Justine Kelly
Chicago,IL
Summary
Strategic-thinking professional with several years of experience building relationships, cultivating partnerships, retaining top accounts and growing profit channels by establishing trust. Persuasive and self-motivated with expertise in expanding network connections and introducing products. Well-versed in educating clients, implementing pricing strategies, and driving territory development.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Development
Ardent Dance Company
Chicago, Illinois
01.2016 - Current
- Trained successful business development personnel to optimize marketing performance and learn industry.
- Conducted regular performance reviews of the Business Development Team members to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback and guidance for career growth and development.
- Executed marketing campaigns to create brand awareness and drive customer acquisition strategies.
- Managed the entire sales cycle process including prospecting, lead generation, qualifying prospects, presenting solutions, negotiating terms and closing deals.
- Recommended product changes to enhance customer interest and maximize sales.
- Established relationships with clients, vendors, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders to ensure successful collaborations.
- Analyzed market trends and identified new business opportunities in existing and potential markets.
- Developed growth plans by identifying key clients, key targets, and priority service lines.
- Generated reports on progress against targets and objectives set by management team.
- Organized trade shows, conferences, seminars, webinars. to promote products and services.
Server
Armitage Alehouse
Chicago , Illinois
03.2023 - 12.2024
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
Assistant Project Manager
Serene Swaddles
Chicago , IL
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Coordinated project activities and monitored progress to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Liaised with project manager to independently manage smaller projects or contribute to tasks and activities on larger projects.
- Participated in meetings with clients, contractors, vendors and other stakeholders regarding current projects.
- Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Assisted with the preparation of presentations, reports and other documents related to projects.
- Developed project plans, identified resources and established deadlines.
- Provided financial support by preparing invoices and estimates for projects.
Assistant Catering Manager
Bar Louie
Chicago , Illinois
05.2018 - 01.2020
- Grew sales of catering services through strategic marketing and promotions.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, vendors, and venue managers, fostering a network of partners.
- Conducted staff performance evaluations, providing feedback and coaching to enhance service quality.
- Developed customized menus in collaboration with chefs, accommodating dietary restrictions and client preferences.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Conducted market research to identify trends in catering and adapted services to meet evolving client demands.
- Prepared detailed event reports, analyzing performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Bar Manager
Emmits Irish Pub
Chicago, Illinois
11.2015 - 09.2017
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Assisted staff by serving food and beverages or bussing tables.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Assisted in developing menus featuring seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
- Negotiated purchase agreements with vendors to obtain best pricing on supplies.
- Controlled labor costs by adjusting schedules and workflows to align with anticipated customer demands.
Education
High School Diploma -
Westfield High School
Chantilly, VA01-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Malcom X
Chicago, IllinoisSkills
- Sales training and leadership
- Vendor management
- Networking
- Partnership development
- Customer engagement
- Social media marketing
Timeline
Server
Armitage Alehouse
03.2023 - 12.2024
Assistant Project Manager
Serene Swaddles
08.2021 - 03.2023
Assistant Catering Manager
Bar Louie
05.2018 - 01.2020
Director of Business Development
Ardent Dance Company
01.2016 - Current
Bar Manager
Emmits Irish Pub
11.2015 - 09.2017
High School Diploma -
Westfield High School
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Malcom X