MELVIN APONTE
Bronx,NY
Summary
Ambitious Director with 10 years of experience leading efficient and profitable service teams. Successful at meeting client needs while increasing revenue by driving sales. Committed to top-tier customer service and upholding professional, approachable attitude.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Catering Manager
Compass Levy
01.2021 - Current
- Implemented innovative menu offerings that catered to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
- Achieved consistent positive feedback from clients through meticulous attention to detail in event planning and execution.
- Oversaw budget management, effectively controlling expenses while maintaining service quality.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing exceptional catering services for various events.
- Successfully managed multiple events simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills and flexibility under pressure.
- Coordinated staff training programs, enhancing service skills and strengthening teamwork among employees.
- Spearheaded initiatives for utilizing local, organic ingredients in menu offerings, promoting sustainability practices within the organization.
- Stayed current with industry trends and emerging technology, incorporating new ideas into the company''s service offerings for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Resolved client concerns promptly through active listening skills and creative problem-solving techniques, ensuring continued satisfaction throughout the event process.
- Maximized revenue potential by upselling additional catering services to clients, such as custom menu design or specialty beverage packages.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
Director of Operations
Gastro 35 Bar And Restaurant
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Owner/Operator
JME Cleaning Service
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
- Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
- Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable terms for the business.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Overseeing inventory management, reducing waste and maintaining adequate stock levels to meet demand.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
Multi-Unit Manager
Compass Group USA Inc., St John’s University
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Developed strong teams within each unit through effective recruitment, coaching, and mentoring efforts.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
- Optimized scheduling practices for better coverage during peak hours, enhancing both staff productivity and customer satisfaction rates.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout all locations.
- Led multi-unit teams through periods of change while maintaining high levels of productivity and morale.
- Managed vendor relationships for multiple units to ensure timely deliveries of products while negotiating favorable contract terms.
- Optimized staff scheduling to maximize productivity while maintaining exceptional customer service standards in all locations.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Education
No Degree - Marketing
Berkeley College
New YorkSkills
- Operational Efficiency
- Sanitation Standards
- Food presentation
- Menu development
- Event planning proficiency
- Food Safety
- Staff Leadership
- Inventory Management
- Budgeting understanding
- Staff Scheduling
- Critical Thinking
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Senior Catering Manager
Compass Levy
01.2021 - Current
Director of Operations
Gastro 35 Bar And Restaurant
01.2018 - 01.2020
Owner/Operator
JME Cleaning Service
01.2016 - 01.2018
Multi-Unit Manager
Compass Group USA Inc., St John’s University
01.2013 - 01.2016
No Degree - Marketing
Berkeley College
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