Rebecca Cooke
Hospitality specialist
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
A dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in team leadership and guest relations. With a proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing team productivity through effective communication and strategic event management. Skilled in fostering relationships, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional service delivery with a track record of fostering a collaborative work environment to achieve collective goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hotel Sales and Events Executive
Ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
Melbourne, VIC
10.2025 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives enhancing operational efficiency.
- Streamlined processes to improve decision-making and resource allocation across departments.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on achieving organizational goals.
- Analyzed market trends and internal data to drive informed business strategies and long-term planning.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and project timelines.
- Developed comprehensive reports for executive leadership, translating complex data into actionable insights.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction levels.
- Spearheaded change management efforts, guiding teams through transitions to new systems and processes effectively.
- Developed innovative solutions to complex problems, resulting in improved organizational performance.
- Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
- Established long-term client relationships through consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
- Assisted in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic marketing plans and business development initiatives.
- Assessed and analyzed departmental budgets to find ways to minimize expenses and optimize profits.
- Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes.
- Expanded market presence by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
- Enhanced online presence and e-commerce sales through overhaul of company website and digital marketing strategies.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with key suppliers, reducing material costs and improving profit margins.
- Drove significant growth in annual revenue by identifying and penetrating new market segments.
Event Coordinator
Ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
Melbourne, VIC
05.2025 - 09.2025
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring timely setup and execution of all activities.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize event services and costs.
- Developed detailed event timelines, facilitating communication with stakeholders throughout planning phases.
- Oversaw on-site operations, troubleshooting issues to maintain smooth event flow and guest satisfaction.
- Led post-event evaluations, gathering feedback to improve future planning processes and attendee experiences.
- Implemented new software tools for project management, streamlining workflows and documentation processes.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
Supervisor
RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort
Healesville, VIC
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Oversaw daily operations of the Food and beverage department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members, resulting in streamlined rostering through a difficult hiring phase.
- Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values of Innovation, accountability, care and teamwork. Leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions. including event operations and guest stay experiences.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing feedback to staff members.
Event Manager
The Fresh Collective
Melbourne, VIC
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies and diversifying knowledge of event software system, Priava.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions. Collaborating closely with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in the final event layout.
- Established relationships with key stakeholders, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations. Including Museums Victoria and ACMI.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Coordinated large-scale conferences for industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.
- Delivered prompt payment for event vendors, venues, staff and transportation providers.
- Developed and executed risk management plans to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, ensuring seamless event progression.
Experience Coordinator
Elco Ecosystem
Melbourne, VIC
02.2023 - 09.2023
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes. inclusive of company networking events and client weddings and social occasion's.
- Increased client satisfaction by collaborating closely with them throughout the planning process, facilitating clear and consistent communication between project teams and stakeholders to ensure the clients vision was accurately reflected in the final event execution.
- Prioritized and managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all met their deadlines and objectives without compromising quality.
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies. Establishing relationships with key stakeholders and the local community, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations.
- Developed marketing materials and promotional campaigns to maximize event attendance and visibility. Utilizing social media platforms to engage potential attendees and promote upcoming events effectively as well as member based platforms and other media.
- Delivered prompt payment for event vendors, venues, staff and transportation providers..
- Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
- Developed and executed risk management plans to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, ensuring seamless event progression.
- Developed training programs for event staff, elevating level of professionalism and service delivery at events.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement, utilizing feedback from attendees to refine and improve event offerings and processes. Driving continuous improvement in event execution.
Catering and Venue Manager, Healesville Sanctuary
K&B Catering
Healesville, VIC
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Enhanced customer and client satisfaction with excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and timely resolution of issues.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times in a fast paced and public environment.
- Evaluated customer feedback on a regular basis to identify areas for improvement within venue operations and implemented necessary changes accordingly in collaboration with Zoos Victoria.
- Managed events from inquiry to execution, creating efficient and effective event packages and processes to appease business demands and capacity.
- Implemented and enforced health, safety and wellness policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps in accordance with industry regulations and guidelines.
- Implemented inventory control measures for venue supplies and equipment to reduce waste and improve cost management, controlling food, beverage and wage costs, regular building and equipment maintenance and equipment replacement program.
- Maintained updated knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and market demands in the wedding and events industry as well as large venue food and beverage offerings make informed strategic decisions about future event and offerings across the venues.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Increased repeat business by consistently providing exceptional customer service to clients throughout the planning process, event execution, and post-event followup.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality products and services, namely with Boscastle, Streets, Genovese, Lotus commercial cleaning and Cleaning Melbourne.
- Developed annual budgets for the venue operations, closely monitoring expenses to ensure profitability targets were met or exceeded.
- Maximized cost-effectiveness by complying with budget, labor and revenue benchmarks.
