Maria. V. Vargas
Orlando,Florida
Summary
Experienced, customer-focused professional with expertise in resolving issues and understanding the significance of corporate branding. Over 20 years of driving growth and brand recognition for leading hotel chains as a seasoned Hotel Manager. Possesses extensive knowledge of hotel business operations and budget administration, along with excellent communication skills and a team-oriented mindset. Proficient in Microsoft, with a proven track record of building strong relationships to achieve team, individual, and management objectives.
Professional in food and beverage industry with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Adept at managing operations, ensuring quality, and driving customer satisfaction. Known for reliability and adaptability in meeting changing needs. Skilled in inventory control, staff training, and cost management.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Food & Beverage Manager
Hilton Garden Inn At SeaWorld
02.2023 - Current
- Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures
- Compile and balance cash receipts at the end of the day or shift
- Perform various financial activities such as cash handling, deposit preparation, and payroll
- Supervise and participate in kitchen and dining area cleaning activities
- Resolve customer complaints regarding food service
- Control inventories of food, equipment, and liquor, and report shortages to designated personnel
- Purchase or requisition supplies and equipment needed to ensure quality and timely delivery of services
- Observe and evaluate workers and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service, and participate in disciplinary documentations
- Specify production and time sequences and workstation and equipment arrangements
- Forecast staff, equipment, and supply requirements based on business demand
- Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards
- Assign duties, responsibilities, and workstations to employees in accordance with work requirements
- Analyze operational problems, such as theft and wastage, and establish procedures to alleviate these problems
- Perform personnel actions, such as hiring and firing staff, providing employee orientation, training
- Conduct supervisory activities, such as creating work schedules or organizing employee timesheets
- Recommend measures for improving work procedures and worker performance to increase service quality and enhance job safety
- Record production, operational, and personnel data on specified forms
- Develop equipment maintenance schedules and arrange for repairs
- Greet and seat guests, and present menus and wine lists
- Schedule parties and take reservations
- Present bills and accept payments
- Resolve customer complaints regarding food service
- Develop equipment maintenance schedules and arrange for repairs
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Developed staff training programs to enhance service skills and increase overall efficiency.
Hotel Restaurant/Senior Banquet Manager
Hilton Garden Inn
08.2010 - 03.2020
- Directed all day-to-day operations of Hotel facility to provide safe and enjoyable guest experience.
- Assisted guests at check-in, providing information on various services within the hotel.
- Supervised daily operations of brand new, 400-room hotel with staff of 200 employees.
- Booked large groups of people for weddings, seminars, conferences and other events and offered best available room rates.
- Cultivated long-lasting relationships with outside vendors including florists and restaurants so that guests could secure valuable deals on services and meals.
- Provided end-of-month audits of resort to upper management as required.
- Handled guest complaints in most effective manner possible and offered complimentary services for hardship cases.
- Motivated and encouraged team members to communicate more openly and constructively with each other.
- Created agendas and communication materials for team meetings.
- Performed site evaluations, customer surveys and team audits.
Hotel Manager/Banquet Manager
Ramada Hotel Kissimmee
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Booked large groups of people for weddings, seminars, conferences and other events and offered best available room rates.
- Assisted guests at check-in, providing information on various services within the hotel.
- Supervised daily operations of brand new, 500-room hotel with staff of 500 employees.
- Directed all day-to-day operations of Hotel facility to provide safe and enjoyable guest experience.
- Defined strategies and created a plan to achieve ambitious operational objectives.
- Improved profit margins by streamlining operations and workflow.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Hotel Manager/Senior Banquet Manager
Embassy Suite Hotel Lake Buena Vista
01.1996 - 07.2005
- Managed team of four front desk agents, supervising personnel in issue resolution and Hotel process.
- Provided end-of-month audits of resort to upper management as required.
- Cultivated long-lasting relationships with outside vendors including florists and restaurants so that guests could secure valuable deals on services and meals.
- Booked large groups of people for weddings, seminars, conferences and other events and offered best available room rates.
- Supervised daily operations of brand new, 1200-room hotel with staff of 200 employees.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Banquet Manager
Embassy Suites International Drive
01.1999 - 03.2000
- Mentored and coached team of banquet setters and other event personnel.
- Communicated with external vendors such as florists and musicians to plan details and guide from beginning to end of event.
- Reviewed banquet event orders to determine room layouts and schedule staff.
- Supervised food preparation, delivery and quality to ensure satisfaction.
- Organized and laid out buffet equipment, food displays and other items such as Decoration.
- Created schedules for food and beverage service employees.
- Prepared and reviewed event budgets with clients and negotiated pricing.
- Instructed staff on appropriate equipment disassembly and storage.
- Communicated with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics.
- Ordered necessary items to meet customer needs and specifications.
- Interacted with kitchen staff to plan food and beverage logistics.
- Coordinated with employees to arrange tables, chairs and other equipment needed for functions.
- Orchestrated breakdown of rooms and cleanup to return event spaces to original order.
- Attended and monitored events to direct staff, proactively address issues and solve problems or concerns.
- Maintained detailed records of stock and reviewed inventory to plan events.
- Analyzed event expenses and profit potential to inform stakeholders.
- Coordinated with wait staff to keep dining room buffet stations clean and dishes refilled.
Education
BBA - Business Administration
IPAE
12.1985
Skills
- Social media networking
- Training and mentoring
- Project oversight
- Community relations
- Hospitality
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Organization
- Computer skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Active listening
- MS Office
- Safety procedures
- Promotions
- Sales
- Reporting
- Special event coordination
- VIP services
- Food and beverage operations
- Cost control
- Wine pairing
- Menu development
Languages
English
Professional Working
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Food & Beverage Manager
Hilton Garden Inn At SeaWorld
02.2023 - Current
Hotel Restaurant/Senior Banquet Manager
Hilton Garden Inn
08.2010 - 03.2020
Hotel Manager/Banquet Manager
Ramada Hotel Kissimmee
01.2007 - 01.2009
Banquet Manager
Embassy Suites International Drive
01.1999 - 03.2000
Hotel Manager/Senior Banquet Manager
Embassy Suite Hotel Lake Buena Vista
01.1996 - 07.2005
BBA - Business Administration
IPAE
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