Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Byron Cerre

Byron Cerre

New Orleans,LA

Summary

Proven results in customer service, administrative and operational experience with a emphasis on hotel guest service, VIP customers and all aspects of hotel operations. Highlights include ability to mange complex operational processes, relationships, capital projects and long term planning across multiple facets of an organization, always keeping customer service experience front of mind. Skilled in forecasting, budget management and staff development. Detail-oriented mult-tasker who thrives in fast paced environments. Executive Committee.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Operations

Astor Crowne Plaza
01.2024 - Current
  • Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
  • Led cross-functional teams for successful completion of projects, resulting in increased productivity.
  • Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
  • Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
  • Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
  • Drove revenue growth through the identification of new market opportunities and the expansion of existing products/services offerings.

F & B Director

Astor Crowne Plaza
12.2021 - Current
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
  • Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
  • Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.

Banquet Captain/ Manager and Restaurant Manager

Westin New Orleans
01.2017 - Current
  • Supervised and mentored kitchen and serving staff.
  • Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
  • Established and maintained equipment inventory for accurate tracking, record keeping and to avoid loss.
  • Implemented successful strategies to increase customer satisfaction.
  • Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
  • Arranged furniture and equipment to maximize space and floor plan for seamless movement during functions.
  • Created and managed accurate occupancy forecasts and budgets.
  • Set up and broke down conference and banquet rooms to meet facility standards and specifications.
  • Hired, trained and scheduled staff to maintain adequate coverage for successful operations.
  • Negotiated with vendors to obtain favorable rates for goods and services while maintaining good working relationships.

Banquet Captain/ Manager

Couvant Restaurant
08.2018 - 03.2020
  • Processed customer payments to accurately record transactions.
  • Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
  • Organized banquet storage and surrounding areas to facilitate access to products and materials.
  • Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
  • Asked diners about meals to assess satisfaction and collect vital feedback to improve operations.
  • Established and maintained equipment inventory for accurate tracking, record keeping and to avoid loss.
  • Added food items, beverages, and utensils to trays and immediately delivered to correct rooms.

Head Banquet Captain/ Manager

Brennan's Restaurant
01.2012 - 12.2016
  • Assisted customers in selecting menu items, answering questions and providing general information.
  • Delegated tasks to staff members to maximize production under tight deadlines.
  • Provided exceptional service to guests by immediately addressing needs and requests.
  • Oversaw timeliness and quality of food delivery at high-volume events.
  • Processed customer payments to accurately record transactions.
  • Served meals to customers according to established guidelines.
  • Organized and oversaw food service training to educate employees on resetting tables, relaying orders to cooks and upselling food and beverages.
  • Asked diners about meals to assess satisfaction and collect vital feedback to improve operations.
  • Organized banquet storage and surrounding areas to facilitate access to products and materials.

Restaurant Manager

Orleans Cafe
01.2008 - 03.2013
  • Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
12.1991

High School Diploma -

Jesuit High School, New Orleans, LA
05.1986

Skills

  • Guest Relations
  • Financial Reporting
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Process Management Oversight
  • Leadership Training
  • Operations Oversight
  • Capital Spending
  • Strategic Planning
  • Cost Control
  • Financial Oversight
  • Needs Assessment
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Effective leader

Timeline

Director of Operations - Astor Crowne Plaza
01.2024 - Current
F & B Director - Astor Crowne Plaza
12.2021 - Current
Banquet Captain/ Manager - Couvant Restaurant
08.2018 - 03.2020
Banquet Captain/ Manager and Restaurant Manager - Westin New Orleans
01.2017 - Current
Head Banquet Captain/ Manager - Brennan's Restaurant
01.2012 - 12.2016
Restaurant Manager - Orleans Cafe
01.2008 - 03.2013
Xavier University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Biology
Jesuit High School - High School Diploma,
Byron Cerre