BANQUET CAPTAIN

About our Company  

Ponte Family Estate Winery opened in 2003 and is a California based company operating in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country. We have been farming our vineyards since 1984 and are a real working winery, growing and producing over 20 estate grown varietals within certified sustainable facilities. 

We are located right next to our Four Diamond, 90 room, boutique hotel Ponte Vineyard Inn, and are surrounded by 300 acres of mature vineyards and views of rolling hills. We are a short drive from most of Southern California and enjoy hosting folks who want a break from city life. Our guests visit us seeking a relaxing day or overnight stay in the country.  

We have become the benchmark for great service among Temecula wineries. Our associates are dedicated to delighting guests by providing excellent hospitality and serving great wine and food in a beautiful environment.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Communicate with supervisor throughout shift to ensure efficiency, and report any concerns (safety, service, guest concerns etc.) 
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis. 
• Assist in any setup/reset for the event to the supervisors / coordinator’s / guest’s specifications. 

• Perform any other tasks as requested by Management. 
• Be willing to assist fellow associates and management as needed and be a team player. 
• Follow all health and safety regulations and maintain banquet cleanliness in front and back of the house. 
• Understand and reinforce the Ponte values and service standards to all banquet staff. 
• Be the main contact with the guest during the function and greets host in charge and respond to requests maintaining contact throughout the event; ensure guest satisfaction. 

• Monitor and handles guest complaints. 
• Manage the banquet staff including event duties and timing during events to ensure efficiency.  
• Manage all opening /closing side work. 
• Review setup to ensure it follows the Banquet Event Order including reviewing and implementing table and seating diagrams. 
• Maintain the authority to refuse alcoholic beverages to intoxicated customers and check guest ID’s as necessary. 

• Inspect staff uniforms at the beginning of each shift to ensure they meet company standards. 
• Liaison with housekeeping and maintenance to ensure facility remains clean and in repair. 
• Responsible for communication with the kitchen regarding food preparation and presentation as well as timing for the event. 
• Ensure banquet standard operating procedures are being followed. 
• Help set up and break down events or works the event floor as needed to ensure it exceeds the guests’ expectations. 

• Complete accurate bill according to BEO and obtain signature of host when hosted bar is increased or guest count is increased. 
• Manage inventory and operating procedures including controlling transfer and stocking inventory. 
• Control and limit waste. 
• Complete Captain’s Event Report for each event. 
• Complete closing checklist to secure the Winery for the night after each event. 

• Complete Beverage Consumption Report after every event. 
• Act as a mentor and provide training to other Ponte associates. 
• Understand and adhere to the Ponte values, safety and service standards. 
• Understand and adhere to environmental standards set by the winery. 
• Ensure the safety of guests and associates. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to treat all associates and guests in a respectful manner. 
• Ability to provide directions to associates in a respectful manner. 
• Exhibit integrity (honesty and truthfulness). 

• Must have excellent communication, multi-tasking and organizational skills. 
• Must have exceptional grooming standards that are consistent with company guidelines. 
• Must have the ability to communicate in English. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Self-starting personality and able to work with little direction. 

• Maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times. 
• Must be willing to assist co-workers with their job duties and be a team player. 
• Must be available weekends, nights, and holidays. 
• Ability to bend and stand for long periods of time in hot conditions and walking and lifting up to 50 lbs. 
• Requires a high level of professionalism with exceptional culture skills. 

• Ability to inspire and motivate associates. 
• Knowledge of food preparation and presentation. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to remain calm under pressure. 
• Must thrive in an ever-changing fast-paced environment. 

• 2-4 years of related experience. 
• FOODSAFE certification is required 
• RBS (responsible beverage service) certification is required.