Dawn Newby
Boynton Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic service, sales, and events professional with over 20 years of experience, poised to contribute to a premier organization by leveraging expertise in customer service, marketing, management, sales, and event planning. Self-driven and detail-oriented, adept at multitasking under pressure, and committed to enhancing the company’s reputation while pursuing continuous personal and professional development. Recognized as a catering sales expert with a proven track record in managing complex event logistics and elevating client satisfaction. Collaborative team player with strong negotiation skills and a focus on delivering high-quality results in every endeavor.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Pga National Resort & Spa
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
11.2021 - Current
- Led strategic planning for large-scale catering events, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.
- Developed and implemented innovative sales strategies to increase revenue and market reach.
- Mentored junior sales staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and adjust sales tactics accordingly.
- Oversaw contract negotiations, maximizing profitability while maintaining strong vendor partnerships.
- Streamlined communication processes between sales and operations teams, improving efficiency and reducing errors in event planning.
- Participated in industry networking events to build relationships with potential partners and stay updated on trends within the catering space.
Director of Catering Operations
Lauderdale Yacht Club
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2019 - 11.2021
- Led the Catering team to increase revenue during Covid 19. Fostered ideas and implemented practices that allowed the Club to continue to remain open and functioning, without having to furlough any team members.
- Assisted catering department in developing new social programming and catering events. Supported creation of menus, themes, and décor during club's transition to new building after renovation. Helped implement standard operating procedures and training manuals for food and beverage staff to enhance team performance and service standards.
- Oversaw daily catering operations, ensuring timely execution of events and services.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure quality supplies and negotiate favorable terms.
Director of Dining Operations
Mizner Country Club
Delray Beach, FL
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed all Food & Beverage operations for three separate outlets, acted as liaison between culinary and food and beverage to ensure all menus and deadlines were met, emerald status standards and membership expectations were exceeded.
- Led the catering department in development of all social and catering events and assisted in creation of all menus, themes and decor.
- Managed the inventories of food, wine, liquor and beer. Handled pre/post cost of all menus in order to stay in line of budgets and manage food cost. Managed department purchasing, transfers, capital budgets, and inventories of china, glass, and silver. Managed staff payroll operations.
- Conferred with Executive Chef to oversee preparation and presentation of all food and drinks and ensure adherence to all quality and safety standards.
- Primary coordinator of all food and beverage hiring, training, and orientations. Promoted team environment and unity, fostering staff motivation and growth.
Director of Catering and Social Events
Mizner Country Club
Delray Beach, FL
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Consulted with all department heads and their staff, including General Manager, Executive Chef, Clubhouse Manager, Golf Director and Membership Director, to gather all essential information necessary to create complete, detailed menus and Banquet Event Orders using Jonas club management software.
- Sold, planned, and managed all private catered and social events. Ensured staff and departments were prepared to succeed with all events. Executed events to meet with membership and client’s utmost satisfaction.
- Created and maintained budgets. Created pro formas and P&Ls.
- Lead advertising for all social events. Generated and executed detailed marketing plans for private events.
- Reorganized and restructured operating procedures to control operating costs, decrease food cost and improve time management.
- Increased food and beverage revenue by 25%.
- Implemented service training to improve service levels and standards.
- Fostered professional growth through attending conferences, workshops, networking events and seminars.
Event Planner
Reverie Events
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Owned and operated a personal business as an event manager. Planned numerous weddings, mitzvahs, rehearsal dinners, showers, holiday parties, and corporate functions, utilizing strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Oversaw contracted event contributors, including venues, caterers, musicians, florists, and photographers, which helped build and maintain dependable business relationships.
- Used effective communication skills to ascertain customer needs and wishes, make effective recommendations, uphold the contracted budget, and ultimately facilitate successful events.
Catering and Conventions Services Manager
PGA National Resort and Spa
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Worked as part of both the Catering and Conference Services teams to build client base and market PGA National for social and corporate events. Used learned sales techniques and motivated personality to solicit business and increase revenue.
- Worked directly with clients on all aspects of their events from start to finish, including menu planning, space arrangement, décor, set up, and service. Achieved successful events and attained high client satisfaction, ensuring return business.
- Used strong interpersonal and communication skills while working with all resort departments to ensure guests received top level service from check-in through departure. Ensured all teams from front desk, culinary, banquet and audio/visual teams were informed of updates, situations, and commendations.
Catering and Events Manager
PGA National Member’s Club
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Planned and managed all functions for private club with over 2200 members. Collaborated with numerous club group liaisons to create member events, using ability to research, design, multi-task, and organize to ensure each client’s event was unique.
- Built and maintained a steady base of contacts used in marketing the club. Proactively contacted members and distributed promotional materials to encourage them to utilize catering services for their social and business events.
- Created and distributed Banquet Event Orders.
Executive / Sales Assistant
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
New York, NY
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Provided executive-level administrative and sales support to the Deputy General Counsel and financial managers of a major financial firm, handled all travel arrangements, written briefs and input final sales.
- Organized and serviced conferences and events in order to network and generate new clients. Utilized cold calls and prospective client appointments, and designed fliers and electronic brochures to better generate prospects and garner media attention.
Education
Associate of Arts -
SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, NYSkills
- Food safety
- Client acquisition
- Project Management Systems
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Hospitality
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Creativity and innovation
- Contract management
- Event planning proficiency
- Menu development
- Sales strategy implementation
- Staff training and development
Timeline
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Pga National Resort & Spa
11.2021 - Current
Director of Catering Operations
Lauderdale Yacht Club
01.2019 - 11.2021
Director of Dining Operations
Mizner Country Club
01.2017 - 01.2018
Director of Catering and Social Events
Mizner Country Club
01.2012 - 01.2017
Catering and Conventions Services Manager
PGA National Resort and Spa
01.2011 - 01.2012
Catering and Events Manager
PGA National Member’s Club
01.2010 - 01.2011
Event Planner
Reverie Events
01.2006 - 01.2013
Executive / Sales Assistant
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2010
Associate of Arts -
SUNY Oneonta