ASHLEY HILL
Aliso Viejo,CA
Summary
Luxury hospitality professional with 24+ years of progressive experience leading banquet and event operations in world-class hotels, private clubs, and high-volume venues. Proven success improving labor productivity, leadership engagement, and guest satisfaction while delivering exceptional service standards. Known for building high-performing teams, driving operational efficiency, and executing complex events at scale.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquet Manager
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
01.2023 - Current
- Lead banquet operations for a luxury, high-volume property delivering Forbes-level service standards
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 55+ banquet professionals, including supervisors and frontline staff
- Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management to support service excellence
- Execute weddings, corporate meetings, and high-profile social events with precision and consistency
- Partner closely with Culinary, Sales, and Conference Services to ensure flawless BEO execution
- Drive labor productivity through strategic scheduling, forecasting, and active floor leadership
- Greatly reduced wage penalties through improved scheduling accuracy, compliance, and proactive staffing adjustments
- Recognized as Leader of the Quarter for outstanding leadership, team engagement, and operational excellence
- Improved departmental leadership scores through consistent coaching, accountability, and visible leadership
- Foster a positive service culture aligned with Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards
Banquet Manager
Dana Point Yacht Club
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Directed all banquet operations including setup, service, and breakdown
- Hired, trained, scheduled, and supervised banquet staff
- Planned and executed events that consistently exceeded member and client expectations
- Ensured seamless coordination across departments
Sales & Catering Director
Two Left Forks
12.2017 - 06.2021
- Led sales and execution of private events including menu planning, pricing, and logistics
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and rental coordination
- Maintained a professional, guest-focused culture
Event Operations Manager
Hotel Laguna
08.2001 - 12.2017
- Managed event operations for a high-volume oceanfront hotel hosting 4–6 weddings per weekend plus conferences
- Oversaw multiple simultaneous events while maintaining elevated service standards
- Collaborated with Sales and Culinary teams; attended weekly F&B leadership meetings
- Managed inventory including china, glassware, linens, furniture, and rentals
- Earlier Roles: Banquet Captain | Server | Bartender
Event Manager
Crème de la Crème
12.2009 - 2021
- Managed off-site catering events for up to 2,000 guests
Skills
- Director-Level Banquet Operations
- Labor Productivity & Cost Control
- Luxury Service Standards
- Leadership Development
- Team Engagement & Retention
- Guest & Leadership Scores
- BEO Execution
- Staffing, Scheduling & Wage Compliance
- Inventory Management
- Cross-Department Collaboration
Timeline
Banquet Manager
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
01.2023 - Current
Banquet Manager
Dana Point Yacht Club
06.2021 - 01.2023
Sales & Catering Director
Two Left Forks
12.2017 - 06.2021
Event Manager
Crème de la Crème
12.2009 - 2021
Event Operations Manager
Hotel Laguna
08.2001 - 12.2017