Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Crystal Smith

Buda,TX

Summary

Ambitious Catering/ Sales Manager with 15 years of experience leading efficient and profitable service teams. Successful at meeting client needs while increasing revenue by driving sales. Committed to top-tier customer service and upholding professional, approachable attitude.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Catering Manager

Austin Catering
05.2022 - Current


  • Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing overall team performance.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper food handling procedures and adhering to health department regulations.
  • Proactively addressed any issues or concerns from clients or staff members promptly and professionally resolved them.
  • Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
  • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers and overall catering needs.
  • Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Assisted in event setup and teardown, ensuring a smooth transition between functions.
  • Developed rapport with clients through attentive listening and effective communication skills, leading to repeat business opportunities.
  • Received positive feedback from clients regarding attention to detail, promptness, and overall professionalism during catered events.
  • Boosted efficiency during high-volume events through proactively identifying potential bottlenecks in service flow and communicating solutions promptly with team members.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes in menu items, guest count, or event timeline to maintain a high level of service quality.

Senior Catering Manager

Black’s BBQ
08.2020 - 03.2022
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing exceptional catering services for various events.
  • Streamlined event planning processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
  • Managed a team of catering professionals, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality services.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to promote catering services and expand clientele.
  • Successfully managed multiple events simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills and flexibility under pressure.

Executive Assistant

SJG Corp ( The Salt Lick Corperate Office )
03.2017 - 03.2020
  • Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
  • Enhanced productivity by organizing travel arrangements and coordinating accommodations for executives.
  • Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
  • Improved office efficiency by implementing new filing systems and document management processes.
  • Assisted in the development of company policies and procedures, contributing to a more organized work environment for multiple restaurant locations.
  • Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
  • Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
  • Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
  • Collaborated on special projects to improve overall business operations within the organization efficiently.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors leading to improved contract terms resulting in cost savings for the company.
  • Answered high volume of phone calls and email
  • Improved customer service policies to maximize satisfaction and build brand loyalty.
  • Monitored customer reviews and feedback to maintain satisfaction and provide superior customer service.
  • Managed multiple social media platforms, ensuring a consistent brand voice and message.
  • Provided exceptional customer service through timely and thoughtful responses to user comments and messages.
  • Boosted engagement rates with the creation of compelling and visually appealing content.

Venue Manager

The Salt Lick BBQ
01.2010 - 03.2017

Managed creative , technical and logistical aspects of weddings and social events as it relates to venue operations, including, but not limited to, facility tours, organizing outside vendors, and coordinating menus with our catering team and Chef

• Responded to venue rental inquiries via phone and email.

• Lead on sales and marketing campaigns and networking events, including but not limited to bridal events, trade shows, and continuing education seminars

• Presents venue and amenities in a favorable manner while adjusting sales presentation delivery to suit specific audiences

• Worked closely with a broad range of individuals, organizations, and personalities to identify, understand, and meet their event goals through services and facilities

• Planned meetings with couples to assist with creating menus, floor plans, rooming lists, answering general venue questions, and offering upsells and recommendations as appropriate

• Coordinates with our Executive Chef regarding all aspects of event catering requirements.

• Closely communicates with client throughout event planning and during event; conducts follow up survey and seeks social media recommendation

• Executes of all tasks in a timely manner, including invoicing of clients, communication with clients and team, as well as post-event follows up

• Scheduling staff for all events with clear objectives and directions, empowering them to exceed guests expectations whenever possible

• Supports staff and remains flexible and willing to help any department as needed .

• Ensure operations align with health and safety regulations and crowd management

  • Increased event bookings by developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and vendors.
  • Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times.
  • Streamlined venue operations for better efficiency and cost reduction by implementing new management systems.

Server Shift Leader

The Salt Lick BBQ
04.2002 - 03.2010
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing personalized solutions.
  • Streamlined shift operations for increased efficiency by implementing effective delegation and task prioritization.
  • Increased team productivity with thorough training sessions and consistent performance feedback.
  • Improved overall restaurant cleanliness, adhering to strict health and safety standards during each shift.
  • Maximized guest satisfaction by maintaining high-quality food presentation and ensuring prompt service.
  • Reduced wait times for guests by optimizing table turnover rates through proactive communication with servers.

Assistant Manager

The Bake House
01.1997 - 03.2002
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
  • Streamlined store operations for increased efficiency, implementing new processes and procedures.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.
  • Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
  • Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
  • Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
  • Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.

Education

Dripping Springs High School
Dripping Springs, TX
05.1997

Skills

  • Menu development
  • Staff Supervision
  • Event planning proficiency
  • Lead prospecting
  • Weddings background
  • Marketing knowledge
  • Staff Scheduling
  • Staff Leadership
  • Food Safety
  • Employee Supervision
  • Strategic Planning
  • Relationship Building
  • Event Coordination
  • Sales Promotion

Timeline

Catering Manager

Austin Catering
05.2022 - Current

Senior Catering Manager

Black’s BBQ
08.2020 - 03.2022

Executive Assistant

SJG Corp ( The Salt Lick Corperate Office )
03.2017 - 03.2020

Venue Manager

The Salt Lick BBQ
01.2010 - 03.2017

Server Shift Leader

The Salt Lick BBQ
04.2002 - 03.2010

Assistant Manager

The Bake House
01.1997 - 03.2002

Dripping Springs High School
Crystal Smith