Rebecca H. Chace
South Hadley,MA
Summary
To secure a position in an educational setting where my organizational, management, and event planning/operational skills will be utilized. Seasoned Catering Sales Manager with a background in planning, executing and managing successful catering events. Strength lies in building strong relationships with clients, understanding unique needs and delivering customized solutions that exceed expectations. Demonstrated ability to apply strategic sales techniques to increase revenue consistently. Proven leadership skills, managing teams effectively to ensure seamless operations and top-notch service quality.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Event and Catering Sales Manager
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse
Hampden, MA
07.2022 - Current
- Prepared detailed proposals outlining menu options, costs, delivery times, payment terms.
- Inspected banquet room and checked with catering team before functions to verify correct room set-up, schedule of events, staffing and audio-visual configuration.
- Provided training and support to junior staff members in order to ensure successful execution of catered events.
- Maintained accurate records of sales activity utilizing CRM software systems.
- Established relationships with clients by providing superior customer service.
Director of Catering
SAGE Dining/Williston Northampton School
Easthampton, MA
01.2016 - 05.2021
- Compiled catering banquet orders for seamless staff execution.
- Developed detailed event timelines, managed all catering scheduling tasks.
- Managed senior and Trustee gatherings as well as Head of School's private events. Organized major occasions such as Commencement and Alumni weekends.
- Collaborated with campus groups to organize Welcome Days, Family Weekend, Commencement, Baccalaureate, and Alumni Weekend.
- Managed event setup processes in coordination with multiple departments.
- Managed catering budget and generated event cost reports.
- Recruited new staff. Trained employees on dining hall and catering procedures.
Director of Catering
Sturbridge Host Hotel
Sturbridge, MA
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Increased social catering revenues through soliciting and solidifying bookings from multiple channels.
- Conducted client meetings to explore venue options and assess event visions.
- Coordinated comprehensive training programs enhancing performance of assistant caterers and overall event staff.
- Oversaw complete event timelines, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
Executive Meeting Manager
Westin Hotel-Providence
Providence, RI
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Negotiated contracts to increase room and catering revenues through referrals.
- Engaged in daily business review meetings.
Senior Catering Sales Manager
The Hotel Northampton
Northampton, MA
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Generated corporate and social catering sales.
- Managed function logistics by handling room arrangements, menu planning, and drafting contracts along with BEOs.
- Forecasted and collaborated with GM to develop yearly catering budget.
Senior Sales and Catering Manager
Holiday Inn-Downtown Springfield
Springfield, MA
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Organized, executed, and monitored team’s direct sales activities.
- Managed citywide and SMERF meeting, room business, social, and catering sales.
- Created and implemented both short-term and long-term marketing plans to drive revenue growth.
Assistant/Associate Director of Admission
Elms College
Chicopee, MA
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Oversaw assigned territory to recruit potential students.
- Coordinated special events for Admission Office such as open house programs.
- Organized large-scale orientation events for incoming students and their families.
- Oversaw development and implementation of large-scale alumni recruitment program.
Education
B.A. - English
Wheaton College
Norton, MA01.1983
Skills
- Proposal preparation
- Event logistics
- Budget management
- Menu planning
- Customer relationship management
- Staff training
- Effective communication
- Time management
Affiliations
- Antiquing
- Traveling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Event and Catering Sales Manager
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse
07.2022 - Current
Director of Catering
SAGE Dining/Williston Northampton School
01.2016 - 05.2021
Director of Catering
Sturbridge Host Hotel
01.2012 - 01.2016
Executive Meeting Manager
Westin Hotel-Providence
01.2010 - 01.2012
Senior Catering Sales Manager
The Hotel Northampton
01.2003 - 01.2010
Senior Sales and Catering Manager
Holiday Inn-Downtown Springfield
01.1999 - 01.2003
Assistant/Associate Director of Admission
Elms College
01.1996 - 01.1999
B.A. - English
Wheaton College
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