JAI DEVNANI
MUMBAI
Summary
Resourceful Catering Sales Manager with strong catering services background and creative mindset. Managed catering operations for large venues and increased revenues over previous year. High-level organizational and collaborative skills leading to exceptional results. Well-versed in food and beverage operations and guest services. Experienced in managing large-scale events or intimate gourmet dining and afternoon tea services. Successful at building relationships with customers to increase loyalty and repeat business.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Sales Director
Centaur Gourmet Catering Services
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Curating Authentic Pan Asian, Regional Indian, Arabic, Latin American & European Menus With Chef & Creating Diverse Selection of Live Counters With Outsourcing Agents, Alongside Creating a Detailed Framework of Menu Item & Live Counter Design, Presentation, Plating, Methods of F&B Production, Manpower & Equipment Management for Event, Costing, Checklists, Hired Tableware & Serve-ware List Planning, Decorations & Floral Arrangements for Catering Display Set Up and Pricing for Catering Packages in order to Close Deals as per Clients Set Up & Budget Requirements for different Customer Segments;
- Development of Institutional & Corporate Clients Such as Development of Daily Sales in Regards to Production & Delivery of Meal Boxes, Monthly Programme Such as Employee Engagement Events, Channel Partner Events, Inauguration Events, Meetings & Conferences;
- Cold Calling for converting generated leads, engaging existing clientele, conversing with wedding/ event planners & venues for prospective sales and clients, providing solutions as per budget, understanding site environment & customer requirements, working out the best package, conducting customer tasting and trials, working out production with team for effortless execution for delightful customer experience and retention;
- Designing Themed Set Ups & Cuisine for Milestone Events & Celebrations;
- Oversaw successful execution of large-scale events by coordinating staff schedules, logistics, and resources effectively.
- Ensured strict adherence to food safety regulations by working closely with kitchen staff on proper handling procedures during all stages of food preparation and service.
- Streamlined event management processes for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in service delivery.
- Enhanced team performance with comprehensive training programs, clear expectations, and ongoing feedback.
- Negotiated advantageous contracts with vendors to secure high-quality products at competitive prices.
- Maintained excellent communication with clients throughout the event planning process to ensure their vision was executed flawlessly.
- Stayed current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices to keep the catering services competitive and innovative.
- Updated internal systems regularly with accurate data regarding leads generated, conversion rates achieved, revenue numbers realized and other relevant metrics.
Restaurant General Manager (Pre-Opening Team)
Tamasha Restaurant L.L.C., Urban Tadka Group U.A.E
11.2021 - 09.2022
- Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- 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.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods. Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Conducted regular financial analyses of sales data in order to identify trends that informed future marketing efforts.
- Launched new menu items to keep the offerings fresh and appealing, resulting in increased sales.
- Developed, implemented, and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
Managing Partner
ASK & Associates
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Opening Set Up & Overall Operations Management of ‘Caprice Brand’ at the D'Monte Park Recreation Club, Bandra Gymkhana Complex. Organized a trial, presentation for the committee and prepared a melange of East Indian Specialties to Win The Contract for operating 100 seater Restaurant and Bar at their premises for a period of 2 years in the prime area of Turner Road, Bandra, Mumbai
- Meeting Committee Deadline of commencing overall operations of the restaurant with a deadline of 3 days with a Multi Cuisine Menu
- Running Operations, Managing Staff & Supplies, Organizing Promotions for Increasing Revenue, Dealing with Distributors for Liquor Stock for Bar Counter and Procurement of Stock Under Schemes For Further Increasing Revenue Via Brand Sponsored Promotions, Organizing Artists & Events Planning.
Managing Partner
The Social Townhouse
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Established and implemented business procedures and process improvements.
- Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
- Oversaw financial management of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
- Increased client base by implementing effective marketing strategies and fostering long-term relationships.
- Optimized resource allocation, reducing operational costs while maintaining service quality standards.
- Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent, contributing to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting client demands effectively.
