Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Awards
References
Projects
Systems
Travel
Languages
Websites
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
NATALIA ZEA

NATALIA ZEA

Seattle

Summary

Multi-Unit F&B Operations Executive with over 10 years of experience enhancing profitability in luxury hospitality sectors. Demonstrated ability to manage teams across 5+ properties, achieving over $2M in P&L accountability while surpassing COGS, labor, and revenue goals. Skilled in remote leadership and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on scaling operations through new openings and renovations. Successfully launched 5 properties and managed operations across a distance of 3,000+ miles.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

GENERAL MANAGER, PIONEER SQUARE HOTEL

CITIZENM HOTELS
Seattle
11.2024 - Current
  • Direct comprehensive operations for high-volume lifestyle property, implementing citizenM's innovative hospitality model
  • Oversee full P&L responsibility of $1.8M annual F&B operation, delivering weekly performance reports and monthly board presentations on revenue, COGS (target: 30%), and labor optimization
  • Manage hybrid on-site/remote team structure, demonstrating best practices for distributed leadership model applicable to multi-unit operations
  • Lead team of 17 with demonstrated reduction in turnover through strategic talent development initiatives
  • Execute sophisticated financial management practices, consistently exceeding revenue targets while optimizing expenses
  • Utilize advanced data analytics to identify operational efficiencies, improving guest satisfaction metrics
  • Establish strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, enhancing market position and community integration
  • Implement systematic audit processes yielding significant improvements in operational excellence
  • Develop leadership pipeline through structured mentoring program for emerging hospitality executives

F&B AREA MANAGER, WEST COAST

CITIZENM HOTELS
08.2021 - 11.2024
  • Managed F&B operations across 5 West Coast properties with combined annual revenue of $3.5M, consistently achieving 95%+ of monthly revenue targets while maintaining COGS at 28% (4% below industry standard)
  • Led distributed team of 45+ F&B professionals across Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, conducting virtual daily stand-ups and monthly on-site audits with 50% travel schedule
  • Delivered comprehensive P&L management including weekly KPI reporting, monthly ownership presentations, and quarterly forecast adjustments, resulting in 12% YoY profitability improvement

ASSISTANT HOTEL MANAGER

citizenM Hotels
01.2020 - 08.2021
  • Oversaw front office operations, ensuring accuracy in billing and guest relations.
  • Implemented streamlined check-in procedures, significantly reducing guest complaints.
  • Introduced digital concierge service to enhance guest convenience and satisfaction.
  • Monitored GRI goals while coordinating events and managing staff operations.
  • Reduced staff turnover through effective team-building initiatives and mentorship programs.
  • Optimized staff scheduling to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Coordinated daily operations to ensure efficient hotel functionality.

F&B DIRECTOR

STANTON HOUSE HOTEL
El Paso
07.2018 - 12.2019
  • Directed all food and beverage operations while consistently meeting sales targets and improving satisfaction metrics
  • Launched seasonal pop-up dining concept that increased off-peak revenue by 20%
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste by 10%
  • Established local vendor partnerships to enhance menu quality and authenticity

MARKETING MANAGER

WINE BUSINESS MONTHLY
Sonoma
10.2017 - 10.2018
  • Drove 30% growth in advertising revenue through strategic email campaigns
  • Increased social media following by 22% and improved engagement metrics
  • Led successful rebranding initiative, enhancing brand recognition
  • Boosted targeted ad revenue by 18% through market research
  • Enhanced email performance with higher open and click-through rates

WINE CLUB CONSULTANT

STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS
Napa
05.2017 - 10.2017
  • Increased membership by 15% through personalized outreach, targeted email campaigns, and strong collaboration with the tasting room team.
  • Designed and executed exclusive events and tastings, driving a 10% increase in engagement and strengthening brand loyalty.
  • Oversaw wine club logistics, including shipment coordination and inventory alignment, ensuring accurate, on-time deliveries.
  • Collaborated with marketing to refine campaign strategy based on member data, resulting in a 25% increase in campaign-driven signups.
  • Piloted the winery's first virtual tasting experience, expanding remote engagement and creating new revenue opportunities.

Education

BA - Psychology

Whitman College
Walla Walla
05.2017

BA - Spanish Medieval Literature

Whitman College
Walla Walla
05.2017

Skills

  • Multi-Unit F&B Leadership
  • P&L Management
  • COGS Optimization
  • Remote Team Development
  • Virtual Leadership
  • Financial Reporting
  • KPI Dashboards
  • Ownership and accountability
  • Board presentations
  • New opening initiatives
  • Repositioning strategies
  • Labor management
  • Schedule optimization
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Revenue Management
  • Forecasting accuracy
  • Guest experience enhancement
  • Quality assurance practices
  • Change management expertise

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Awards

  • WSET III Certification, Napa Valley Wine Academy, 2018
  • Abshire Research Scholarship, Grant awarded for translation research project
  • Collegiate Volleyball Player
  • Freshman of the year-2013
  • MVP-2016
  • Nationally Ranked Blocker NCAA Division III

References

  • Eric Jorgensen, CEO, (707)337-1417
  • Guillermo Blancas, GM at Stanton House, (915) 726-1725
  • Lucie Rizzi, Global F&B Manager at citizenM, +1 (917) 244-6316

Projects

CITIZENM SEATTLE PIONEER SQUARE, 05/01/22 CITIZENM MENLO PARK, 11/01/23 CITIZENM SAN FRANCISCO UNION SQUARE, 10/01/21 CITIZENM LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN, 08/01/21 CITIZENM SEATTLE SOUTH LAKE UNION, 05/01/20

Systems

  • Property Management & Operations: Amadeus, Agilisys, Apoleo, Vectron+
  • Financial Systems: Quickbooks, Proquro
  • F&B Management: Apicbase, BLoyal, Toast
  • Project & Team Management: Asana, Trello, Jira, Confluence, Deputy
  • HR & Communication: Bob HR, Slack, Okta
  • Content & Design: Contentful, Lucid Chart

Travel

Open to extensive national or international travel 

(current experience: 50-60% travel across West Coast markets)

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

Certification

WSET III Certification

Napa Valley Wine Academy, 2018

CPR Certified

Cintas 2023

Accomplishments

Abshire Research Scholarship

Grant awarded for translation research project

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

GENERAL MANAGER, PIONEER SQUARE HOTEL

CITIZENM HOTELS
11.2024 - Current

F&B AREA MANAGER, WEST COAST

CITIZENM HOTELS
08.2021 - 11.2024

ASSISTANT HOTEL MANAGER

citizenM Hotels
01.2020 - 08.2021

F&B DIRECTOR

STANTON HOUSE HOTEL
07.2018 - 12.2019

MARKETING MANAGER

WINE BUSINESS MONTHLY
10.2017 - 10.2018

WINE CLUB CONSULTANT

STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS
05.2017 - 10.2017

BA - Psychology

Whitman College

BA - Spanish Medieval Literature

Whitman College

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