Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Berna L. Ruiz Rodriguez

Elizabeth City

Summary

Dynamic Catering and Events Manager with a proven track record at Aramark, excelling in menu development and team leadership. Enhanced client satisfaction through innovative event design and streamlined operations, achieving consistent on-time delivery of services. Committed to continuous improvement and fostering a collaborative work environment for high-performing teams.

Professional with hands-on experience in catering and event management, equipped to drive successful events through strategic planning and execution. Skilled in team leadership and collaboration, ensuring smooth operations and adaptability to changing needs. Expertise in client relations, budget management, and logistics coordination, consistently delivering high-quality results. Effective communicator with keen eye for detail, focused on enhancing guest experiences and achieving organizational goals.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Catering and Events Manager

Aramark at ECSU
07.2022 - Current
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes.
  • Implemented innovative marketing strategies to attract new clientele and expand business reach.
  • Collaborated closely with culinary teams to create customized menus that delighted guests while adhering to dietary restrictions.
  • Ensured strict adherence to health and safety regulations through regular inspections and employee education initiatives.
  • Coordinated logistics for seamless event execution, including venue selection, setup, teardown, and transportation of materials.
  • Maintained excellent food quality standards by creating menus tailored to specific client requirements.
  • Streamlined event management processes for increased efficiency and improved customer experiences.
  • Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring maximum value for clients and the company.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by meticulously planning and executing high-quality catering events.
  • Mentored junior staff members, increasing overall team performance and job satisfaction.
  • Achieved consistent on-time delivery of catering orders by implementing efficient scheduling systems.

Catering and Events Manager

ARAMARK, Higher Education
08.2017 - 06.2022
  • Successfully managed multiple simultaneous events without compromising quality or exceeding budget constraints.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to secure new business opportunities and increase revenue growth.
  • Achieved consistent on-time delivery of catering orders by implementing efficient scheduling systems.
  • Mentored junior staff members, increasing overall team performance and job satisfaction.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by meticulously planning and executing high-quality catering events.
  • Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring maximum value for clients and the company.
  • Maintained excellent food quality standards by creating menus tailored to specific client requirements.
  • Streamlined event management processes for increased efficiency and improved customer experiences.
  • Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.

Cake Decorator

Toque De Azucar
03.2015 - 07.2017
  • Designed specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
  • Assisted customers with selecting suitable cake designs based on their preferences, demonstrating excellent listening skills and attention to detail.
  • Handled phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders, and ordering conflicts.
  • Consistently met customer expectations through clear communication regarding design specifications and delivery timelines.
  • Kept work area safe and sanitized by washing utensils, tools, and countertops.
  • Developed a loyal clientele through exceptional customer service and high-quality cake decorations.
  • Adapted quickly to new tools or technology used in cake decoration processes, staying current with industry advancements and trends.

Senior Food Service Director

Hilton Buffalo Thunder
09.2010 - 06.2015
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Centro De Estudios Multidisciplinarios
Humacao, Puerto Rico
08-2009

No Degree - Culinary Arts

Technical Vocational Institute
Albuquerque, NM
05-1999

Skills

  • Food presentation
  • Menu development
  • Venue selection
  • Event design
  • Team leadership and supervision
  • Food service
  • Deadline management
  • Guest relations
  • Continuous improvement
  • Client meetings
  • Operations oversight

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Catering and Events Manager

Aramark at ECSU
07.2022 - Current

Catering and Events Manager

ARAMARK, Higher Education
08.2017 - 06.2022

Cake Decorator

Toque De Azucar
03.2015 - 07.2017

Senior Food Service Director

Hilton Buffalo Thunder
09.2010 - 06.2015

Associate of Science - Nursing

Centro De Estudios Multidisciplinarios

No Degree - Culinary Arts

Technical Vocational Institute