MEREDITH WATKINS
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Accomplished Sales management professional successful in cultivating partnerships, retaining top accounts and growing profit channels. Multi-tasking and self-motivated leader with expertise in expanding network connections. Well-versed in managing vendor relations and expanding territory. Results-driven professional in sales management, known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in strategic planning, customer relationship management, and team leadership. Excel in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving to achieve sales targets and business growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
SALES MANAGER/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/EVENT MANAGEMENT
HL CATERING
08.2021 - Current
- Manage inquiries, proposals, contracts and invoices
- Design personalized menus leveraging expertise, coordinating closely with kitchen staff to produce unique culinary experiences.
- Attended industry shows, conventions, and other meetings with primary mission of expanding market opportunities
- Visualize, sell and plan, guiding clients through full event cycle
- Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenues
- Performed service and menu upgrades and upselling activities to meet predetermined revenue objectives
- Exceeded both quarterly and annual sales goals
SERVICE STAFF / MANAGEMENT
FIVE STAR RESTAURANT
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Focused on setting high expectations and raising service standards
- Savvy marketer with a track record of upselling to increase revenue
- Skilled in high-volume dining, Professional, Service-minded
- Great customer service, knowledge of training, Problem solving and leadership skill
- Participated in routine training sessions to remain informed on latest products and trends.
EVENTS CHEF/KITCHEN LEAD
ASHLEY CHRISTENSEN RESTAURANTS
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Manage kitchen staff 'Brigade'/Leading team/Handle issues in absence of Head Chef
- Oversee food quality, Food safety protocol, cooking techniques
- Manage kitchen health & Safety requirements, Food standard preparations & Hygiene
- Handle suppliers, invoices, paperwork (Admin Duties)
- Knowledgeable in large events, Private household, Professional private events
- Developing menu's, Dietary awareness
- Setting daily goals and timelines for execution by staff
MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
LARRY'S BEANS
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Implemented multi-channel marketing as a team member utilizing project management software, Basecamp
- Managed Companies' WordPress website, and corporate branding, created & managed email marketing campaigns
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP./MARKETING
HILKER'S CLEANERS/ FRSTEAM FABRIC RESTORATION
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines
Education
CULINARY & NUTRITION CERTIFICATIONS -
Central Carolina Community College
01.2019
ESTHETICS TECHNOLOGY -
Cape Fear Community College
01.2014
AA - GENERAL EDUCATION
Wake Tech Community College
01.2012
Skills
- High-Volume Work Management
- Client load balancing
- Extensive knowledge of food and beverage
- Brand building
- Revenue growth Initiatives
- Sales expertise
- Project Management
- Thrive in fast-paced work environments
- Effective Time Prioritization
- Conflict Management
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Meticulous and Structured
- Operational Management
- Client Relationship Development and retention techniques
Timeline
SALES MANAGER/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/EVENT MANAGEMENT
HL CATERING
08.2021 - Current
EVENTS CHEF/KITCHEN LEAD
ASHLEY CHRISTENSEN RESTAURANTS
01.2018 - 01.2020
SERVICE STAFF / MANAGEMENT
FIVE STAR RESTAURANT
01.2014 - 01.2021
MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
LARRY'S BEANS
01.2014 - 01.2016
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP./MARKETING
HILKER'S CLEANERS/ FRSTEAM FABRIC RESTORATION
01.2005 - 01.2013
CULINARY & NUTRITION CERTIFICATIONS -
Central Carolina Community College
ESTHETICS TECHNOLOGY -
Cape Fear Community College
AA - GENERAL EDUCATION
Wake Tech Community College