CATHERINE HENNING
Austin,Texas
Summary
Results-driven sales professional with strong expertise in catering and hospitality. Proven ability to develop client relationships, create strategic sales plans, and drive revenue growth. Focused on team collaboration, adaptability, and delivering exceptional service. Skilled in event planning, contract negotiation, and customer satisfaction.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
CATERING SALES MANAGER
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
08.2023 - Current
- Negotiate contracts, group and catering business and drive strategies to develop long term business relationships and repeat business
- Develop and maintain strong interdepartmental relationships and open communication lines to assure efficient transfer of information
- Produce and distribute accurate banquet/catering event orders, timelines, diagrams, and providing unique specialized menus
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Ruminate Distilling, Island Getaway Rum
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed and executed full spectrum logistics for large scale events on and off site
- Initiated key performance metrics and other strategies to drive company goals operationally
- Identified and maximized potential sales opportunities, overseeing purchasing, cost of goods and training strategies for internal teams
CATERING OPERATIONS MANAGER
Cater2Me
05.2017 - 03.2022
- Collaborated nationally with local food vendors, full-service caterers, and restaurants to create custom meal plans and events tailored to corporate clients
- Managed full spectrum of client services including; proposals, cost negotiation, event logistics, and communication between vendors, company, and clients
- Maintained long standing relationships with corporate clients, meal planning, and provided remote support to new and emerging markets
CATERING SALES & EVENT MANAGER
Montvale Plaza Event Center
01.2015 - 03.2017
- Developed new and managed existing accounts increasing sales in corporate, social, and government markets with unique event experiences
- Lead solicitation efforts for new business including networking events, outside sales calls, site visits, and written communication
- Created proposals, contract negotiation, and pricing for event space and all aspects of food and beverage
OWNER-GENERAL MANAGER
Froots Franchising LLC
05.2009 - 12.2014
- Owned and operated a successful quick service restaurant on a military base, maximizing sales and exceeding profit expectations
- Responsible for hiring, training, staff development, scheduling, procurement, menu planning, inventory control, budgeting, managing food and labor costs, and ensured that all health and safety regulations were strictly observed
- Provided training for new franchisees and served as a training facility for the corporate office
- Developed a loyal customer base in addition to a large catering clientele and maintained excellent customer relations by providing superior quality service
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
01.2007 - 04.2009
- Planned and implemented conferences, meetings, and special events for the corporate market
- Managed and assigned duties to event staff and coordinated schedules for museum viewing, program needs, and catering options
- Prepared contracts for clients regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the use of the facility
- Conducted post-event reviews in order to analyze successes and challenges faced
CONSULTANT
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - Clairol Professional
02.1996 - 04.2003
- Represented Clairol Professional at Regional and National Trade Shows
- Planned and organized all details for trade events, training and educational materials, and promotional items to increase exposure and brand awareness
- Responsible for training in salon educators including annual performance evaluations
TERRITORY SALES MANAGER
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - Clairol Professional
02.1994 - 01.1996
- Promoted new products and designed programs to grow key salon accounts and chain salon business
- Identified new business opportunities and built relationships with key distributors
- Increased overall sales in assigned territory through education, creative customized programs, and cultivating strong customer relationships with salon owners
CATERING SALES MANAGER
West Point Officers Club
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Managed catering operations including menu planning, food and beverage selection, room set-ups, A/V needs, scheduling staff and monitoring inventory levels
- Successfully managed multiple events and functions simultaneously using effective management skills
- Created detailed proposals for prospective clients outlining event details, pricing structure, and timeline for delivery of services
Education
Bachelor Of Science (B.S.) - Hotel Restaurant Management
University Of Massachusetts at Amherst
Skills
- Strong negotiation skills
- Event planning proficiency
- Sales Strategy Implementation
- Staff Training and Development
Timeline
CATERING SALES MANAGER
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
08.2023 - Current
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Ruminate Distilling, Island Getaway Rum
05.2022 - 06.2023
CATERING OPERATIONS MANAGER
Cater2Me
05.2017 - 03.2022
CATERING SALES & EVENT MANAGER
Montvale Plaza Event Center
01.2015 - 03.2017
OWNER-GENERAL MANAGER
Froots Franchising LLC
05.2009 - 12.2014
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
01.2007 - 04.2009
CONSULTANT
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - Clairol Professional
02.1996 - 04.2003
TERRITORY SALES MANAGER
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - Clairol Professional
02.1994 - 01.1996
CATERING SALES MANAGER
West Point Officers Club
01.1993 - 01.1994
Bachelor Of Science (B.S.) - Hotel Restaurant Management
University Of Massachusetts at Amherst
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