Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Software
Timeline
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Francesca Dobrich

Corporate Hospitality & Events Manager
Pearl River,NY

Summary

Dynamic and creative corporate event planner with a proven track record of thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Highly adept at managing ambiguity and excelling in stakeholder management. Known for innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and strategic planning that ensures seamless execution of events. Skilled in contract negotiations, vendor and budget management, consistently delivering exceptional results while exceeding client expectations.



Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages

Work History

Hospitality Manager

Squarespace
11.2021 - Current
  • Orchestrated the execution of more than 350 events spanning a range of sizes from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions of up to 400 attendees.
  • Directed the management of over 150 event vendors, ensuring seamless coordination and delivery of services to meet event requirements.
  • Formulated a comprehensive long-term strategy for hospitality and events programs, aligning objectives with organizational goals and driving sustainable growth.
  • Cultivated robust relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in 52% increase in event volume year over year.
  • Skillfully oversaw the food service budget and managed all associated vendor contracts, optimizing cost efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality.
  • Fostered productive collaborations with Employee Engagement, ERGs, Facilities, and IT departments, contributing to innovative event concepts, diverse programming, and strategic budget planning.
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to global site leads on all aspects of event planning and execution, including event lifecycle management, as well as lunch, pantry, and coffee programs.

Director of Catering

LifeWorks At Bridgewater Associates
06.2021 - 10.2021
  • Spearheaded the development and implementation of the off-premise events program alongside the onsite program, showcasing adaptability, strategic planning abilities and subject matter expertise.
  • Partnered with the Culture Team to coordinate and deliver a highly successful Return to Office initiative.
  • Cultivated enduring partnerships with key stakeholders and leaders by employing effective communication, active listening skills, and adept management of ambiguity, fostering trust and collaboration.
  • Played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the new food hall, contributing to procurement efforts, marketing initiatives, and programming strategies, showcasing versatility and cross-functional collaboration.


Director of Catering

Constellation Culinary Group At Macquarie Group
11.2019 - 07.2020
  • Oversaw a high-performing catering team comprising 10 direct reports, managing a portfolio generating $2.5 million in revenue annually, demonstrating strong leadership and fiscal responsibility.
  • Crafted a comprehensive national playbook outlining standardized procedures and best practices, ensuring consistency and efficiency across multiple locations.
  • Generated and curated engaging content for Workplace platform, significantly enhancing brand visibility and fostering community engagement.
  • Achieved a notable 50% increase in event bookings through strategic marketing initiatives and effective client relationship management.
  • Managed all aspects of purchasing, supply chain logistics, and expense reporting for both the catering and pantry departments, optimizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Director of Catering- Acting General Manager

Constellation Culinary Group At ABC/Disney
05.2019 - 11.2020
  • Supervised union staff members across 3 cafes, 1 Starbucks, pantries, and catering departments spanning 7 buildings, overseeing operations generating $5 million in annual revenue.
  • Achieved a significant 30% increase in catering sales within the initial 3 months by securing new accounts and nurturing robust client relationships, demonstrating strong sales acumen and customer service skills.
  • Effectively coordinated and managed over 30 daily catering events simultaneously, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
  • Handled budgeting and expense reporting responsibilities for both the catering and pantry departments, maintaining financial transparency and accountability.
  • Collaborated with the culinary team to revamp the catering strategy, aligning it with the diverse needs of the various departments and enhancing service offerings.

Assistant General Manager

Compass Group At Stryker
09.2018 - 05.2019
  • Earned promotion to Assistant General Manager (AGM) within one year of employment, showcasing exceptional performance and leadership qualities.
  • Supervised and mentored a team of 30 direct reports across five different units, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
  • Collaborated with various stakeholders to organize and execute multiple campus-wide events, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork.
  • Designed and executed monthly marketing promotions, driving customer engagement and increasing brand visibility.
  • Oversaw the management of internal websites, ensuring up-to-date content and user-friendly navigation.
  • Served as a liaison between building services, security, conference management, and AV departments, facilitating seamless coordination and communication across departments.

