Banquet & Event Manager
East Lansing, MI
Lead High-Impact Events in a Premier Hospitality Environment
Salary: $56,000 - $70,000
Comprehensive Health Benefits + Exceptional Retirement Package
Harper Associates has been exclusively retained for this search.
We’re seeking an experienced Event Manager / Banquet Manager / Catering Manager to oversee the execution of large-scale events, conferences, weddings, and corporate functions across the Kellogg Hotel & Center and Michigan State University venues, including Breslin Center and Munn Ice Arena.
This is a hands-on hospitality leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced food & beverage operations and delivers exceptional guest experience in high-volume event environments. Bonus for Spartan athletics fans who would like to be totally immersed in the MSU sports atmosphere!
What You’ll Do
- Lead event execution for banquets, catering services, conferences, weddings, and social events
- Coordinate event logistics, including room setup, vendor management, audiovisual coordination, and service timing
- Partner with culinary and food & beverage operations teams to ensure seamless service delivery and high-quality presentation
- Oversee banquet operations, staffing, and labor scheduling for efficient event execution
- Manage event budgets, forecasting, inventory, and cost control to support revenue and operational goals
- Ensure accurate event billing, reporting, and financial reconciliation
- Hire, train, and supervise banquet staff, servers, and setup teams, supporting ongoing performance management and development
- Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations, ensuring a safe and professional environment
- Act as on-site leader for event coordination, troubleshooting, and real-time problem solving
What You Bring
- 1–3+ years of experience in banquet operations, catering services, or event management
- Background in hospitality management, hotel operations, or upscale catering environments
- Strong leadership experience managing teams in high-volume, customer-facing operations
- Knowledge of food safety, beverage service standards, and hospitality compliance
- Proven ability in event coordination, vendor management, and guest service delivery
- Strong communication, organizational, and guest experience management skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3–5+ years in hotel banquet or catering management
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or similar hospitality certification
- Chauffer’s license for driving catering trucks (must be willing to obtain if you don't already have it)
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $56,000 - $70,000 (based on experience)
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan with 5% employee contribution and 10% employer match
- Generous PTO including vacation, holidays, sick time, and winter break
Role Details
- On-site position in a dynamic university hospitality environment
- Active role requiring movement, setup, and lifting up to 75 lbs
- Exposure to event venues, kitchens, and large-scale guest operations
- Must be available for peak event scheduling and operational needs
Why This Role?
This is an opportunity to lead large-scale event operations in a high-visibility setting, working across premier venues while building expertise in hospitality management, banquet operations, and event leadership. Excellent career advancement opportunities!
Apply Now
If you’re ready to lead high-volume events, catering operations, and hospitality teams, please email your resume to kevin@harperjobs.com or hit apply below.
Kevin Swanquist
Executive Recruiter
Harper Associates
kevin@harperjobs.com
248-737-0222
www.harperjobs.com