Alba Martinez
Catering Manager
Lake Bluff,IL
Summary
Adaptable Catering Manager with 7 years of experience. Quick problem solver and detailed event planner. Successful at catering for up to 300 people with staff of 25 and remaining calm in high-demand situations. Efficient Catering Manager with extensive knowledge of leadership and training. Service-centric event planner and client advocate dedicated to service excellence. Innovative and quick problem solver with outstanding eye for detail and organized scheduling.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Manager
Events By M
11.2019 - Current
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
-
Catering Manager
Mission BBQ
12.2018 - 11.2019
- Attending weekly conference calls.
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase company revenue.
- Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, decorations and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Supervise catering operations including such duties as coordination of staff members and rental equipment, detail preparations before events, set-ups, and break down of catered areas.
- Communicated with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
- Participated in planning meetings, site visits and vendor evaluations to enhance quality of client services.
- Weekly tastings for future wedding couples.
-
Assistant Manager
Mission BBQ
05.2018 - 11.2019
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve customer service and satisfaction.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Mentored and motivated team members to achieve challenging business goals.
- Building relationships within the community and serving as a liaison between several charitable organizations and the management team.
Office Manager
Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant
04.2016 - 05.2018
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Served as a liaison between the corporate office and the restaurant staff.
- Manage payroll and benefits for the employees, organized bonuses, salary raises, and health benefit packages.
- Manage and schedule interview between managers and potential employees.
-
Floor Manager
Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant
04.2016 - 05.2018
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
- Ensuring exceptional customer service for all dining guest.
- Capable of adapting to high level business in a positive manner and always with a great outlook.
- Overseeing employees' work performances to guarantee compliance with company's policies, regulations and safety.
- Assisting in the development and retention of an effective team.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established and optimized schedules to keep coverage and service in line with forecasted demands.
Server Trainer, Bartender, and Shift Lead
California Pizza Kitchen
11.1996 - 06.2016
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Monitored new server performance and offered continuous support throughout training period.
- Helped store management meet standards of service and quality in daily operations.
- Restaurant lead and head server, main bartender and shift lead.
- Trainer for the company for 10 years and part of the opening team for various stores.
- Always able to multitask and exceed expectations of service.
- Build relationships with customers to ensure frequent repeated business.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL12.2016
Skills
- Member Services
- Station Preparation
- Event Planning Proficiency
- Table Layout
- Proper Storage Procedures
- Menu Development
- Catering Consultation
- Guest Relations
- Brand Loyalty
- Calm and Pleasant Demeanor
Timeline
Catering Manager
Events By M
11.2019 - Current
Catering Manager
Mission BBQ
12.2018 - 11.2019
Assistant Manager
Mission BBQ
05.2018 - 11.2019
Office Manager
Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant
04.2016 - 05.2018
Floor Manager
Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant
04.2016 - 05.2018
Server Trainer, Bartender, and Shift Lead
California Pizza Kitchen
11.1996 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Northeastern Illinois University
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