- Established clear communication channels within the organization, fostering collaboration among team members towards shared goals.
- Aligned business objectives with industry best practices to ensure the firm remained compliant with regulatory requirements and maintained its reputation for excellence.
- Managed restaurant scheduling, foodservice and customer service.
- Drove innovation initiatives that resulted in unique service offerings for clients while differentiating our firm from competitors in the industry.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Proprietor
ToGo
01.2017 - 03.2021
- An On Demand Food Delivery Service Providing the quintessence of Regional Indian, Pan Asian & Global Flavors at your Door Step In No Time! In different formats and comfort foods to cater to the demands of working professionals and bringing the world to your family dinner table by creating fresh and authentic flavors from scratch!
- Operated in Mumbai in 4 Regions Over the Course of 4 Years 2017-21 in- Pali Hill, Bandra, Andheri, Palm Beach Road, Vashi, Juhu Circle, JVPD
- Worked Actively in Creating and Conceptualizing The Brand, Menu and organizing Chef, Team and Production from Dark Kitchens to cater to Customers via Third Party Aggregators and Devising Promotional Strategy for Sustainable Business Via Digital Means
- Scaled operations to 4 different locations within 2 Years
- Developed a loyal client base by consistently delivering exceptional service and cultivating long-term relationships.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for expansion and diversification in the industry.
- Developed and managed relationships with vendors and suppliers.
- Improved company reputation by consistently delivering top-quality goods/services while maintaining excellent customer support.
- Continually assessed risks associated with the business''s operation; implemented mitigation plans accordingly.
- Grew business by developing business plans, hiring staff and obtaining initial investments.
- Launched successful promotional events, driving increased foot traffic and generating greater brand awareness.
- Grew revenue through targeted marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships.
- Maximized resource utilization, reducing waste while increasing overall operational efficiency.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Advertised products and services online, social media and through traditional campaigns to target ideal consumers.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Assistant Sales Floor Manager
Victory Hospitality & Entertainment
03.2016 - 05.2017
- Provided constructive feedback to senior management regarding areas of improvement leading to enhanced overall store performance.
- Demonstrated product and answered questions for prospective customers.
- Partnered with operations team to achieve company revenue and profit goals.
- Developed strong and lasting rapport to improve customer service and retain valued clients.
- Motivated sales team to exceed sales quotas through friendly competition and other incentive programs.
- Identified, qualified and closed business opportunities
- Coordinated special events at lounge bar attracting new customers and generating additional revenue opportunities.
- Facilitated ongoing training programs to enhance staff knowledge of products, promotions, and selling techniques.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative marketing campaigns that boosted brand awareness and customer loyalty.
- Monitored competitor activities closely for market insights assisting in better decision-making regarding pricing strategies.
- Streamlined operational processes for improved efficiency, reducing overhead costs while maintaining high standards of service.
- Organized staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours without compromising employee satisfaction or productivity.
Education
Bachelor of Management Studies - Marketing
University of Mumbai
Mumbai07.2019
Skills
- Food safety knowledge
- Menu development
- Event planning proficiency
- Creativity and Innovation
- Sales strategy
- Food safety understanding
- Inventory Control
- Client acquisition
- Event Coordination
- Revenue Generation
- New Client Acquisition
- Catering Oversight
- Contract Development
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Upper intermediate (B2)
French
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Catering Sales Director
Centaur Gourmet Catering Services
02.2023 - 07.2024
Restaurant General Manager (Pre-Opening Team)
Tamasha Restaurant L.L.C., Urban Tadka Group U.A.E
11.2021 - 09.2022
Managing Partner
ASK & Associates
12.2020 - 10.2021
Managing Partner
The Social Townhouse
01.2018 - 03.2020
Proprietor
ToGo
01.2017 - 03.2021
Assistant Sales Floor Manager
Victory Hospitality & Entertainment
03.2016 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Management Studies - Marketing
University of Mumbai
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