Kimberly Russo
Calgary,Alberta
Summary
Goal-driven and highly motivated with a diverse background in client services, event management, sales and marketing, brand development, communications, and administrative services. Demonstrated success in delivering exceptional customer service, driving sales growth, managing budgets, providing business and financial support, executing effective marketing initiatives, optimizing social media presence, and offering administrative services. Skilled at handling multiple priorities, adapting to changing demands and deadlines, and thriving in a collaborative team environment. Combining a solid educational foundation with extensive work experience to bring forward a strong skill set.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Manager
Roma Catering
Calgary, AB -Westwinds Campus, CPA Headquarters
06.2021 - Current
- Manage and ensure efficient service of all food and beverage operations, events, catering and deliveries by maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction and exceptional service delivery.
- Manage, coordinate, and execute all internal corporate event sales efforts and opportunities.
- Strong client service focus and attention to detail, ensuring excellent customer service, monitor customer satisfaction and implement strategies to improve overall service experience.
- Manage, train and coach service staff, handle customer inquiries and complaints, resolve any issues promptly and effectively, and assist with day-to- day service execution and operations.
- Monitor team performance, create a positive work environment, adhere to service level agreements (SLAs), provide detailed job training, and foster positive relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor and manage inventory, budget and cost control and ensure profitability.
- Manage daily sales reports, prepare and invoice clients for any event services, catering and food and beverage orders, administer/manage cash reconciliations and deposits; all A/R and A/P.
- Collaborate with management to develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies to attract and retain customers.
- Design and create promotional offerings, menu renderings, communications, update and maintain online webpage, and social media.
Event & Restaurant Manager
Roma Catering
Calgary, AB - La Cantina & Romano's Restaurants
08.2015 - 05.2020
- Managed La Cantina and Romano's Restaurants; executed restaurant and catered events, drove sales/profit performance, and managed administrative logistics of event planning, event bookings, event contracts, and event promotions.
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with clients and vendors, ensuring cost-effective event and food and beverage execution.
- Trained and supervised restaurant and event staff, set work schedules and ensured that all staff adhered to company policies and procedures.
- Ensured commitment to delivering high quality service to both external and internal clients. Handled customer concerns/complaints and resolved any issues, assisted with day-to-day service execution for both restaurants and catering event operations.
- Developed marketing materials and promotional campaigns to maximize catering events and restaurants attendance and visibility.
- Collaborated closely with clients throughout planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in final event and menu layout.
Territory Sales Manager - Contract
PMA Canada
Calgary & Southern, AB
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Managed territory coverage (Calgary and Southern Alberta) to ensure excellent execution by effectively planning and managing assigned budget as required on daily, weekly, and monthly/quarterly basis, with quota and distribution objectives.
- Maintained and expanded existing volume and distribution by building credible and long-term relationships with ON Premise and OFF Premise/Retail accounts within territory.
- Ensured distribution of brands in key purchasing areas of account and product item portfolios were finalized and ready to be presented to clients.
- Serviced and improved marketability of products through shelf management, display position and frequency, concept selling and price point management.
- Prospected, quantified, and qualified new accounts to determine potential fit with brand portfolio.
- Delivered recommendations to long-term accounts to promote brand awareness to key audience.
Sales Merchandiser - Contract
Bacardi Canada
Calgary, AB
09.2015 - 01.2016
- Implemented the sales call routing schedule to meet account specific objectives defined by Area Sales Manager.
- Provided support to Area Sales Manager in terms of follow-up, display building, on-pack delivery, implementation, and new product distribution.
- Responsible for display building, and cold box setup of merchandising materials (POS), and record inventory levels.
- Reported competitor activity and sales opportunities to Area Sales Manager .
- Communicated weekly with Area Sales Manager to review past weeks' activities and develop strategies for opportunity accounts.
- Maximized shelf space utilization by optimizing product displays, leading to increased product visibility.
Event & Restaurant Coordinator
Roma Catering
Calgary, AB - La Cantina Restaurant
06.2011 - 07.2015
- Assisted in executing all catered events, and drive sales and profit performance for La Cantina Restaurant.
- Executed exemplary customer service to drive customer satisfaction by assisting event and restaurant customers and monitoring their satisfaction before and during their event/ dining experience.
- Established collaboration and engagement with all internal stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction (Head Chef, Facilities Operator, Servers, etc.).
- Responsible for establishing, communicating, and managing all timelines, and execution of guest service objectives for all catered events and La Cantina.
- Provided leadership, motivation, and development to support staff.
- Excellence in customer service, positive and proactive attitude, strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Sales & Brand Representative
COTY
Calgary, AB
09.2006 - 12.2012
- Managed in-store sales and launches for Coty fragrances and promotional offerings to gain market share.
- Enhanced sales performance through effective communication of product features and benefits.
- Increased brand awareness by conducting product demonstrations and engaging with customers.
- Assisted in organizing promotional events for Coty fragrances, boosting brand visibility and attracting new customers.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, enabling informed recommendations to clients on product selection.
- Organized and stocked merchandise to keep necessary levels for sales demand.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Mount Royal University
Calgary, AB06.2015
Skills
- Microsoft Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook)
- Microsoft Teams
- Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Illustrator
- Social Media
- Website Design
- Creative Content Development
- Marketing & Communications
- Service & Event Management
- Brand & Strategic Planning
- Business Development
- Administration
- Multitasking and Organization
Certification
- ProServe | Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
- Emergency First Aid | Level A CPR & AED - St. John Ambulance
- WHMIS 2015 | Worksite Safety Compliance Centre
VOLUNTEER HISTORY
- Make a Wish Foundation | Special Event Manager
- CUPE Local 520 | Banquet Hostess & Liquor Sales
- Panorama Hills Community Association | Stampede Youth Coordinator
References
Furnished Upon Request
Timeline
Service Manager
Roma Catering
06.2021 - Current
Territory Sales Manager - Contract
PMA Canada
04.2018 - 10.2018
Sales Merchandiser - Contract
Bacardi Canada
09.2015 - 01.2016
Event & Restaurant Manager
Roma Catering
08.2015 - 05.2020
Event & Restaurant Coordinator
Roma Catering
06.2011 - 07.2015
Sales & Brand Representative
COTY
09.2006 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Mount Royal University