- Established positive working relationships with local authorities such as police departments and licensing boards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between events by efficiently managing setup and breakdown processes for each engagement held at the venue.
- Assisted with public relations by participating in community events, which helped to draw in new business and patrons.
- Championed sustainability initiatives within the venue operations, leading to a reduced environmental footprint and an enhanced reputation as an eco-conscious event space. Working with Zoos Victoria to achieve their goal of zero waste.
Assistant Catering and Venue Manager, Healesville
K&B Catering
Healesville, VIC
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Enhanced customer and client satisfaction with excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and timely resolution of issues.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times in a fast paced and public environment.
- Evaluated customer feedback on a regular basis to identify areas for improvement within venue operations and implemented necessary changes accordingly in collaboration with Zoos Victoria.
- Managed events from inquiry to execution, creating efficient and effective event packages and processes to appease business demands and capacity.
- Implemented and enforced health, safety and wellness policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps in accordance with industry regulations and guidelines.
- Implemented inventory control measures for venue supplies and equipment to reduce waste and improve cost management, controlling food, beverage and wage costs, regular building and equipment maintenance and equipment replacement program.
- Maintained updated knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and market demands in the wedding and events industry as well as large venue food and beverage offerings make informed strategic decisions about future event and offerings across the venues.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Increased repeat business by consistently providing exceptional customer service to clients throughout the planning process, event execution, and post-event followup.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality products and services, namely with Boscastle, Streets, Genovese, Lotus commercial cleaning and Cleaning Melbourne.
- Developed annual budgets for the venue operations, closely monitoring expenses to ensure profitability targets were met or exceeded.
- Maximized cost-effectiveness by complying with budget, labor and revenue benchmarks.
- Established positive working relationships with local authorities such as police departments and licensing boards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between events by efficiently managing setup and breakdown processes for each engagement held at the venue.
- Assisted with public relations by participating in community events, which helped to draw in new business and patrons.
- Championed sustainability initiatives within the venue operations, leading to a reduced environmental footprint and an enhanced reputation as an eco-conscious event space. Working with Zoos Victoria to achieve their goal of zero waste.
Guest Relations Manager
Levantine Hill
Coldstream, VIC
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Managed challenging situations with professionalism and diplomacy, maintaining positive relationships with guests even during difficult circumstances.
- Monitored guest services personnel for efficiency and accuracy of response to guest complaints.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving all concerns and complaints.
- Oversaw regulated greeting and internal processing of guests upon arrival.
Host, Conservatory Restaurant
Crown Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
03.2015 - 06.2018
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, effectively managing large parties or unexpected events during busy shifts.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly greeting and seating guests upon arrival.
Wait Staff Member
Argo On The Parade
Adelaide, SA
03.2012 - 02.2014
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Set up dining room to promote welcoming environment and meet or exceed hospitality and service standards.
- Practiced safe, sanitary food handling for preparation and service to maximize pleasant dining experience.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and efficiently addressing concerns.
Wait Staff Member
Pizza Project
Robe, SA
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently while ensuring timely order delivery.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain food quality and presentation standards.
- Trained new staff on restaurant procedures and service protocols.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas to meet health standards.
- Maintained cleanliness in dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for customers.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities by managing multiple tables simultaneously without sacrificing quality of service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate order preparation and timely delivery of dishes to guests.
Housekeeper
Harbour View Hotel
Robe, SA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in guest rooms and common areas.
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction and comfort.
- Trained new staff on cleaning procedures and safety protocols.
- Developed efficient cleaning schedules to optimize workflow and productivity.
Education
Bachelor of Tourism And Events - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University of South Australia
Adelaide, SA11-2014
Skills
- Team leadership and supervision
- Training and mentoring
- Relationship building
- Writing and verbal communication
- Staff management
- Personnel management
- Guest relations/ Customer service
- Event promotion
- Schedule management
- On-site execution
Certification
Victorian RSA
Timeline
Hotel Sales and Events Executive
Ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
10.2025 - Current
Event Coordinator
Ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
05.2025 - 09.2025
Supervisor
RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort
04.2024 - 04.2025
Event Manager
The Fresh Collective
10.2023 - 03.2024
Experience Coordinator
Elco Ecosystem
02.2023 - 09.2023
Catering and Venue Manager, Healesville Sanctuary
K&B Catering
05.2021 - 02.2023
Assistant Catering and Venue Manager, Healesville
K&B Catering
05.2019 - 05.2021
Guest Relations Manager
Levantine Hill
06.2018 - 04.2019
Host, Conservatory Restaurant
Crown Melbourne
03.2015 - 06.2018
Wait Staff Member
Argo On The Parade
03.2012 - 02.2014
Wait Staff Member
Pizza Project
01.2011 - 12.2012
Housekeeper
Harbour View Hotel
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Tourism And Events - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University of South Australia