Elizabeth Coffey
Charlottesville,VA
Summary
Effective leader and problem-solver which excels at streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Interested in an Event manager or Sales position. Offering a hardworking mentality and history of success coordinating and monitoring operations across various departments. Highly committed to ensuring quality of services and products. Highly skilled in planning and executing Weddings as well as other special events and Corporate events.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Events
The Inn At Willow Grove
Orange, Virginia
08.2021 - 07.2024
- Planned menus for catered meals according to dietary requirements or special requests.
- Provided onsite support during major events to ensure objectives are achieved.
- Organized and managed multiple events simultaneously, ensuring that all deadlines were met.
- Directed florists, photographers, musicians and ceremony participants during pre-ceremony, ceremony and post-ceremony events.
- Collaborated with chefs to develop menus for special events, corporate functions, weddings.
- Developed innovative ideas for themed parties or buffets based on client needs.
- Assisted in setting up tables, chairs, decorations prior to a catered events
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive prices on supplies needed for catering projects.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally while maintaining good relations with clients.
- Gathered customer requirements and worked with catering team in implementing specifications.
- Scheduled, organized and led food tastings to facilitate selections and surpass expectations.
- Oversaw the hiring, training, and supervision of catering staff, promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism.
- Maintained operations in full compliance with alcohol service standards and legal requirements to prevent incidents of overserving or underage drinking.
- Coordinated with clients to understand event requirements and preferences, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
- Led team meetings to discuss upcoming events, delegate tasks, and address any concerns or challenges.
- Managed all aspects of catering operations, including planning, budgeting, and execution for events of varying sizes.
- Provided detailed event orders to all departments to insure every department was on the same page.
- Provided Day of Wedding Coordinator services.
- Assisted the client in planning for the date of contract until the final execution.
- Compiled information regarding rental equipment, décor items and other materials needed for each event.
- Attended meetings with clients to discuss their vision for the special day and provide advice on how to make it happen.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries via phone or email in an efficient yet friendly manner.
- Developed detailed timelines to ensure smooth coordination between vendors and clients.
- Managed safe and smooth food delivery at banquets, conferences and social events.
- Applied industry knowledge and personal expertise to customize meetings, conferences and conventions to specific standards.
Wedding Sales
The Clifton Inn
Charlottesville, VA
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Inspected ceremony and reception sites to ensure they met client expectations before the wedding day.
- Supervised staff members who were responsible for providing hospitality services such as food and beverage service.
- Planned and detailed all food and beverage as well as guest rooms booked prior to event.
- Handled all guest room reservations and needs for each wedding as well as processing all payments in the reservation system.
- Processed all deposits and payments for each wedding.
- Provided detailed banquet event orders and diagrams for all departments.
Catering Sales Manager
Doubletree By Hilton
Charlottesville, VA
02.2018 - 03.2020
- Developed and implemented improved marketing initiatives to drive revenue
- Communicates with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics
- Arranges catering service serving up to 500 by documenting items ordered and creating banquet event orders
- Negotiates contracts with clients and vendors to ensure maximum profit
- Engages prospects and customers through various events, including trade shows, seminars and workshops
- Use STSR with Proposal Path and Microsoft Excel to generate quotes and proposals for customers
- Book large groups for weddings, seminars, conferences and other events, providing best available room rates
- Manages budgeting and invoicing for both large and small-scale events
- Handles guest complaints and offers complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates
- Initiates on site service consultations with customers to learn customer needs and preferences
Banquet Manager
Doubletree By Hilton
Charlottesville, VA
08.2016 - 02.2018
- Supervised, trained and developed team members in accordance with company policies and procedures
- Managed wait staff of up to 20 employees
- Motivated and disciplined employees and implemented new mentoring program, which increased worker morale
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to requests
- Carried out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws
- Oversaw timeliness and quality of food delivery at high-volume events
- Trained incoming staff on banquet practices, culture and procedures to maximize job satisfaction and productivity
- Assisted with various banquet food stations, set up and service to multiple dining areas
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations and resolving issues
- Folded napkins and prepared silverware sets to provide adequate supply for all functions
- Set performance expectations and provided honest feedback
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines and mixers
- Collaborated on hiring and termination decisions with human resources
- Established and maintained positive work environment to enhance retention and productivity
- Followed all safety requirements for alcohol service and maintained network of available ride services for inebriated customers
- Prepared and maintained inventory records
- Supervised and mentored serving staff
- Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards and productivity strategies
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines
- Conducted annual performance reviews
- Checked identification to enforce age requirement for alcoholic beverages
- Handled money and balanced tills maintaining 100% accuracy
Restaurant Manager
Doubletree By Hilton
Charlottesville, VA
09.2012 - 08.2016
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost performance, streamline processes and increase efficiency in different areas
- Prepared for and executed new menu implementations
- Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies
- Organized special events in restaurant, including receptions, promotions and corporate luncheons
- Resolved challenging customer complaints to full satisfaction, promoting brand loyalty and maximizing repeat business
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflow for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance
- Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service
- Interacted positively with customers while promoting hotel facilities and services
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents
- Skillfully interacted with external vendors to obtain best quality in pricing and product
- Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately
- Created fun team building activities to engage staff in up-selling to meet revenue targets
Education
High School Diploma - Music Therapy
Charlottesville High School
Charlottesville, VA06-1997
Did not graduate - Music Therapy
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VASkills
- Contract development
- Sales generation
- Staff training and development
- Negotiation
- Staff management
- Complaint resolution
- Sales strategy
- Client acquisition
- Data collection and analysis
- Sales and marketing
- Operations management
- Staffing and scheduling
- Revenue Generation
- Event planning proficiency
- Catering Oversight
- Corporate event knowledge
- Food safety understanding
- Sales Strategy Implementation
- Client Retention Strategies
- Inventory Control
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementHealthcare benefits401k matchPaid time offTimeline
Director of Events
The Inn At Willow Grove
08.2021 - 07.2024
Wedding Sales
The Clifton Inn
07.2020 - 08.2021
Catering Sales Manager
Doubletree By Hilton
02.2018 - 03.2020
Banquet Manager
Doubletree By Hilton
08.2016 - 02.2018
Restaurant Manager
Doubletree By Hilton
09.2012 - 08.2016
High School Diploma - Music Therapy
Charlottesville High School
Did not graduate - Music Therapy
Shenandoah University
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