Erin Anderson
Wauwatosa,WI
Summary
Results-driven, strategic leader with a strong record of exceeding sales goals, strengthening high-value relationships, and delivering exceptional service. Skilled in program management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced environments. Known for excellent communication, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex projects with clarity and enthusiasm. Passionate about relationship development, team leadership, and creating meaningful, mission-aligned experiences. Ready to leverage a strong operational and relational background to elevate stewardship and donor services.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales, Program Manager, Business Development
Pilot Project Brewing, Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
04.2024 - Current
- Lead and develop a high-performing events and guest experience team, providing coaching, setting annual goals, and ensuring consistent, mission-aligned execution across all client engagements.
- Design and implement yearly operational and event strategies to enhance team efficiency, strengthen client relationships, and improve overall service delivery; evaluate outcomes and adjust plans to meet evolving organizational objectives.
- Consistently exceed quarterly and annual sales goals through proactive relationship cultivation, strategic upselling, and delivering exceptional service to high-touch clients and partners.
- Manage a portfolio of high-impact corporate partners, community organizations, and repeat clients, cultivating long-term relationships through proactive communication, thoughtful stewardship, and personalized event guidance.
- Oversee planning and execution of large-scale, high-visibility events—often hosting 200–500+ attendees—ensuring seamless logistics, cohesive branding, and exceptional guest experience across multiple venue spaces.
- Serve as the strategic lead for VIP groups, partner activations, and multi-space events, coordinating AV, vendor relationships, production needs, and cross-department collaboration.
- Develop, update, and maintain departmental policies, processes, and standard operating procedures to strengthen organizational consistency and operational clarity.
- Implement systems and communication structures that streamline contracting, invoicing, internal alignment, and guest communication, improving reliability and team workflow.
- Represent Pilot Project in the Milwaukee community through partner meetings, public events, and industry engagements, strengthening brand visibility and expanding strategic relationships.
- Operate effectively within a complex, fast-moving organizational environment, balancing high-level strategy with hands-on leadership and day-of event direction to ensure quality and alignment.
Sales Management & Business Development
The Grove Catering
San Diego, CA
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed the sales division of The Grove Catering from its inception
- Established comprehensive protocols encompassing contractual language refinement, procedural frameworks, and pricing structures
- Forge relationships with key customers and local venues to increase brand loyalty and repeat business
- Develop and pursue a pipeline of new business opportunities, expanding partnerships and presence
- Effectively broker contracts with new venues to secure favorable terms and conditions
- Design and create all visual elements for contracts and marketing
Beverage Director
Flora The Venue
San Diego, CA
04.2021 - 11.2023
- Cultivated strong client relationships by managing all communication, ensuring an exceptional client experience throughout the event planning process and day of execution
- Implemented strategic pricing models and streamlined product management processes resulting in an 80% profit margin
- Lead Flora's community engagement efforts by researching and coordinating opportunities to give back to our community on a quarterly basis, strengthening our client relationships through shared values
- Fostered staff growth and development by conducting quarterly training sessions and facilitating discussions on areas of improvement
- Collaborated with the Event Director and in-house coordination team to refine event planning processes, ensuring seamless execution on the day of event
- Created and implemented beverage menus to ensure quality standards, profitability and customer satisfaction
- Developed relationships with local brewers, distilleries, wineries and other suppliers to maximize selection while minimizing costs
- Conducted regular meetings with vendors to discuss new products, trends in the industry and promotional opportunities
- Reviewed procedures and operational challenges to uncover service and safety improvements
Beverage Sales Director
Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine Catering
San Diego, CA
03.2016 - 04.2021
- Oversaw all facets of Giuseppe Bar Services from negotiating contracts to seamless event day execution, resulting in the successful generation of $700,000 in new business revenue
- Actively participated in networking events with the primary objective of fostering valuable connections and expanding business prospects
- Developed and implemented innovative sales strategies to increase revenue growth
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress towards targets set out in the annual budget plan
- Approved new product prices and promotions before launch
- Spearheaded a team-focused training initiative, where I provided guidance and mentorship to more than 100 employees, ensuring the delivery of outstanding guest experiences during events
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Public Relations & Advertising
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI, USSkills
- Sales strategy development
- Contract negotiation
- Business growth initiatives
- Sales planning and execution
- Operational management
- Networking and relationship management
- Team leadership
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Sales, Program Manager, Business Development
Pilot Project Brewing, Milwaukee
04.2024 - Current
Sales Management & Business Development
The Grove Catering
11.2023 - 04.2024
Beverage Director
Flora The Venue
04.2021 - 11.2023
Beverage Sales Director
Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine Catering
03.2016 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Public Relations & Advertising
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee