JACKELENE AVILÉS
North Babylon
Summary
Strategic and results-driven food service operations leader with 10+ years of experience managing high-volume dining and catering programs across corporate, institutional, and educational environments. Proven ability to drive revenue growth, control costs, and elevate client satisfaction while leading large teams. Expertise in P&L management, contract food service operations, and delivering scalable dining solutions supporting 2,800+ customers daily.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Catering Manager / Assistant Manager
CulinArt Dining Services
01.2021 - Current
- Direct front-of-house and catering operations for a high-volume program serving 2,800+ daily
- Drive revenue growth through strategic menu development and retail optimization
- Own budgeting, forecasting, and full P&L performance
- Increased customer satisfaction by 15% through service enhancements and engagement strategies
- Lead, train, and develop staff while ensuring operational and regulatory compliance
- Partner with leadership to align dining services with client expectations and organizational goals
- Kellenberg Memorial High School
Head Cook
Half Hollow Hills High School West
Dix Hills
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Led kitchen operations including production, staffing, and inventory management
- Reduced food waste by 20% through improved controls and process efficiencies
- Dix Hills, NY
Lead Cook
Half Hollow Hills High School West
Dix Hills
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Supervised kitchen staff and enforced food safety and quality standards
- Trained and developed employees, improving consistency and performance
- Dix Hills, NY
Food Service Worker
Half Hollow Hills High School West
Dix Hills
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Supported high-volume food service operations with focus on quality and efficiency
- Dix Hills, NY
Front Desk Receptionist
Integrated Construction Management
West Babylon
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Managed administrative operations including AP/AR, data entry, and office coordination
Food Service Controller / Assistant Director
Restaurant Associates
New York
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Managed P&L, payroll, and cost analysis for a 50-person operation
- Reduced catering costs by 12% through financial and operational improvements
- Supported leadership in budgeting and performance strategy
- (Bear Stearns Multi-Unit operations)
Catering Manager
Restaurant Associates
New York
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Directed corporate catering operations including planning, logistics, and execution
Sous Chef
Restaurant Associates
New York
01.1996
Education
Associate Degree - Hospitality Management
New York City Technical College
Brooklyn, NYSkills
- Corporate & Campus Dining Operations
- P&L Ownership & Financial Oversight
- Contract Food Service Management
- Revenue Growth & Cost Control
- Client & Stakeholder Relations
- Catering & Event Operations
- Team Leadership & Development
- Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Food Safety & Compliance
Certification
- NYC Food Protection Certificate
- Nassau County Food Manager’s Certificate
Timeline
Catering Manager / Assistant Manager
CulinArt Dining Services
01.2021 - Current
Head Cook
Half Hollow Hills High School West
01.2020 - 01.2021
Lead Cook
Half Hollow Hills High School West
01.2017 - 01.2020
Food Service Worker
Half Hollow Hills High School West
01.2013 - 01.2017
Front Desk Receptionist
Integrated Construction Management
01.2004 - 01.2010
Food Service Controller / Assistant Director
Restaurant Associates
01.1999 - 01.2002
Catering Manager
Restaurant Associates
01.1997 - 01.1999
Sous Chef
Restaurant Associates
01.1996
Associate Degree - Hospitality Management
New York City Technical College