Celina Emerson
Catering Manager
Oakville,WA
Summary
Catering Manager with 11+ years of experience in serving and managing events, up to date Class 12 and Food Handler's Permit. Adept at working as part of a team and as lead, participating and managing team of servers and bar staff on parties ranging from a few to serval hundred. Outgoing and detail-oriented, proficient at great customer service with clients when working catering sales. Efficient and organized at managing catering warehouses and day to day operations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Server, Bartender, Cashier and Server Lead
Tuxedos And Tennis Shoes Catering
06.2022 - Current
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Checked identification for minimum age for sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Consulted with clients to confirm objectives and requirements for events to make sure everything went smoothly.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Managed teams of people to successfully run an event to completion.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Worked at all company locations, primarily Benaroya Hall and the T-Mobile Bellevue Headquarters.
Catering Sales Associate
On Safari Foods
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Coordinated catering events by collaborating with clients to understand their needs and preferences.
- Assisted in preparing proposals and contracts for various catering services, ensuring clarity and compliance.
- Consistently exceeded monthly booking quotas through diligent follow-up with potential clients and proactive sales strategies.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Supported the execution of events by coordinating logistics, including setup and breakdown of equipment.
- Developed relationships with vendors to secure quality products and services for catered events.
- Contributed to marketing efforts by creating promotional materials showcasing catering offerings and packages.
- Streamlined event planning processes, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction through improved communication methods.
- Developed tailored proposals for potential clients, highlighting unique selling points of the company''s catering services to secure business deals.
- Proficient in Caterese.
Warehouse Manager
Kaspars Catering And Special Events
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Created Pack Lists from event orders
- Maintained consistent communication with Sales Staff to ensure accuracy in the event packs.
- Maintained an updated inventory on all Catering Equipment and in house rentals.
- Trained all new warehouse employees.
- Maintained upkeep and damage records on all the company vans.
- Improved delivery plans for take home dinners with strong scheduling knowledge, organizational skills and route development expertise.
- Safeguarded warehouse operations and mitigated liability by establishing and implementing employee training on safety and security protocols.
- Oversaw upkeep of equipment and physical condition of warehouse, identifying and ordering needed repairs, renovations and replacements.
- Redesigned warehouse layout to accommodate new equipment, maximize space utilization and optimize processes.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
Banquet Manager
Jewel Hospitality
01.2019 - 07.2021
- Supervising service staff to ensure timely and accurate room set up of food and beverage service per banquet order specifications.
- Ensure that presentation of all food and beverage is in accordance with banquet order.
- Greeting event contacts upon arrival; retain a visible presence throughout the event; resolve guest conflict and answer questions to customer’s satisfaction.
- Immediately contact supervisor and/or management with any unsolved issues during the event.
- Training banquet staff in proper set up, serving, and clean up procedures.
- Maintaining strict control over all company owned equipment.
- Cleaning and storing all equipment in a secure manner.
- Enforcing uniform and dress code standards.
- Overseeing the activities of the banquet staff to ensure accurate and timely banquet service.
- Conducting on site banquet event order meetings prior to each event.
- Communicating any maintenance issues to the management including banquet equipment repair or safety issues.
- Delegating to staff all needed cleaning of Banquet area throughout event.
- Performing all duties and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with established company policies and procedures to achieve the overall objectives
- At all times projecting a favorable image of the company to the public
- Supervised and mentored kitchen and serving staff.
- Directed and managed banquet functions for up to 300-person events.
Sales Manager
Pyramid Catering
04.2018 - 05.2019
- Seasoned in Seattle Catering/Pyramid Catering
- Produced Sales Proposals for potential clients and maintained communication with them up through their Event.
- Wrote correspondence to customers and vendors as well as scheduled Tastings, Rentals, Appointments & Deliveries.
- Performed various office tasks as needed and assigned including answering phones.
- Managed company staff payroll for kitchen and front of the house staff.
- Conducted onsite visits with clients to help plan their events.
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction.
- Attended industry shows, conventions, and other meetings with primary mission of expanding market opportunities.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
Operations Manager
Pyramid Catering
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Seasoned in Seattle Catering/Pyramid Catering
- Created Pack Lists from Event Orders.
- Packed and Loaded up Catering Equipment into the Van or Truck for each Event when needed.
- Delivered and Set-Up Events when needed.
- Arranged all weekly linen, catering supplies & beverage orders.
- Gassed up and Maintained all Company Vehicles.
- Performed various other logistics tasks as needed.
- Maintained updated inventory of all catering equipment and in house rentals.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Hired and trained new staff for warehouse and event jobs.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Event Lead, Bartender, Banquet Server & Delivery Driver
Seasoned In Seattle Catering
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Pyramid Catering & Seasoned in Seattle Catering
- Packed and Loaded up Catering Equipment into the Van or Truck for each Event.
- Coordinated with Chef and Kitchen Staff for Menu Specifics, Assembly Requirements and Safe Delivery of Food.
- Delivered and Set up the event as well as directing all staff and maintaining clear communication with the Client throughout the event.
- Coordinated all Clean up and Pack up of all company supplies and bringing everything back and putting away.
- Proficient in Set-Up, Service and Tear Down of Wine, Beer and Mixed Drink Bars.
- Current Class 12 Permit.
- Recruited and trained new bartenders and barbacks to help maintain talented team.
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights and weekends.
- Polished glassware, bussed tables and removed debris to keep customer areas clean.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Delivered catered food and supplies to facility for on-time set-up.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Prepared serving and appetizer trays and set tables at diverse events.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
Assistant Production Manager
BumbleB Design
06.2006 - 02.2015
- Produced all Gift Orders in accordance with the base design given.
- Effectively staged room and delegated warehouse staff to ensure the efficient completion of large orders for shipment and delivery.
- Successfully managed production activities to achieve on-time shipment of orders.
- Created shipping labels and maintained order organization so packages were not missed.
- Delivered gift orders to both private residences and company’s in the Seattle area.
- Picked up any last minute or emergency inventory orders to complete a large scale order on time.
Education
Associate of Arts Degree -
North Seattle College
Seattle, WA 09.2016 - 06.2019
Workshop -
Sinclair And Moore
Seattle, WA 04.2018 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Business Management
Washington State University
Global Campus 05.2001 -
Skills
Exceptional customer service
Strong work ethic
Sales Expertise
Food Preparation and Safety
Banquet Coordination
Responsible Alcohol Service
Staff Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Proficient in Square and Heartland
Guest relations management
Sales expertise
Order accuracy
Food preparation and safety
Banquet coordination
Table setting knowledge
Food station setup
Beverage preparation
Responsible alcohol service
Staff Management
Coaching and mentoring
Time management skills
Timeline
Catering Sales Associate
On Safari Foods
11.2023 - 10.2024
Server, Bartender, Cashier and Server Lead
Tuxedos And Tennis Shoes Catering
06.2022 - Current
Warehouse Manager
Kaspars Catering And Special Events
06.2021 - 07.2022
Banquet Manager
Jewel Hospitality
01.2019 - 07.2021
Sales Manager
Pyramid Catering
04.2018 - 05.2019
Workshop -
Sinclair And Moore
04.2018 - 10.2018
Operations Manager
Pyramid Catering
01.2017 - 04.2018
Associate of Arts Degree -
North Seattle College
09.2016 - 06.2019
Event Lead, Bartender, Banquet Server & Delivery Driver
Seasoned In Seattle Catering
01.2015 - 01.2017
Assistant Production Manager
BumbleB Design
06.2006 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Business Management
Washington State University
05.2001 -