SHARON ONDORO
Katy,TX
Summary
I am an accomplished Director of Catering with extensive experience in elevating catering services and exceeding revenue targets. Expertise in event planning and execution, menu creation, and staff training. Proven ability to capture new business, resulting in an 11% increase in catering revenue. Skilled in collaborating with executive chefs to develop seasonal menus and manage pricing strategies. Instrumental in increasing sales and ensuring client satisfaction from trustee events, commencement, alumni events, conferences and more through personalized service and proactive communication. Dedicated to enhancing catering experiences and providing added value to guests and clients.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Catering
Creighton University, Sodexo
07.2024 - 08.2025
- End-to-end event execution with a budget ranging from $10K to over $60K.
- Spearheaded a comprehensive transformation of catering services and presentations at Creighton University, through improved clients, the Presidents office, donors and vendors.
- Orchestrated the planning and execution of a diverse range of events and conferences, both large and intimate, prioritizing guest needs to guide the team towards financial success and outstanding service delivery.
- Continuously collaborated with the Executive Chef to devise seasonal menu ideas while ensuring precise annual pricing that considers inflation and competitor pricing.
- Engaged in proactive client outreach well ahead of events while closely monitoring the online reservation system, and collaborated with the events team to ensure thorough planning for temporary staffing and fruitful collaboration with rental, concessions and dining departments during major events.
- Maintained alcohol inventory and ordered alcohol for all events.
- Guidance on the formulation of policies to ensure compliance with fire code regulations and to enhance employee safety in event spaces.
- Created proposals for large-scale events, conferences, and high-end clients while also empowering & supporting catering coordinators to deliver exceptional service and support to clients during the booking process.
- Captured new business in conferences and events, leading to a further 250k+ in additional catering conference revenue within the last fiscal year.
- Responsible for the hiring and training of two catering managers and hourly employees. Responsible for staffing temporary labor as well.
Senior Catering Manager
Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Sodexo
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Orchestrated concurrent events for 6,000+ attendees on the same date, encompassing served meals for donors, alumni, and high-end clientele, as well as receptions and exclusive dinners held across multiple venues.
- Crafted custom menus for off-site clients and collaborated on event space layout to ensure optimal functionality and a high-quality presentation.
- Assisting the dining program in developing globally inspired menus to cultivate an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging among students.
- Playing a pivotal role in budget management and conducting financial analyses for a department generating over $2.5 million in revenue.
- Supervising the coordination and management of logistical operations related to event planning, booking, and preparation.
- Providing strategic direction to catering managers to consistently meet their performance targets, thereby propelling the organization toward increased revenue and unparalleled levels of service quality.
Catering Manager
Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Sodexo
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Implemented improved operational expectations for event planning and execution.
- Upgraded style of service and banquet etiquette expectations.
- Collaborated with other departments and staffing agencies to acquire necessary staff levels for events.
- Created seasonal menus in liaison with the Catering Director and Executive Chef.
- Guiding the catering coordinators in implementing event contract terminology and standardized fee structures for administrative fees.
- Hired, trained, coached, and ensured catering staff adhered to company policies and catering expectations.
- Instrumental in staff development and creation of a cohesive team that collaborates toward delivering outstanding service.
Catering Manager
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Oversaw, planned, executed, and evaluated numerous significant events, cultivating new client relationships while maintaining a strong rapport with existing ones.
- Developed compelling business proposals that confirmed successful bookings, and designed venues for diverse gatherings, including parties, conferences, and business meetings, both on-site and off-site.
- Coordinated with the Executive Chef and Senior Catering Director to devise menus, assess food costs, and create specialty cocktails for proposals. Ensured high levels of guest satisfaction before, during, and after events by offering personalized service to clients.
- Successfully booked simultaneous events exceeding a $15K budget.
- Guaranteed appropriate preparation, setup, and service for events accommodating over 1,000 attendees.
- Enhanced sales for a restaurant location by ensuring elevated service standards were consistently met.
- Successfully led events over multiple months, achieving increased sales and surpassing the highly profitable targets of the prior fiscal year.
- Contributed to the strategic planning and inauguration of the 20 Acre Aggie Park.
Front of House Lead Supervisor
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Actively engaged in meetings with the Catering Director to gather event specifics from clients.
- Collected event requirements from potential clients and designed venues tailored to meet their needs precisely.
- Delegated tasks among team members to ensure seamless operations during events and regular service.
- Maintained effective and consistent communication with clients prior to, during, and post-events.
- Fostered a positive and efficient work environment by enforcing high-quality standards for products and services.
- Played a crucial role in menu development for a restaurant location, contributing directly to its profitability after years of operation.
Education
BS - Hospitality Management
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO01.2020
AS - Culinary Arts
Tops Chefs Culinary Institute
01.2013
Skills
- Catering & Event Planning
- Microsoft Suite
- Canva, CaTerTrax, Social Tables and 25Live Proficient
- Customer Satisfaction & Retention
- Kitchen Management
- Relationship Building
- Complex Problem Resolution
- Proven Team Turn-around Capabilities
- Process Improvement
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Food & Beverage Intern - Cape Girardeau Country Club, Cape Girardeau, MO
- Kitchen Supervisor - Chartwells Higher Education, Cape Girardeau, MO
- Front Desk Attendant & Night Auditor - Candlewood Suites, Cape Girardeau, MO
- Saucier - Fairmont, The Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
- Insurance Underwriting Assistant - Associated Insurance Brokers Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timeline
Director of Catering
Creighton University, Sodexo
07.2024 - 08.2025
Senior Catering Manager
Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Sodexo
10.2023 - 07.2024
Catering Manager
Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Sodexo
01.2023 - 10.2023
Catering Manager
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
01.2022 - 12.2022
Front of House Lead Supervisor
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
09.2021 - 01.2022
BS - Hospitality Management
Southeast Missouri State University
AS - Culinary Arts
Tops Chefs Culinary Institute
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