Dawn Martinez
Farmersville,IL
Summary
Dynamic catering and operations leader with a proven track record at Full-Service Hospitality, excelling in revenue generation and event planning. Expert in menu development and contract management, I foster team collaboration and client satisfaction, driving significant increases in event bookings through innovative sales strategies and exceptional attention to detail. Proactive and goal-oriented with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth. Knowledgeable leader with robust background in managing high-volume events and ensuring client satisfaction. Proven track record of overseeing seamless operations, from initial planning to final execution, resulting in successful and memorable events. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership and vendor coordination, consistently delivering high-quality catering services.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Catering
Full-service Hospitality
08.2022 - Current
- Booked event facilities and coordinated set up and break down of both dining and kitchen areas.
- Reduced costs by renegotiating contracts with suppliers without compromising product quality or service levels.
- Coordinated closely with culinary teams to design customized menus tailored to each client''s preferences and budget constraints.
- Analyzed sales trends to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to achieve goals.
- Increased event bookings by developing and implementing strategic catering sales plans.
- Discussed client's event needs to develop recommendations for room options and possible menus.
- Increased event bookings by developing and implementing creative marketing strategies for catering services.
- Participated in industry networking events and trade shows, establishing valuable connections within the local catering community and expanding business opportunities.
- Trained and supervised team members to deliver top-notch service during large-scale catering functions.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement and teamwork in delivering exceptional service to clients.
- Regularly reviewed competitor offerings to stay informed about current market trends, ensuring that the company''s services remained competitive and attractive to clients.
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with personalized event planning and exceptional attention to detail.
- Responded to initial inquiries, coordinating facility tours and food sampling.
- Developed strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations, leading to increased referrals and repeat clientele.
Director of Operations
Full-Service Hospitality
02.2021 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the organization by enforcing compliance with established regulations, policies, procedures, as well as conducting regular checks.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences by implementing strategies focused on meeting evolving needs and expectations.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Improved team morale and reduced turnover by implementing series of employee engagement programs and personalized career development plans.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Director of Banquets
Full-service Hospitality
02.2021 - Current
- Streamlined banquet operations through the implementation of efficient processes and staff training initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, expediting their integration into the team and enhancing overall staff performance.
- Evaluated post-event feedback from clients to identify areas of improvement for future events, continually refining service offerings as needed.
- Collaborated with culinary teams to create customized menus that accommodated dietary needs while enhancing overall dining experience.
- Reduced customer complaints by proactively addressing potential issues and consistently exceeding service expectations.
- Managed budgets for multiple events simultaneously, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality standards.
- Increased revenue by strategically upselling additional services and customizing event packages for clients.
- Maximized team performance by providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and motivation to banquet staff members.
- Coordinated seamless transitions between events, optimizing room setups and teardowns to minimize downtime between functions.
- Established a positive work environment, fostering employee morale and reducing turnover rates among banquet personnel.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- 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.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lanphier High School
Springfield, IL01-1999
Skills
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Event planning proficiency
- Revenue generation
- Sales strategy
- Catering oversight
- Contract management
- Proposal development
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Goal setting and achievement
- Sales operations
Timeline
Director of Catering
Full-service Hospitality
08.2022 - Current
Director of Operations
Full-Service Hospitality
02.2021 - Current
Director of Banquets
Full-service Hospitality
02.2021 - Current
High School Diploma -
Lanphier High School
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