Robert Cruz
Rahway,NJ
Summary
Dynamic leader with over 10 years of experience managing high-impact projects and fostering strong client relationships while ensuring seamless operations. Proven ability to excel under tight deadlines and high expectations, delivering results without sacrificing the human touch. Expertise in leading teams, streamlining workflows, and providing unwavering support to clients at every stage. Eager to leverage a unique blend of skills in Customer Success, Sales, or Account Management roles to solve problems, build trust, and empower teams and clients to thrive.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Production
South Orange Performing Arts Center
11.2016 - Current
- Built and led a strategic initiative to align internal and external stakeholders, creating a first-of-its-kind committee to guide capital planning and long-term customer-impacting investments.
- Managed $1M+ in complex, multi-year projects, overseeing vendor relationships, timelines, and risk mitigation to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Achieved a 40% reduction in operational spend by proactively renegotiating vendor contracts and labor agreements which maximized customer value without compromising service quality.
- Led the successful execution of multiple concurrent initiatives, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact outcomes and maintain consistent client satisfaction.
- Revamped onboarding and training workflows, improving new team member productivity and accelerating ramp-up-mirroring the onboarding efficiency needed in Customer Success environments.
- Identified and implemented sustainable year-over-year cost savings, improving operational agility while enhancing the overall customer and team experience.
- Acted as a trusted liaison across internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment, clear communication, and consistent delivery of services and expectations.
Entertainment Manager
Various Artists - Interscope, Columbia, SME
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Coordinated logistics and operations for national and international tours, managing accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
- Oversaw six-figure tour budgets, optimizing spending and maintaining top-tier service delivery.
- Served as the primary liaison between artists, labels, vendors, and crews to deliver seamless live experiences.
- Handled last-minute changes and crisis situations, ensuring minimal disruption to touring schedules and performances.
Sales & Account Manager
SST Inc.
08.2013 - 11.2015
- Managed a $10M book of business, overseeing high-profile clients including The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and iHeartRadio.
- Increased revenue through proactive relationship management, upselling, and long-term account retention strategies.
- Negotiated client contracts and secured long-term agreements, resulting in improved client satisfaction and expanded business partnerships.
- Created and managed production budgets and forecasts to align with financial goals and client expectations.
- Supervised a team of 6 full-time staff and 20+ freelancers, ensuring quality service delivery and team alignment.
Sales Manager
The Guitar Center Company
03.2010 - 08.2013
- Managed and coached a team of sales associates, fostering a customer-first sales culture.
- Consistently exceeded sales targets through strategic product recommendations and upselling.
- Developed and maintained relationships with high-value clients, including touring musicians and recording professionals.
- Led inventory management and merchandising strategies to optimize product placement and sales.
- Conducted training sessions on product knowledge and sales techniques to enhance team performance.
- My experience at Guitar Center strengthened my expertise in consultative sales, team leadership, and business development within the music retail industry.
Education
High school Diploma -
Cranford High School
Cranford, New Jersey06.2008
Skills
- Client relationship Management
- Client Retention
- Stakeholder Communication
- Team Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Staff management
- Goals and performance
- Verbal and written communication
- Product knowledge
- Account management
- KPI tracking
- Lead generation
- Review of contracts
Certification
Security+ (In progress)
Timeline
Director of Production
South Orange Performing Arts Center
11.2016 - Current
Entertainment Manager
Various Artists - Interscope, Columbia, SME
11.2015 - 11.2016
Sales & Account Manager
SST Inc.
08.2013 - 11.2015
Sales Manager
The Guitar Center Company
03.2010 - 08.2013
High school Diploma -
Cranford High School