Kelly Vaughn
Kyle,TX
Summary
Knowledgeable, dedicated and committed professional with over 20 years of experience in the Event / Catering Coordinator Industry. I Offer a strong background in customer relations and take pride in my ability to build and gain the trust of each client. I am a pragmatic professional who is well-known for my positive attitude , friendly demeanor and my boundless energy to fulfill a multitude of tasks simultaneously. Highly organized and detail-oriented who is passionate about executing exceptional events that achieve established goals. Experience with planning, budgeting and coordinating . Strongest skill set is my excellent communication and interpersonal skills which help to establish and maintain positive working relationships. Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event & Catering Manager
Juliet Italian Kitchen
09.2022 - Current
- Sold and solicited new and repeat local catering business
- Plan, up sell, and coordinate all details with each client
- Communication of function-arrangement to all responsible departments within restaurant
- Communicated with clients prior to any events to initiate, negotiate, and close contracts for all catered functions
- Coordinated with client's contracted vendors (flowers, entertainment, decoration, A/V, etc.) to provide complete client satisfaction and ensure proper event execution
- Was present onsite during each event to ensure proper event setup and satisfaction of client
- Maximized revenues 40% for both locations
- Attended all department meetings and other company required trainings
- Managed, multiple 3rd party catering vendors at both locations, successfully raising reviews from 3.1 to 4.5 stars
- Worked with client's directly to form Banquet Event Orders
- Managed group of 10 employees daily to make sure catering department ran smoothly and efficiently
- Implemented more efficient system for day-to-day catering and event orders adding to overall success
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers and overall catering needs
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction
- Promoted catering packages with most profitable outcomes without sacrificing client desires
- Secured new clients and accounts by analyzing and catering products to specific needs
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly
Event & Catering Coordinator
Independent Contractor Services
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Established and maintained relationships with vendors and venues
- Planned event details and aspects, including seating, dining and guests
- Created reliable financial reports and collecting payments on time
- Oversaw catering and kitchen staff
- Scheduled and maintained proper staffing for event schedules
- Responded to needs of clients and customers in timely manner
- Organized timeline for events to ensure smooth and efficient outcome
- Maintained extensive calendar of events and attended necessary event meetings and conference calls
- Analyzed catering orders and liaised with staff to set up equipment, supplies and menus to meet client expectations
- Communicated with customers to review catering goals and budget, deliver quotes and proposals, schedule event and carry out catering needs as contracted
- 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
- Monitored and controlled banquet budget and coordinated with events budgets to maximize revenue and minimize expenses while providing quality guest service
- Planned, scheduled and oversaw tastings allowing interested parties and clients to sample popular menu items prior to making selections
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability
Sales and Event Catering Coordinator
Courtney's Catering
05.2020 - 03.2022
- Oversaw sales process for catering and/or conference services
- Participated reviewing competitors' pricing, websites, etc;
- Developed leads, secured re-bookings and assist with promotion efforts;
- Actively participate in weekly revenue meeting as well as prepare and present weekly and monthly sales reports;
- Collaborate with Chef and Assistant Director to update and maintain menu offerings
- Create special menus and promotions to enhance selling tools;
- Negotiate services and prices to maximize revenue and profitability;
- Travel to local venues to generate sales;
- Update and increase client prospects through active prospecting;
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee all phases of catering events
- Create and maintain contact with client representatives from catering event
- Establish event objectives with client and develop a plan to achieve these goals
- Partner with catering team associates to ensure smooth and successful event
- Maximize guest satisfaction throughout all phases of event.
On-Site Specialist/Supervisor
ZeroCater Inc
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Broke down and evaluated user problems, using test scripts, personal expertise and probing questions
- Assisted Office Admin with all support needs
- Collected, aggregated, verified and monitored trend data
- Retained existing clients and developed 8 new accounts by extending high quality and efficient support service
- Increased sales by educating prospects on benefits of products and services in comparison top competitors
- Followed up with clients to verify optimal customer satisfaction following support engagement and problem resolution
- Collaborated with vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
- Collaborated with management and fellow supervisors to organize operations and achieve demanding schedule targets
- Provided onsite training to help develop employee skills
Wedding Coordinator/Office Manager
Texas Rita, s
02.2009 - 12.2016
- Interviewed clients to understand event scopes of work, establish budgets and determine timelines for venue selection, guest list finalization, and rehearsal, ceremonies, and receptions
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement
- Supervised onsite team of caterers, audio-visual technicians, and facility management team
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination
- Attended bridal industry events to promote services and build relationships with prospective vendors
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking and event promotions
- Fostered relationships with local and national wedding suppliers to obtain best price, quality, and delivery of products
- Coordinated florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, officiants and ceremony participants during rehearsals, ceremony and reception events
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
Education
Associates - Business Administration
Texas State University
San Marcos, TXSkills
- Catering event experience
- Event planning and coordination
- Client relationship management
- Dietary restriction compliance
- Menu planning
- Budgeting
- Google Workspace
- Account management
- Cross-functional teams leadership
- Excellent multi-tasking ability
- Performance improvement
- Technical Support
- Organizational skills
- Relationship building and management
- Client Relationships
- Written and verbal communication
Certification
December 2022TABC CertifiedMarch 2023 to March 2025
Timeline
Event & Catering Manager
Juliet Italian Kitchen
09.2022 - Current
Event & Catering Coordinator
Independent Contractor Services
03.2022 - 08.2022
Sales and Event Catering Coordinator
Courtney's Catering
05.2020 - 03.2022
On-Site Specialist/Supervisor
ZeroCater Inc
08.2018 - 05.2020
Wedding Coordinator/Office Manager
Texas Rita, s
02.2009 - 12.2016
Associates - Business Administration
Texas State University
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