Yuliya Kusinsh
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Dedicated and passionate hospitality professional with over 10 years of experience in restaurant operations and event management. Known for a strong work ethic, and commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences. Skilled in managing events, overseeing beverage operations, and ensuring operational efficiency. Adept at leading teams, optimizing service standards, and maintaining seamless event execution in fast-paced environments. Thrives under pressure, and consistently earns high marks for work quality and speed.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operational Manager / Beverage Manager
Bobo
Manhattan, NY
02.2023 - 01.2025
- Conduct a weekly beverage inventory to ensure accurate stock levels.
- Manage the weekly ordering of beverage products from vendors, optimizing costs and availability.
- Lead FOH pre-shift meetings to introduce new beverage products and enhance team knowledge.
- Develop and distribute educational materials on wine, liquor, and beer to improve staff expertise.
- Track and analyze weekly beverage sales to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Oversee private event execution, ensuring seamless logistics, service coordination, and client satisfaction.
- Managed and executed private events, ensuring seamless operations based on pre-established specifications and client requests for an average of 4 to 5 events per week.
- Worked closely with the events team to ensure all logistics were in place, including seating arrangements, staffing, and equipment setup.
- Monitored the flow of events, troubleshooting issues as they arose, to maintain a smooth guest experience.
- Managed back-of-house and front-of-house teams during events, ensuring alignment and clear communication to meet event standards.
- Ensured adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards during events, maintaining a professional and organized environment.
- Manage payroll, weekly and monthly inventory (including China inventory), and event-related services.
- Lead pre-shift meetings to align teams on service goals and daily priorities.
- Delivered positive customer experiences by implementing effective quality assurance practices.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Guided employees on understanding and meeting changing customer needs and expectations.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
- Provided leadership support during times of change or crisis management situations.
- Addressed customer concerns with suitable solutions.
- Reviewed customer feedback surveys in order to identify areas needing improvement in terms of customer satisfaction.
- Improved morale and management communication by creating employee recognition and rewards practices.
- Scheduled maintenance repairs on equipment in order to ensure optimal functioning of all resources available.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
- Performed regular inspections of bars and lounges areas ensuring cleanliness standards were met.
- Organized special events such as wine tastings or cocktail competitions.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
Server
Claudette
Manhattan, NY
10.2016 - 02.2023
- Delivered exceptional fine dining service in an upscale, high-volume environment
- Provided expert recommendations on menu items, wine pairings, and daily specials
- Assisted with VIP guest services and private event execution
- Consistently received positive guest feedback and maintained high service standards
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Cleaned tables and chairs to prepare dining area for next customers.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Filled condiments and napkin containers during slack periods.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Server
Bistro on Grove Square
Jersey City, NJ
03.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed large guest sections, ensuring timely service and table turnover
- Provided excellent customer service in a high-volume bistro setting
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure seamless order execution
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
- Addressed complaints to kitchen staff and served replacement items.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Bartender / Server
Benash
Manhattan, NY
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Crafted and served cocktails, beer, and wine in a fast-paced Midtown venue
- Delivered attentive and friendly service while maintaining an organized bar
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with POS system.
- Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Adhered to state regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings and special promotions.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Greeted guests with friendliness and professionalism.
- Maintained inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other beverage items.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Arranged bottles and glasses behind bar to make attractive displays.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
Office / HR Manager
Courgette
Manhattan, NY
02.2013 - 08.2013
- Managed payroll, recruitment, and onboarding processes
- Coordinated internal communications and streamlined operations
- Worked with management to create performance measurement, employee development and employee compensation strategies.
- Created staff teams based on employee strengths and made adjustments to promote overall productivity.
- Conducted employee performance reviews and implemented corrective actions to increase productivity.
Hospitality Intern
White Lodging Marriott
Richmond, VA
02.2012 - 01.2013
- Rotated through multiple hospitality roles, including server, bartender, and catering services
- Assisted with special events and developed management skills in hotel operations
- Attended to guest preferences and resolved issues by actively listening to understand individual needs and working with various department staff to provide effective solutions.
- Communicated effectively with team members regarding tasks assigned or any issues encountered during shift hours.
- Participated in training sessions on topics related to hospitality operations.
- Assisted with food preparation and service for events.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations, health codes, and local laws related to hospitality services.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Event Management Intern
Glion Institute of Higher Education
, Switzerland
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Organized campus events, including high-profile industry conferences and entertainment functions
- Worked with professional and trade associations to create memorable and successful events.
- Managed safe and smooth food delivery at banquets, conferences and social events.
- Received feedback from participants following completion of an event.
- Assisted in the recruitment of staff for specific events when needed.
- Arranged security, printing and supply vendors to meet unique requirements of each event.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies and staff for events.
Real Estate Specialist
Federal Registration Management
Krasnoyarsk, Russia
10.2004 - 08.2009
- Processed and verified real estate documents for compliance with national regulations
- Provided support during the closing process by preparing closing statements and facilitating transfers of funds and title documents.
- Prepared documents such as sales agreements, leases, closing statements.
- Established key business relationships within industry by using responsiveness, efficiency and deep knowledge of real estate industry.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Education
Certificate - Bartending
NYC Bartending School
Manhattan09.2013
Postgraduate Diploma - Event, Sport, And Entertainment Administration
Glion Institute of Higher Education
Switzerland12.2011
Intensive English Course - English Language
Les Roches Internationa School of Hotel Management
Switzerland12.2009
Bachelor's Degree - Law
Krasnoyarsk State University
Krasnoyarsk, Russia06.2004
Higher School Certificate of General Secondary Education -
School No. 41
Krasnoyarsk, Russia05.1999
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Communication & Problem-Solving
- Customer Service & Guest Relations
- Food & Beverage Knowledge
- Vendor & Inventory Management
- Event Execution & Logistics
- Inventory & Financial Management
- Payroll & Scheduling
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Invoice processing
- Staff development
- High-pressure environments
- Inventory control
- Operations monitoring
Certification
- NYC Food Protection Certificate
- New York Bartending School Certificate
Languages
- Russian, Native
- English, Fluent
Timeline
Operational Manager / Beverage Manager
Bobo
02.2023 - 01.2025
Server
Claudette
10.2016 - 02.2023
Server
Bistro on Grove Square
03.2014 - 03.2016
Bartender / Server
Benash
09.2013 - 12.2013
Office / HR Manager
Courgette
02.2013 - 08.2013
Hospitality Intern
White Lodging Marriott
02.2012 - 01.2013
Event Management Intern
Glion Institute of Higher Education
01.2010 - 12.2011
Real Estate Specialist
Federal Registration Management
10.2004 - 08.2009
Certificate - Bartending
NYC Bartending School
Postgraduate Diploma - Event, Sport, And Entertainment Administration
Glion Institute of Higher Education
Intensive English Course - English Language
Les Roches Internationa School of Hotel Management
Bachelor's Degree - Law
Krasnoyarsk State University
Higher School Certificate of General Secondary Education -
School No. 41