Director of Catering

Compass Group At Stryker
08.2017 - 09.2018
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of over 15 events across two buildings, encompassing a diverse range from internal meetings to high-level C-level board meetings, ensuring smooth execution and client satisfaction.
  • Implemented comprehensive catering guides, standards, and training manuals, enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining consistent service quality.
  • Elevated catering sales by cultivating strong client relationships and developing customized menus tailored to their specific needs, resulting in increased revenue and client satisfaction.
  • Led the coordination and execution of multiple campus events, scaling up to 1,500 attendees, demonstrating proficient event management skills and organizational prowess.

Sales and Event Manager

Compass Group At The NYC Bar Association
08.2016 - 08.2017
  • Accountable for generating $1 million in external sales, encompassing corporate, social, film, and fashion events, demonstrating strong sales and revenue management skills.
  • Played a key role in the rebranding and marketing efforts of the NYCBA to 42 West 44, contributing to the successful transition and brand enhancement.
  • Collaborated with facilities, security, AV, and IT departments to ensure seamless event execution, emphasizing teamwork and cross-functional coordination.
  • Efficiently managed multiple events concurrently, accommodating guest counts ranging from 30 to 500, demonstrating adept multitasking and organizational abilities.
  • Developed customized contracts, menus, and floor plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, enhancing client satisfaction and retention.
  • Strategically scheduled and managed event bookings to optimize revenue generation and venue utilization, showcasing strong business acumen and foresight.

Sales and Event Administrator, Event Captain

Abigail Kirsch At The Loading Dock 
09.2015 - 08.2016
  • Recognized as Associate of the Quarter for outstanding performance in the First Quarter of 2016, reflecting dedication and excellence in service.
  • Skillfully organized, executed, and breakdown events accommodating guest counts of up to 700 attendees, ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
  • Meticulously drafted proposals and contracts with a high degree of accuracy and punctuality, demonstrating attention to detail and professionalism.
  • Cultivated and nurtured vendor relationships with event producers, decorators, entertainment groups, and audio-visual companies, fostering collaboration and reliability.
  • Acted as a liaison between local and corporate offices, facilitating effective communication and alignment of objectives, enhancing operational efficiency and cohesion.

Office Manager, Event Captain

Tastefully Yours Catering
11.2014 - 04.2016
  • Conceptualized menus and conducted negotiations for contracts, showcasing strategic planning and negotiation skills.
  • Led site visits to assess project scope and requirements, demonstrating strong leadership and project management abilities.
  • Facilitated staff scheduling and managed payroll for a team of over 25 employees, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to budgetary constraints.
  • Orchestrated the setup, execution, and breakdown of events with guest counts of up to 300 attendees, and staff of 25 ensuring the seamless execution of events.

Skills

    Managing Ambiguity

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Software

CaterTrax

Jirra

Coupa

Slack

Ariba

OfficeSpace

Envoy

S2 Security

Timeline

Hospitality Manager

Squarespace
11.2021 - Current

Director of Catering

LifeWorks At Bridgewater Associates
06.2021 - 10.2021

Director of Catering

Constellation Culinary Group At Macquarie Group
11.2019 - 07.2020

Director of Catering- Acting General Manager

Constellation Culinary Group At ABC/Disney
05.2019 - 11.2020

Assistant General Manager

Compass Group At Stryker
09.2018 - 05.2019

Director of Catering

Compass Group At Stryker
08.2017 - 09.2018

Sales and Event Manager

Compass Group At The NYC Bar Association
08.2016 - 08.2017

Sales and Event Administrator, Event Captain

Abigail Kirsch At The Loading Dock 
09.2015 - 08.2016

Office Manager, Event Captain

Tastefully Yours Catering
11.2014 - 04.2016
Francesca DobrichCorporate Hospitality & Events Manager