Soula Brizard
Fullarton,SA
Summary
Personable and highly organised professional with a strong passion for building and maintaining client relationships and coordinating successful events. Possesses a solid understanding of sales strategies and event planning, coupled with exceptional skills in customer service and negotiations. Committed to driving event sales and ensuring consistently exceptional client experiences.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event Sales Executive
Hilton Adelaide
09.2022 - Current
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and competitor offerings, allowing for effective differentiation in sales pitches.
- Coordinate all aspects of event logistics from meeting space selection to post-event evaluation, ensuring seamless execution every step of the way. Event s with numbers from 2-550 guests.
- Increased client satisfaction through exceptional customer service and prompt resolution of their concerns.
- Consistently meet and exceeded sales quotas through a combination of persistence, creativity, and thorough understanding of client needs.
- Negotiated contracts, ensuring the best value for both the company and client.
- Involved in contracting and event planning with large scale events such Tour Down Under.
- Built long-lasting relationships with key accounts by consistently exceeding expectations in terms of event organisation to ensuring repeat business.
- Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends and capitalize on profitable opportunities in the event industry.
- Increase revenue through upselling additional services to existing clients by providing customized solutions based on their needs.
- Contact clients in person and on telephone to obtain feedback about event experience.
- Develop sales leads and uncovered new business opportunities through prospecting and cold calling.
- Comply with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations at all times
- Work closely with the above property sales team to exceed targets at hotel level and establish and nurture local relationships.
- Negotiate room rates and packages with corporate clients.
- Meet and welcome top key accounts, group organisers and VIP guests upon check-in.
- Prepare company contracts and respond to RFP’s for the hotel in accordance with current business and pricing conditions.
- Cooperate with other departments in the hotel to create an exceptional guest experience and build strong, comprehensive sales programs.
Customer Care Coordinator
Hugh Hamilton Wines
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Took ownership of customers issues to follow problems through to resolution.
- Assisted call-in customers with questions and orders.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving inquiries and concerns.
- Reduced customer complaints by proactively identifying potential issues and implementing solutions.
- Addressed customer complaints and mitigated dissatisfaction by employing timely and on-point solutions.
- Logged call information and solutions provided into internal database.
- Explained charges, fees, terms of sales, and service agreements to over 20 customers daily.
- Created customer support strategies to increase customer retention.
- Built long-term, loyal customer relations by providing top-notch service and detailed order, account, and service information.
- Managed department call volume of up to 40 calls per day.
- Maximized customer satisfaction by organising wine & hamper, replacements and deliveries.
- Created customer profiles by answering questions and providing tailored experiences based on interests and agendas.
- Successfully retained clients by offering personalized solutions and demonstrating a deep understanding of their unique needs and preferences.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of company products and services, enabling accurate guidance for customers.
- Reviewed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement in service delivery, leading to better outcomes for clients.
- Entered customer demographic data into company databases.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with customers after issue resolution, ensuring ongoing satisfaction and loyalty.
- Developed client rapport by promptly processing requests and resolving financial discrepancies.
- Handled complaints, provided appropriate solutions, and alternatives within appropriate timeframes and followed up to achieve resolution.
SALES COORDINATOR (Maternity Cover)
TOOP+TOOP
12.2020 - 12.2021
- Provide ongoing administration to 11 Sales Partners by assisting with the sales process from listing to settlement
- Enter property and customer details accurately into TOOP+TOOP databases
- Respond to emails for both internal and external customers with efficiency
- Manage internet property listings and build artwork for signboards, brochures and print media
- Create and edit contracts and agencies for Sales Partners with high attention to detail and sensitivity
- Coordinate correspondence to solicitors, conveyancers, financial institutions, vendors and purchasers
- Organise and chair monthly meetings
- Given task of re-writing and updating the standard operating procedure manuals for the sales coordinators
- Office management with responsibility to open and close business
- Microsoft Suite, Xero, Rex, Campaign Agent, