Michelle Luehrs
Virginia Beach
Summary
Self Motivated Catering Manager with experience in coordinating and executing events for the public and private sectors. Skilled in managing teams, coordinating logistics, and maintaining quality standards for various events. Demonstrated ability to build strong client relationships and contribute to business growth through strategic planning and execution. Notable strength lies in problem-solving, multitasking, and leadership skills that ensure seamless event execution.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering manager
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg
10.2009 - 08.2013
- Managed catering operations for diverse events across campus facilities.
- Verify vendors meet quality standards outlined in contracts
- Supervise bartenders and waitstaff during events.
- Supervise the setup, breakdown, and cleanup of events.
- Point of contact between the client and the kitchen during the event.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally while maintaining good relations with clients.
- Managed inventory levels of decorations, liquor, and other supplies for catered events.
Catering Manager
Morale Welfare and Recreation
05.2003 - 06.2005
- Experienced catering manager for high-profile U.S. government and Department of Defense functions.
- Collaborated with customers on floor plans, menu selections, and event schedules for functions at one of eight clubs in the region or at chosen locations.
- encouraging client upgrades while drafting contracts
- negotiating vendor contracts and ensuring alignment with client needs
- Managed staff scheduling and coordinated event assignments.
- Ensured all payments were made, and proper paperwork was filed.
- Managed precise ordering of linens and supplies to guarantee on-time arrival.
- Conducted quality assurance checks during functions to ensure MWR abided by all contracts with the client.
- Responsible for hiring and training of the waitstaff and bartenders.
- Managed bartenders and wait staff, including working with other catering managers and crews at large functions.
- Point of contact between the client and the kitchen during the event.
- Supervised the setup, breakdown, and cleanup of events.
- Event experience: USS Ronald Reagan Commissioning, luncheons for admirals and Joint Chiefs of Staff, weddings, various U.S. Naval Ship parties, military and civilian retirement or promotion ceremonies, holiday parties.
Education
High School -
Courtland High School
Spotsylvania, VA06-1998
Skills
- Event planning
- Menu development
- Vendor negotiation
- Inventory management
- Quality assurance
- Customer service
- Budget management
- Scheduling coordination
Timeline
Catering manager
University of Mary Washington
10.2009 - 08.2013
Catering Manager
Morale Welfare and Recreation
05.2003 - 06.2005
High School -
Courtland High School