WHITNEY RUSSELL
Chicago,IL
Summary
Meticulous and enthusiastic office assistant with over 10+ years of customer service and guest relations experience including 5+ years of administrative support. Works collaboratively or independently to accomplish set goals and meet deadlines. Skilled at using verbal and written communication strengths, analytical problem-solving abilities and decisive nature to address and resolve issues. Proven to excel in anticipatory service regarding the needs of clients and developing solutions to resolve any foreseeable problems of customers, guests, or fellow team members. Able to effectively multi-task in fast paced environments; coordinate with teams large and small; and demonstrate excellent organizational, administrative and interpersonal skills to create an efficient workflow.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Adult Beverage Department Manager
Dom's Kitchen & Market
04.2022 - 04.2024
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
- Spearheaded innovative initiatives that added value to the organization and increased departmental recognition within the company.
- Managed inventory and receiving operations to maintain optimal stock levels and meet expected demands.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and ensuring timely deliveries.
Receptionist
Tucker Pup's Pet Resort
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Answered inquiries and assisted pet owners via phone, email or in person and resolved or escalated issues to management.
- Documented and monitored any concerning health conditions, fecal/urine output, behaviors, feeding habits, allergies, injuries and other details to record data and provide complete records for owners.
- Assessed animals and consulted with owners about suitability for desired services based on temperament, age and other factors.
- Managed up to 30 dogs at once, of all breeds and sizes, providing attentive care to ensure happiness and safety.
- Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out, collected payments and resolved any issues.
Front Office Guest Reception Assistant
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
03.2015 - 09.2018
- Ensured accurate responses to questions and inquiries by maintaining advanced and evolving product knowledge of services
- Investigated and resolved billing, accounting, service and delivery concerns to client's satisfaction
- Established and fostered strong brand loyalty and close relationships through application of excellent interpersonal skills and elevated customer experience
- Created an environment of dynamic teamwork with the ability to increase success of team even through consistently changing staff and corporate goals
- Ability to integrate procedures and change work operations to fit new goals annually
- Worked directly with Room Operations, Front Office Manager, Guest Relations to brainstorm, discuss strategy and mitigate guest's issues
- Supported Front Office Management with daily operational and administrative functions
- Entered details such as payments, account information, call logs and guest incidents into Front Office Departmental systems
Lead Hostess Of Guest Services
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Food & Beverage Department
11.2011 - 01.2015
- Demonstrated genuine hospitality and impeccable service by establishing rapport and assisting customers by answering questions, responding to inquiries, handling telephone and email requests
- Prepared dining room for special upcoming functions, including decorating, generating and printing out special group menus using Microsoft and Adobe software
- Maximized customer service by focusing on teamwork, overseeing operations and resolving issues in timely manner
- Created advertising signs and displays for shelves, counters and tables in line with brand standards
- Handled customer complaints with poise and grace, immediately resolving issues to guests' satisfaction
- Prepared for large celebrations or reservations, coordinating events for 500+ people, always anticipating and planning for guest and staffing needs
- Developed unique events and special promotions, including "Pop-Up" events, tasting, cocktail classes and participation in local events to increase visibility and to drive sales
Assistant Store Manager
Life Time Memories
02.2009 - 11.2011
- Maintained established merchandising standards, including window, sales floor and promotional displays
- Created custom event arrangements for guests, adhering to their budgets, expectations and satisfaction
- Managed delivery and set up of events for clients, able to adapt to and solve any unexpected issues
- Oversaw and worked variety of departments and positions within the store, including Children’s Education, Party and Event décor, Wedding Planning, Merchandising, Special Order/Deliveries, Receiving and stocking merchandise
- Trained employees in POS system, proper cash/credit/check handling techniques, correct check out procedures and returns/refunds for items purchased
- Responded and resolved customer complaints with professional and an empathic demeanor while prioritizing customer satisfaction
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL2008
Skills
- Written/Verbal Communications
- Administrative/Clerical Support
- Data Entry
- Accounting
- Prioritizing and Delegating
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Customer Service
Expertise
Microsoft Office
ECRS Point of Sale System
Micros
PeopleSoft
Opera (Customer Reservation System)
Timeline
Adult Beverage Department Manager
Dom's Kitchen & Market
04.2022 - 04.2024
Receptionist
Tucker Pup's Pet Resort
04.2019 - 03.2020
Front Office Guest Reception Assistant
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
03.2015 - 09.2018
Lead Hostess Of Guest Services
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Food & Beverage Department
11.2011 - 01.2015
Assistant Store Manager
Life Time Memories
02.2009 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
Florida State University
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