SABRINA STERLING
Warsugai
Portland,OR
20
Years of experience
Hospitality and operations professional with 20+ years of experience across events, retreats, restaurants, and outdoor community environments. Skilled in independent food service operations, logistics, budgeting, procurement, and guest experience in both structured and remote settings.
Experienced venue management professional with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in event planning, budget management, and customer service. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring smooth operations and seamless experiences for clients and guests. Prepared to make significant impact by fostering productive and harmonious work environment.
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in hospitality and event management industry. Known for fostering collaborative team environments and delivering exceptional event experiences. Highly adaptable and reliable, ensuring smooth operations and high client satisfaction. Skilled in vendor management, budget optimization, and guest relations.
Work History
Private Events Venue Manager
2 Years 4 Months- Built private events program from the ground up, increasing private events by 30% within 13 months of employment start date.
- Oversaw daily venue operations, ensuring seamless event execution and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated logistics for performances, managing schedules and vendor communications.
- Developed staffing plans, optimizing team performance during high-demand events.
- Implemented safety protocols, enhancing compliance with health regulations and industry standards.
- Fostered relationships with local artists and promoters to enhance venue programming diversity.
- Led post-event evaluations, gathering feedback to improve future operational strategies.
- Trained junior staff on customer service best practices, improving overall team effectiveness.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and timely resolution of issues.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times.
- Supervised events from start to finish using effective crowd control methods.
- Implemented and enforced safety policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Increased repeat business by consistently providing exceptional customer service to clients throughout the planning process, event execution, and post-event followup.
- Optimized space utilization within the venue by designing flexible floor plans that could accommodate various types of events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
Sales & Catering Operations Manager
1 Year 8 Months- Increased Catering Revenue by 13% within first 3 months
- Increased Restaurant Revenue by 22% within 12 months
- Responded to all customer reviews
- Implemented Sake Program
- Managed catering inquiries, proposals, staffing coordination, and event execution.
- Managed catering logistics, ensuring timely delivery and setup for diverse events.
- Led menu development initiatives, aligning offerings with client preferences and dietary requirements.
- Oversaw staff training programs, enhancing team performance and service quality across all events.
- Coordinated event execution, ensuring adherence to client specifications and high standards of service.
- Contributed creatively to menu design by incorporating seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends into dishes offered at various types of events.
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, including venue selection, transportation arrangements, and equipment rentals.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Streamlined event processes for increased efficiency and reduced waste, resulting in cost savings for both the company and clients.
- Successfully executed numerous high-profile events with meticulous attention to detail, garnering praise from clients and attendees alike.
Wedding Planner
5 Years 2 Months- Produced weddings, fundraisers, retreats, and outdoor events.
- ~75% of events in camping/outdoor settings.
- Coordinated logistics for multiple weddings, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to client specifications.
- Developed comprehensive event timelines, facilitating efficient communication among vendors and clients.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to secure optimal services within budget constraints.
- Oversaw on-site event operations, directing staff and volunteers to maintain high service standards.
- Implemented creative themes tailored to clients' visions, enhancing overall event experience and guest satisfaction.
- Evaluated post-event feedback, identifying areas for improvement to enhance future planning processes.
- Trained junior planners in best practices for client management and vendor coordination techniques.
- Led marketing initiatives, increasing brand awareness through targeted social media campaigns and community engagement events.
- Maintained strong professional connections within the industry through networking events and ongoing education opportunities.
- Oversaw setup and teardown procedures at venues while managing staff responsibilities during events.
- Provided expert guidance on etiquette rules and cultural traditions relevant to each unique wedding celebration.
- Managed guest lists efficiently, coordinating RSVPs, accommodations, transportation arrangements as needed.
- Developed custom-designed invitations and other print materials consistent with the cohesive wedding theme.
General Manager
6 Years 8 Months- Oversaw FOH operations, staffing, inventory, and private events up to 100 guests.
- Led operational strategy to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction across multiple locations.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing supply chain effectiveness.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to maintain high service standards.
- Led operations, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations for optimal guest experiences.
- Developed innovative menu offerings to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate favorable terms for supplies and services, enhancing operational budget management.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing innovative food and beverage menu options.
- Trained food and beverage service personnel, confirming staff to provide recommendations and answer questions.
- Implemented creative solutions for space optimization during peak hours or busy seasons.
- Managed bar and wait staff and directed hiring program.
- Selected wine, beer and alcohol products based on customer feedback and local product availability.
Education
Associate of Arts - Project Management
Skills
Event & Retreat Logistics
Meal Planning
Food Budgeting
Procurement
House & Site Operations
Staff Coordination
Vendor Management
Outdoor Operations
Radio Communication
SOP Development
Writing and verbal communication
Event planning and management
Task prioritization
Personnel management
Relationship building
Event promotion
Facility oversight
Purchasing and planning
Service coordination
Excellent communication
RETREAT & FIELD OPERATIONS
- Planned and executed meals for 7 multi-day retreats (12–27 guests, 2019–2026).
- Managed menus, grocery procurement, budgeting, dietary needs, prep, cooking, cleanup, and kitchen organization.
- Worked independently in retreat and outdoor environments with minimal supervision.
- Supported communal space management and supply coordination in semi-remote settings.
ADDITIONAL FOOD & EVENT EXPERIENCE
- Prepared meals and managed food logistics for events ranging from 6–100 guests.
- Developed menus, budgets, staffing plans, and service timelines for weddings and private events.
Timeline
Sales & Catering Operations Manager
Warsugai
09.2023 - 05.2025Read More
Wedding Planner
Obrigada Events
01.2019 - 03.2024Read More
Private Events Venue Manager
The Bad Habit Room
11.2017 - 03.2020Read More
General Manager
Petisco
07.2015 - 03.2022Read More
Portland State University
Associate of Arts from Project Management
Read More