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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Event Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

EventsHospitalityManagementSupervisory

🎯 Role Definition

An Event Supervisor is the on-the-ground leader and driving force behind the successful execution of events. This role serves as the crucial link between the event plan and its real-world implementation, overseeing all on-site logistics, managing event staff, and acting as the primary point of contact for clients. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, combining logistical prowess with exceptional leadership to ensure every event dettaglio is flawlessly managed, brand standards are upheld, and every guest experience is memorable. You are the director of the live show, ensuring сценарий unfolds perfectly from setup to breakdown.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Event Coordinator
  • Banquet Captain
  • Lead Server / Lead Bartender
  • Catering Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Event Manager
  • Director of Catering & Events
  • Venue Manager
  • Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Hospitality Manager
  • Client Relations Manager
  • Vendor-side Sales Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide direct, on-the-floor supervision and leadership to all event staff, including servers, bartenders, setup crew, and temporary personnel, to ensure optimal performance and adherence to service protocols.
  • Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for clients, vendors, and venue contacts, proactively addressing inquiries, accommodating last-minute requests, and resolving issues to ensure complete client satisfaction.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-event briefings (pre-cons) with the entire event team to meticulously review the Banquet Event Order (BEO), delegate tasks, clarify timelines, and align on service expectations.
  • Oversee the complete event lifecycle, from the initial room and table setup, through the live event execution, to the final breakdown and cleanup, ensuring all phases meet or exceed company standards.
    -g- Manage the logistical flow of the event, including catering delivery, rental drop-offs, audiovisual setups, and entertainment schedules, to ensure seamless transitions and timing.
  • Enforce all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, as well as responsible alcohol service policies (TIPS/ServSafe), to maintain a secure and compliant environment for both guests and staff.
  • Actively monitor and maintain the quality of food and beverage presentation and service throughout the event, coordinating directly with culinary teams to address any discrepancies or timing issues.
  • Perform quality control checks on all event elements, including lighting, sound, décor, and room temperature, making adjustments as necessary to create the desired guest atmosphere.
  • Train, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to event staff, fostering a positive, motivating, and high-performance team culture.
  • Manage and troubleshoot any on-site technical issues with audiovisual (A/V) equipment, POS systems, or other event-related technology, escalating to technical support when required.
  • Skillfully handle and de-escalate any client complaints or guest-related issues with professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset, ensuring a positive outcome.
  • Oversee event-closing procedures, including the accurate reconciliation of billing, processing of final payments, and management of beverage and supply inventories.
  • Coordinate with all third-party vendors (e.g., florists, photographers, entertainers) on the day of the event to ensure their services are delivered on schedule and as contracted.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed event reports, documenting staff performance, client feedback, operational challenges, and any incidents for post-event analysis and future improvement.
  • Manage the proper care, movement, and storage of all event equipment, including linens, furniture, and serviceware, to prevent damage and maintain inventory.
  • Ensure the event space is set up precisely according to the BEO and floor plan specifications, paying close attention to details like place settings, centerpieces, and signage.
  • Flexibly adapt to unforeseen circumstances and last-minute changes, making decisive and effective adjustments to the event plan without compromising quality or the guest experience.
  • Assist in the scheduling of event staff, ensuring appropriate staffing levels are maintained to match the scope and scale of each event.
  • Monitor staff breaks and hours to ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies while maintaining seamless service coverage.
  • Uphold the venue's aesthetic and brand standards at all times, ensuring the physical space and staff presentation are consistently impeccable.
  • Collaborate with the Event or Sales Manager post-event to debrief on successes and areas for improvement, contributing to the refinement of operational procedures.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Event Manager in the creation and refinement of staff training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Contribute to post-event reporting by providing detailed feedback on staff performance, client satisfaction, and operational challenges.
  • Support the sales and planning teams by participating in site visits and client walkthroughs to provide operational insights and expertise.
  • Manage and reconcile petty cash, liquor inventory, and other event-related assets, ensuring accurate accounting and loss prevention.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Event Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Caterease, Tripleseat, Cvent, or similar BEO management systems.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and Outlook for reporting, scheduling, and communication.
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Experience operating and troubleshooting common restaurant or event POS systems.
  • Basic A/V Knowledge: Familiarity with the setup and basic operation of microphones, projectors, and sound systems.
  • Inventory Management: Skills in tracking, controlling, and reconciling food, beverage, and equipment inventory.
  • Health & Safety Compliance: Certification or strong knowledge of ServSafe, TIPS, and local food handler regulations.
  • Budget Tracking: Ability to monitor event-related expenses and labor costs against a predefined budget.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Leadership & Team Motivation: The ability to inspire, direct, and manage a diverse team under pressure.
  • Grace Under Pressure & Adaptability: Maintaining a calm, professional demeanor while navigating the dynamic and often chaotic event environment.
  • Advanced Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: The capacity to quickly identify, assess, and resolve unexpected issues as they arise.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An obsession with getting the small details right, from table settings to event timelines.
  • Client-Centric Service Orientation: A genuine passion for delivering an exceptional experience and exceeding client expectations.
  • Superior Communication & Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, staff, and vendors.
  • Strategic Time Management & Multitasking: Juggling multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously without sacrificing quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor’s degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Hospitality Management
  • Event Management
  • Business Administration
  • Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of progressive experience within the events, catering, or hospitality industry.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 1-2 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity (e.g., Banquet Captain, Lead Server, Shift Supervisor) is highly preferred. Proven experience managing staff and executing events from start to finish is a significant asset.
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