

Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant-forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus.

Position Overview

The Senior Banquet Manager for the UNT Dining -Catering Department is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of all banquet events on campus. This leadership position ensures that each event runs smoothly, meeting the highest standards of service, quality, and customer satisfaction. The Senior Banquet Manager will work closely with clients, event planners, culinary teams, and campus staff to organize and manage a wide variety of events.

Key responsibilities include managing a team of banquet staff, coordinating event logistics, ensuring adherence to budget and timeline requirements, and maintaining excellent communication with all customers, students, and staff. The Senior Banquet Manager will also be tasked with troubleshooting and resolving any operational issues that arise before, during, or after events. A focus on customer service excellence, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for success in this role.

This position requires a high level of organizational skills, leadership experience, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Senior Banquet Manager will report to the Director of Campus Catering and will play a key role in maintaining the reputation and success of the catering department.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in related field and three years' of experience in food service management; or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of dining, retail, and/or catering service operations. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of dietetics management knowledge and leadership skills related to business operations including planning, budgeting, organizing, controlling, and evaluating. Ability to analyze and solve problems, and make the necessary decisions on personnel, food preparation or food handling problems that may develop. Knowledge of cost and quality control techniques. Demonstrates good leadership skills and judgment. Skill in training, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinates. Ability to develop and present formal and informal training and development programs. Knowledge of safety and security precautions appropriate to work performed. Superior attention to detail to ensure that high profile catering events or special events are executed to meet the departments high quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in event planning, catering, or hospitality management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
Proven experience managing large-scale events and high-profile functions, including conferences and banquets.
Experience working in a collegiate or campus setting is a plus.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Must be Food Safe Certified or able to obtain certification within 6 months. 

Job Duties:

• Knowledge and understanding of executing Catering events to include deliveries, food and beverage breaks, seated plated events, receptions, galas and cookouts. 
• Be able to read, understand, extract information and execute events as detailed in BEOs using all processes and systems in place. Set up sheet, roll call, POGs, assignment sheets, room diagrams, setup and service standards, staff presentation, demeanor and closing procedures. Ensuring all policies of time, attendance, uniform and meal policies are followed. 
• Be able to execute multiple catering events in different locations simultaneously, following all processes and policies. 
• Be able to drive golf carts, vans and light trucks to transport materials, supplies, equipment, food, beverages and staff to different locations as required for the events. Be able to lift and load supplies into those vehicles as needed, using correct loading techniques 
• Clear understanding of event management with emphasis on hospitality and customer service to meet and exceed guest satisfaction for each event. 
• Proficient in software associated with event paperwork, employee management and office work associated with operations. 
• Takes quick action to correct substandard conditions (poor merchandising, poor food preparation, poor sanitation, unsafe working conditions). 
• Ability to work other dining services operations to include dining halls and retail outlets. Ability to work flexible schedule to include weekends and some holidays as needed. 

Work Schedule:

Hours Vary

Driving University Vehicle:

Yes

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.