Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Abigail Childress

San Diego,CA

Summary

Talented Banquet Manager offering 17 years of F&B experience in multiple park operations settings. Dedicated to enhance employee satisfaction and business success. Diplomatic and friendly with strong dedication to employee training and satisfaction. Hardworking team player bringing necessary experience and knowledge to tackle any operations demand.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Banquet Manager

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
05.2022 - Current
  • Plan and execute high profile event for Celebrities, Philanthropy, VIP, Internal and External clients
  • Recognized by Philanthropy, Executive Team and Leadership for the creativeness and execution of events
  • Execute small group events to large, multiple venue events
  • Developed a comprehensive training program for Catering and the Watering Hole Restaurant
  • Elevated overall banquet experience by incorporating creative table settings, equipment, food stations, and venue floorplans
  • Collaborate with Safari Experience by offering a Mimosa, Twilight, Beer Safari and Wine Safari experience
  • Introduced park wide changes in the Retail Department
  • Emerging Leader Program graduate
  • Adhere to safety procedures and incorporated safety equipment to reduce injury and loss time
  • Provided exceptional service to guests by immediately addressing needs and requests
  • Oversee timeliness and quality of food at all level of events
  • Community engagement through social media networking
  • Collaborate with multiple departments to achieve common goals. Work closely with Event Sales, Executive Chef, Guest Services, Audio and Visual, C&M, B&G, Horticulture
  • Train new hires on company policies, procedures, and service standards. Fostering a cohesive team environment and strive towards the organization goal of being employer of choice
  • Coordinate with vendors to provide seamless event experiences, from setup to end of event
  • Nurture strong relationships with guests by resolving concerns in a professional and timely manner


Operations Manager

Point Loma Nazarene University- Sodexo
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Planned high volume special events and high end catering
  • District safety coordinator: safety committee meetings, safety training, food safety audits
  • Tracked all work related injuries
  • OSHA 10 trained
  • Scheduled food stations for Resident Dining meal plan and external customers
  • Trained staff on allergen program and stations: International Flavors, Vegan, Gluten-free, local organic
  • Implemented training program to maintain high standards of customer service
  • Maintained facility sanitation using SOP's
  • Tracked food production levels, meal counts and supply costs
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members

Banquet Manager, Operations Manager

Sea World San Diego & Aquatica
04.2016 - 03.2021
  • Planned events for groups of 50 to large convention style of 3,000+ guests
  • Assisted in the planning of the yearly Seven Seas Food Festival (park wide event)
  • Coordinated floor plans and table layouts for all catered events and venues
  • Handled catering scheduling and assignments
  • Assessed budget plans and present costs to forecast trends and recommend changes
  • Oversaw multi-million dollar facilities generating an increase of 10% in EBITDA
  • Collaborated to revamp catering packages to increase sales and customer experience with a financial growth of 7% to budget
  • Implemented preventive maintenance practices and upheld equipment guidelines to reduce downtime
  • Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction
  • Scheduled staff of 60+ for Catering and Restaurant Operation
  • Reviewed and approved employee schedules and timesheets
  • Orchestrated positive customer experiences at all stages by overseeing every area of culinary operations
  • Oversaw training of more than 100 team members
  • Responsible for multiple operations: Catering, QSR, and food stands

Supervisor

Sea World San Diego & Aquatica
05.2009 - 04.2015
  • Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge and customer demands
  • Conducted new hire training for seasonal employees; cabana servers, food service employees and merchandise clerks
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows to meet any daily demand
  • Monitored employee performance and provided coaching and constructive guidance to address areas of concern
  • Conducted scheduled and impromptu evaluations to assess work performance
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods


Assistant Supervisor

Sea World San Diego
06.2007 - 05.2009
  • Recommended changes to policies and procedures to maximize team efficiency and productivity
  • Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts
  • Evaluated employees' strengths and assigned tasks based upon experience and training.
  • Mentored new team members on POS system operation, customer service strategies and sales goals
  • Worked extra shifts during busy periods and covered for call-in employees to maintain service levels
  • Displayed working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Maintained updated training records for all culinary operations employees

Education

Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management

California College-San Diego
San Diego, CA

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Catering Services
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Scheduling
  • Budgeting
  • Business Administration
  • Training
  • Detail-oriented
  • Customer Service
  • Corrective Action
  • Event Planning
  • Performance Improvement
  • Menu Pricing
  • Food Allergies
  • POS Terminal Operations
  • Expense Tracking

Timeline

Banquet Manager

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
05.2022 - Current

Operations Manager

Point Loma Nazarene University- Sodexo
08.2021 - 05.2022

Banquet Manager, Operations Manager

Sea World San Diego & Aquatica
04.2016 - 03.2021

Supervisor

Sea World San Diego & Aquatica
05.2009 - 04.2015

Assistant Supervisor

Sea World San Diego
06.2007 - 05.2009

Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management

California College-San Diego

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Abigail Childress