Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Margaret Wildrick

Columbia

Summary

Dynamic hospitality leader with a proven track record at Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, excelling in operational efficiency and vendor negotiations. Expert in menu development and sustainability practices, I foster strong team collaboration and drive exceptional guest experiences, consistently enhancing profitability and reducing waste through innovative strategies.

Food and beverage professional with extensive expertise in enhancing dining experiences and optimizing service standards. Recognized for fostering collaborative team environments and consistently achieving business objectives. Highly adaptable to evolving industry trends and operational needs.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Food and Beverage

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
04.2022 - 11.2024
  • Established accurate forecasting systems that enabled precise scheduling and inventory management, minimizing shortages and surplus.
  • Developed a strong team of food service professionals, selecting top talent through comprehensive recruitment initiatives.
  • Spearheaded staff development initiatives including ongoing training programs focused on customer service excellence, upselling techniques, and product knowledge enhancement.
  • Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable inspection records throughout tenure.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to establish long-term goals and strategic plans for the food and beverage department.
  • Maximized profitability with cost control measures, optimizing purchasing processes and reducing waste.
  • Delivered exceptional guest experiences through personalized service offerings tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
  • Coordinated seamless event execution for both small-scale gatherings and large-scale banquets or conferences.
  • Championed the integration of technology in daily operations, streamlining processes and enhancing overall guest experience.
  • Implemented sustainable practices in line with corporate social responsibility guidelines, reducing environmental impact while maintaining quality standards.
  • Managed budgets effectively, tracking expenses closely and adjusting allocations as needed throughout the fiscal year.
  • Cultivated partnerships with local vendors to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Expanded catering services portfolio by identifying niche markets for growth opportunities within the local area.
  • Revolutionized food presentation techniques resulting in visually appealing dishes that garnered positive reviews from patrons.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, conducting regular staff performance evaluations and providing targeted feedback.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
  • Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
  • Maintained sound financial footing by overseeing department profit, loss and budgeting.
  • Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
  • Worked with qualified chef to diversify menu with new offerings.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
  • Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
  • Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
  • Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
  • Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.

Director of Event Operations & Sales

David Tutera Wedding Planners
02.2009 - 2021
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the team, promoting a culture of learning and growth to drive performance excellence across the department.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop targeted promotional campaigns for each event, maximizing attendance rates and generating leads for the business.
  • Spearheaded strategic partnerships with industry influencers, expanding brand reach and increasing visibility in the market.
  • Established clear lines of communication among team members involved in event planning and execution, ensuring efficient decision-making and problem-solving processes.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering high-quality events, ensuring all objectives were met on time and within budget.
  • Monitored industry trends and competitor activities to stay ahead of the curve and proactively address potential challenges or opportunities in the market.
  • Implemented an effective performance measurement system for evaluating the success of events, using key metrics to inform future strategic decisions.
  • Maximized venue utilization by identifying opportunities for co-hosting or shared use arrangements between multiple events or clients.
  • Created customized event proposals tailored to specific client needs while maintaining profitability targets.
  • Led training sessions for staff members on best practices in event operations management, empowering them to handle higher-level responsibilities independently over time.
  • Implemented scalable systems for managing event logistics, streamlining communication between internal teams and external partners.
  • Optimized staffing levels for events, balancing operational needs with cost control measures to achieve optimal results.
  • Conducted thorough post-event analysis to identify areas of improvement, incorporating feedback into future planning processes.
  • Reduced event costs through effective negotiation with vendors and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with both clients and suppliers, fostering long-term partnerships that contributed to business success.
  • Developed comprehensive event plans, coordinating cross-functional teams to execute seamless operations.
  • Improved event efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
  • Managed diverse event portfolios, consistently exceeding expectations and driving revenue growth for the organization.
  • Oversaw all aspects of financial management for events, including budget development, expense tracking, invoice reconciliation, and revenue forecasting.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and risk management protocols, minimizing potential liabilities during events.
  • Oversaw event happenings in progress, answered guest questions, acted quickly to resolve problems and trained and supported 114 team members and volunteers.
  • Managed venue, labor and technical efforts of internal and external partners to successfully execute [Number] events per year.
  • Established clear objectives and goals for each event, drove execution toward goals and measured and monitored results to track impact.
  • Developed and maintained year-round calendar of events, raised brand awareness and drove organic engagement with consumers and partners.
  • Deployed solid digital marketing expertise and enlisted event technology experts to create innovative events and programs.
  • Built and implemented cost reduction strategies and industry best practices, reduced event expenses and streamlined planning and delivery.
  • Created marketing plans, grew event revenue each year and partnered with area hotels and facilities to confirm continued top service.
  • Researched vendors and locations, liaised between event staff and facilities and arranged teams to coordinate event setup and teardown.
  • Surveyed and analyzed event and strategy success and orchestrated improvements that increased attendee satisfaction and revenue numbers [Number]%.
  • Spearheaded community event center's online presence, mobilized public relations and social media initiatives and upgraded event communications to [Number] potential attendees.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
  • Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
  • Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
  • Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
  • Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
  • Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
  • Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
  • Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
  • Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
  • Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
  • Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
  • Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
  • Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
  • Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
  • Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
  • Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, cutting operational costs while maintaining quality of service.
  • Developed comprehensive risk management plan, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
  • Streamlined project delivery processes, significantly reducing time to market for new product launches.
  • Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
  • Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.

Education

Criminal Justice

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
05-2008

Skills

  • Operational efficiency
  • Hospitality management
  • Allergen awareness
  • Menu development
  • Purchasing management
  • Sustainability practices
  • Food safety compliance
  • Inventory management
  • Quality assurance
  • Waste reduction
  • Records maintenance
  • Portion control
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Portioning
  • Budget development
  • Staff consultation

Certification

  • Certified Food Protection Manager ANSI - CFP Certification

Timeline

Director of Food and Beverage

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
04.2022 - 11.2024

Director of Event Operations & Sales

David Tutera Wedding Planners
02.2009 - 2021

Criminal Justice

Florida Atlantic University

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Margaret Wildrick