Ushettige Yasas Perera
Puyallup
Summary
Food & Beverage Manager with over 12 years of experience in restaurant and banquet operations. Demonstrated success in cost control and labor management while upholding high service standards. Skilled in event planning and team training, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Recognized for strong leadership and communication abilities that drive staff performance. Decisive professional with many years of experience orchestrating various aspects of banquet services for optimal and smooth-running events. Seasoned expert at planning function details, directing staff, and interacting with other industry professionals for clear communication with personnel and enjoyable gatherings for attendees. Poised with confidence and expertise to swiftly solve problems.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
BANQUET MANAGER
Edgewater Hotel
Seattle
05.2025 - Current
- Managed banquet operations for events at luxury hotel venue.
- Oversaw staff scheduling and training for banquet service excellence.
- Collaborated with event planners to create seamless guest experiences.
- Worked closely with other departments such as kitchen staff or housekeeping staff to ensure smooth operations during events.
- Participated in weekly management meetings in order to provide updates on current and future projects related to banquets.
FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER
Hilton Motif
Seattle
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Directed food and beverage operations, ensuring seamless service across outlets and banquets.
- Supervised daily operations, focusing on staff scheduling, inventory control, and menu planning.
- Managed payroll, labor, and beverage costs to achieve budgetary alignment.
- Trained and motivated teams to consistently deliver high-quality service experiences.
- Utilized Delphi and POS systems to enhance operational efficiency.
BANQUET MANAGER
Snoqualmie Casino
Snoqualmie
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Oversaw planning, coordination, and execution of events to ensure memorable experiences.
- Developed cost control systems to optimize resource utilization while maintaining quality standards.
- Delivered exceptional customer service through active engagement and effective listening skills.
BANQUET SERVER
MGM Grand
Las Vegas
04.2017 - 11.2024
- Facilitated event preparation, setup, and breakdown of banquet tables and equipment.
- Ensured cleanliness of work area, including tables, chairs, and floors throughout shifts.
- Coordinated packing away of tables, linens, place settings, and buffets after events.
BANQUET CAPTAIN
Snoqualmie Casino
Snoqualmie
06.2021 - 09.2024
- Manage department service standards, Delphi, POS system, payroll, schedules and labor / beverage costs.
- Surpass guest expectations for catered events, group meetings, and golf tournaments.
- Coordinated with food and beverage team on menu selections and serving times.
RESORT AMBASSADOR
Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Welcomed guests upon arrival, providing information on hotel facilities and directing to Concierge.
- Actively listened to guest concerns, fostering customer confidence through appropriate feedback.
- Created materials to effectively communicate organizational initiatives related to environmental and public safety issues.
BANQUET MANAGER
Hilton Hotel
Lake Las Vegas
12.2019 - 06.2021
- Ensured guest satisfaction for all booked functions, taking ownership of overall experience.
- Directed major catering operations, including comprehensive menu planning.
- Mentored newly hired employees, providing insight into various company programs.
BANQUET SET-UP STAFF
Aria Resort & Casino
Las Vegas
04.2013 - 04.2017
- Assembles and arranges tables, chairs, dance floors, risers, signs, and easels according to directives from Supervisor/Lead and departmental standards.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANQUETS
Hilton Hotel Colombo
Colombo
12.2011 - 12.2012
- Managed and scheduled staff of 80+ for weddings, conferences, and events exceeding 1000 guests.
- Coordinated budgeting and forecasting activities for assigned departments to ensure financial accuracy.
- Planned and led team meetings to assess business results and communicate priorities effectively.
ASSISTANT FRONT DESK MANAGER
Cinnamon lakeside
Colombo
12.2009 - 12.2011
- Welcomed arriving guests, ensuring a positive first impression.
- Managed accounts payable related to front desk operations, including logging invoices and receipts.
Education
Associate Of Applied Science Degree (AAS) - Hotel Management
College Of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas01.2019
PhD - Music
Bhathkande Music Institute
LucknowSkills
- Food and beverage preparation
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Hotel operations knowledge
- Marketing strategy development
- Safety compliance programs
- Personnel relations
- Budget management
- Hospitality law expertise
- Menu planning
- Event coordination
- Payroll administration
- Cost management
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Operational efficiency
- Budget forecasting
- Service delivery management
- Food presentation
- Employee performance evaluations
- Staff training
- Schedule coordination
Accomplishments
Successfully planned and executed high-profile events in Las Vegas over 300,000 sq ft of event space, including Bruno Mars Concert over 80,000 guests at Las Vegas Speedway.
References
References available upon request.
Languages
English
Awards
- Employee of the Year, Aria Resort and Casino, 01/13
- Employee of the Year, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 01/19
- Employee of the Month, Snoqualmie Casino, 08/22
- Leadership Award, Snoqualmie Casino, 10/23
Timeline
BANQUET MANAGER
Edgewater Hotel
05.2025 - Current
FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER
Hilton Motif
12.2024 - 05.2025
BANQUET MANAGER
Snoqualmie Casino
09.2024 - 12.2024
BANQUET CAPTAIN
Snoqualmie Casino
06.2021 - 09.2024
RESORT AMBASSADOR
Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino
02.2021 - 06.2021
BANQUET MANAGER
Hilton Hotel
12.2019 - 06.2021
BANQUET SERVER
MGM Grand
04.2017 - 11.2024
BANQUET SET-UP STAFF
Aria Resort & Casino
04.2013 - 04.2017
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANQUETS
Hilton Hotel Colombo
12.2011 - 12.2012
ASSISTANT FRONT DESK MANAGER
Cinnamon lakeside
12.2009 - 12.2011
Associate Of Applied Science Degree (AAS) - Hotel Management
College Of Southern Nevada
PhD - Music
Bhathkande Music Institute