Elizabeth Popadič
Hospitality Professional
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Dedicated and passionate hospitality professional with history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Organized and dependable, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Exceptional leader with strong communication and conflict resolution abilities. Motivating employees to exceed customer expectations in high-volume settings while maintaining strong quality and cost controls. Over 15 years of progressive leadership experience.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Director of Food and Beverage Operations
Timuquana Country Club
02.2024 - Current
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, conducting regular staff performance evaluations and providing targeted feedback.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to establish long-term goals and strategic plans for the food and beverage department.
- Maximized profitability with cost control measures, optimizing purchasing processes and reducing waste.
- Spearheaded staff development initiatives including ongoing training programs focused on customer service excellence, upselling techniques, and product knowledge enhancement.
- Developed a strong team of food service professionals, selecting top talent through comprehensive recruitment initiatives.
- Championed the integration of technology in daily operations, streamlining processes and enhancing overall guest experience.
- Coordinated seamless event execution for both small-scale gatherings and large-scale banquets or conferences.
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable inspection records throughout tenure.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through personalized service offerings tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
- Planned operations to effectively cover needs while controlling costs and maximizing service.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Assistant Director of Catering
Timuquana Country Club
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement, continuously refining processes to enhance overall performance.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by analyzing event expenses and identifying areas for improvement.
- Increased repeat business by maintaining strong relationships with clients and consistently exceeding expectations in service delivery.
- Optimized venue selection by conducting thorough site visits and evaluating space requirements for various types of events.
- Managed a diverse team of culinary professionals who successfully executed high-quality events under tight deadlines.
- Enhanced team productivity with hands-on training and coaching sessions for new hires and existing staff members.
- Cultivated partnerships with local vendors to enhance the variety of offerings available for catered events, increasing overall customer satisfaction levels.
- Ensured compliance with local health codes and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and safe environment for food preparation and service areas.
- Streamlined event coordination for smoother execution and better results through improved communication with team members.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
Banquet and Catering Manager
Timuquana Country Club
05.2022 - Current
- Organized and oversaw food service training to educate employees on resetting tables, relaying orders to cooks and upselling food and beverages.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Secured new clients and accounts by analyzing and catering products to specific needs.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers and overall catering needs.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Catering Coordinator/Food and Beverage Operations Manager
Marywood Retreat And Conference Center
06.2021 - 05.2022
- Communicated with customers to review catering goals and budget, deliver quotes and proposals, schedule event and carry out catering needs as contracted.
- Analyzed catering orders and liaised with staff to set up equipment, supplies and menus to meet client expectations.
- Handled incoming company phone calls, addressing customer needs, concerns and deadlines to promote retention and satisfaction.
- Solicited, negotiated and booked new and repeat business through previous clients, local businesses and event management companies to maximize catering revenue and meet and exceed goals.
- Prepared proposals for new clients composed by their space, overnight accommodation, and budget needs.
- Maintained master schedule and set up appointments.
- Managed filing systems for electronic and hard copy documents to keep organized records.
- Proficient in Skyware systems.
- Gathered and organized materials to support operations; ordered linens, special food and beverage requests, etc.
- Managed rooming lists for clients when applicable.
- Managed master keys, room keys and inspected all rooms prior to client and guests arrival.
- Worked with Housekeeping and Banquet Set Up, to ensure all guests rooms, meeting spaces were set up to event order specifications.
- Assisted with taking reservations for groups, silent retreats, and individual private retreats.
- Assisted clients in any last minute requests; printing, supplies, signs, lost room keys, payments, etc.
Food and Beverage Manager
Marywood Retreat And Conference Center
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed team of 20 front and back of house staff as well as housekeeping personnel.
- Conducted training demonstrating safety protocols and techniques.
- Enacted progressive disciplinary measures for staff, managed work zones and oversaw opening and closing duties.
- Coordinated daily and nightly shift safety and sanitation procedures for food and beverage areas on property.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of service staff to reduce waste and maintain beverage cost.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and alcohol program.
- Worked with on-site and external party planners to create and manage beverage ordering and waitstaff for small and large events.
- Evaluated employee performance on yearly basis and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Banquet Setup Manager
Omni Hotels & Resorts
02.2019 - 02.2020
- Managed team of 15-20 staff members.
- Effectively supervised staff by implementing company policies, protocols, work rules and disciplinary action.
- Continuously encouraged employees within Banquet department to present positive, exemplary image to customers through professionalism and follow through.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments, planning and coordinating in-house and outsourced resources.
- Organized banquet storage and surrounding areas to facilitate access to products and materials.
- Arranged furniture and equipment to maximize space and floor plan for seamless movement during functions.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings
- Set up and broke down conference and banquet rooms to meet facility standards and specifications.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Evaluated employee performance on yearly basis and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Banquet Manager
Epping Forest Yacht And Country Club
10.2005 - 10.2018
- Managed team of 20-30 staff members.
- Hired, trained and scheduled staff to maintain adequate coverage for successful operations.
- Delegated tasks to staff members to maximize production under tight deadlines.
- Oversaw timeliness and quality of food delivery at high-volume events.
- Coordinated weddings, reunions, and corporate meetings throughout banquet and conference spaces.
- Liaised with catering department about event changes and implemented requested adjustments.
- Set up and broke down banquet rooms to meet facility standards and specifications.
- Arranged furniture and equipment to maximize space and floor plan for seamless movement during functions.
- Organized banquet storage and surrounding areas to facilitate access to products and materials.
- Established and maintained equipment inventory for accurate tracking, record keeping and to avoid loss.
- Followed safety procedures and incorporated safety equipment to reduce injury and loss.
- Evaluated employee performance on yearly basis and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Education
Bachelor Of Administrative Studies - Business Administration And Management
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL 10.2017 - 03.2019
High School Diploma -
Englewood High School
Jacksonville, FL 08.2000 - 10.2003
Skills
Excellent Communication
Certification
Certified Hospitality Supervisor, America Hotel and Lodging Foundation
Timeline
Director of Food and Beverage Operations
Timuquana Country Club
02.2024 - Current
Assistant Director of Catering
Timuquana Country Club
01.2024 - 02.2024
Banquet and Catering Manager
Timuquana Country Club
05.2022 - Current
Catering Coordinator/Food and Beverage Operations Manager
Marywood Retreat And Conference Center
06.2021 - 05.2022
ServSafe Certificate, Florida Restaurant and Lodging
07-2020
Food and Beverage Manager
Marywood Retreat And Conference Center
02.2020 - 06.2021
CPR Certified
12-2019
Banquet Setup Manager
Omni Hotels & Resorts
02.2019 - 02.2020
Bachelor Of Administrative Studies - Business Administration And Management
Keiser University
10.2017 - 03.2019
Certified Hospitality Supervisor, America Hotel and Lodging Foundation
01-2013
Banquet Manager
Epping Forest Yacht And Country Club
10.2005 - 10.2018
High School Diploma -
Englewood High School
08.2000 - 10.2003
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