Assistant Banquet Manager - Arabic Speaker

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star Abu Dhabi beach resort with a stunning setting on Abu Dhabi Creek. Our luxurious urban hideaway offers unparalleled panoramas over the glittering white-marble minarets of iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Alongside exquisite restaurants and bars, Fairmont Abu Dhabi boasts 366 spacious rooms, suites and a villa. Designed with discerning business and leisure guests in mind, our incomparable facilities include a private beach, pool, meeting rooms, and a magnificent ballroom for lavish celebrations.

Job Description

• Assist the Banquet Manager in overseeing all banquet operations, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, social gatherings, and special events.

• Ensure all events are executed seamlessly in accordance with the approved banquet event orders (BEOs), hotel standards, and guest expectations.

• Coordinate with the Sales, Events, Culinary, Stewarding, Housekeeping, and Engineering teams to ensure all event requirements are met.

• Monitor event setup, food and beverage service, table arrangements, and overall presentation to ensure the highest standards.

• Conduct pre-event briefings with the team to communicate event details, service requirements, and special guest requests.

• Supervise the smooth execution of events and promptly address operational challenges.

• Deliver personalized and memorable guest experiences in line with Fairmont’s luxury service standards.

• Communicate professionally with Arabic-speaking and international guests, ensuring their requirements are understood and met.

• Handle guest feedback, special requests, and service recovery situations promptly and professionally.

• Build strong relationships with clients and event organizers to support guest satisfaction and repeat business.

• Supervise, motivate, and guide banquet colleagues to maintain high standards of service and teamwork.

• Assist with colleague training, coaching, performance monitoring, and development.

• Prepare duty assignments and coordinate staffing requirements according to event schedules and business levels.

• Conduct team briefings and ensure colleagues understand their responsibilities and service expectations.

• Foster a positive working environment that reflects Fairmont’s values and culture.

• Support the Banquet Manager in monitoring operating costs, labour productivity, and departmental expenses.

• Assist in controlling food and beverage wastage, breakages, and operating supplies.

• Ensure accurate completion of banquet checklists, event reports, and other required documentation.

• Support revenue optimization through efficient resource planning and the identification of additional guest requirements.

• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and UAE health and safety requirements.

• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of all banquet areas and equipment.

• Ensure responsible handling of hotel assets, equipment, and operating supplies.

• Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, and operational concerns promptly.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Administration, or a related field is preferred.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in banquet operations or food and beverage service within a luxury hotel or upscale hospitality environment.

• Previous supervisory experience in banquet operations is essential.

• Experience handling weddings, corporate functions, conferences, and large-scale events is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of banquet service standards, event setups, food and beverage operations, and guest service procedures.

• Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory, both written and spoken.

• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, according to business requirements.