Arian James
San Diego,CA
Summary
I am a sales professional who developed a passion for the hospitality industry upon entering it. Soon after, I transitioned into the Event team, which eventually led me into management. Having gained experience as an Event Manager in operations, I now currently oversee the Event department as the Event Sales Manager for two distinct restaurant concepts. My objective is to ensure 100% guest satisfaction by fulfilling all private event requirements and delivering both efficient and exceptional service to every guest at my establishments. I possess a proven track record of successful and profitable sales, managing and securing over 700 events annually while consistently meeting all budgetary targets. I have an average of 4 million dollars in sales a year and have an 18% lead conversion rate. I am a proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. I am known for reliability and efficiency in getting back to any and all inquiries. I use these qualities to drive my teams success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event Sales Manager
Lou & Mickey's Steak House and Water Grill San Diego
10.2022 - Current
- Generate an average of 4 million in sales a year, selling 2 fine dining restaurant locations
- Sell, contract, and execute an average of 700+ events a year
- Plan and organize private events start to finish using the Triple Seat database. All inwhich included menus, floor plans, outsourced vendors, decorations, audio and visual, linen, glass ware and desserts. Ensuring all guests hit or exceed there F&B minimums.
- Run all reports and communication through Triple Seat and CTuit Data bases.
- Reports include: weekly sales report, comp analysis, convention research, assisting in all budget making for both locations, referall reports
- Host a weekly Private Event meeting with both restaurant teams: Responsible for communicating and coordinating with FOH and BOH managers, chefs, and crew to present a smooth-running/executed event.
- Quote F&B minimums based off clients and our company’s needs/requirements.
- Executed all SMERF segmented events
- Current member of the Gaslamp Association and SDTA
- Participate in the concierge outreach program
- Execute all SMERF and social segmented events
- Ran all reports and communication on Triple Seat Database.
- In charge of communicating and coordinating with the FOH and BOH managers, chefs, and crew, to produce a smooth-running event.
- Estimated F&B minimums, based off client and company needs and/or requirements.
- Accommodated birthday parties, corporate meetings/business events, wedding receptions, reunions, etc.
- Participated in the concierge outreach program.
- Planned and hosted full restaurant buy-outs.
- Built and created menus with the chefs/kitchen to meet customer needs.
- Major emphasis on connecting with the host of the event, to assure a relationship for future bookings/repeat business.
Event Operations Manager
Lou & Mickey's Steakhouse and Water Grill San Diego
07.2021 - 10.2022
- Ran all event operations for both locations: floor plans, outsourced vendors, set ups, menus, food execution
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event details from the Sales Manager
- Handled all final payments for event vendors
- Utilized Triple Seat Database to create standard guidelines, calendars, local business, staffing pars
- Coordinated florists, Audio & Visual, desserts, moving companies etc.
- Identified all customer needs and closed out all events with highly satisfied success rate.
- Recruited, hired, and trained Event Coordinators utilizing a specifically training manuel tailored to them
- Ensured all fine dining standards were met in the execution of all event needs
- Reduced operational risks while overseeing the event take place
- Confirmed crew scheduling needs via Dayforce.
Event Coordinator
Lou & Mickey's Steakhouse
06.2019 - 07.2021
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Coordinated the schedule/ timeline of all events.
- Completed events check utilizing Aloha POS system
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events with the guests or kitchen
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event. Sending off all event recap reports at the end of each day.
Server, Bartender
Bongiovanni's Italian Restaurant
06.2019 - 10.2022
- Server
- Bartender
Restaurant Hostess
Lou and Mickey's Steakhouse
03.2019 - 07.2019
- Well versed with the system OpenTable.
- Experience with a very fast paced restaurant environment. Completing over 500 covers in a single shift.
Physical Therapist Aide/Office Coordinator
Physiofixx
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Physical Therapist Aide
- Receptionist/Office Coordinator
- Completed all data entry with Thera office, Excel, and Microsoft.
- Insurance verification, billing, and payment processing.
- Filing, faxing, statements, and plan of care reports for all patients.
- In charge of marketing/social media for company.
Education
High School Diploma -
Granite Hills High School
El Cajon, CA06-2018
Esthetician License - Esthetician
California Hair Design Academy
La Mesa, CA08-2021
Skills
- Sales pipeline management
- Customer engagement
- Social media marketing
- Brand promotion
- Performance tracking
- Goal orientation
- Team building
- Time management abilities
- Lead identification and generation
- Competitive analysis
- Decision-making
- Multitasking
- Cross-functional teams leadership
- Vendor and contract negotiations
- Event sales
- Managing events start to finish
- Project oversight
- Budgeting and finance
- Food service
- Schedule management
- Event billing
Certification
- Food handlers license
- RBS Certified
- ABC license
Timeline
Event Sales Manager
Lou & Mickey's Steak House and Water Grill San Diego
10.2022 - Current
Event Operations Manager
Lou & Mickey's Steakhouse and Water Grill San Diego
07.2021 - 10.2022
Event Coordinator
Lou & Mickey's Steakhouse
06.2019 - 07.2021
Server, Bartender
Bongiovanni's Italian Restaurant
06.2019 - 10.2022
Restaurant Hostess
Lou and Mickey's Steakhouse
03.2019 - 07.2019
Physical Therapist Aide/Office Coordinator
Physiofixx
06.2018 - 04.2019
High School Diploma -
Granite Hills High School
Esthetician License - Esthetician
California Hair Design Academy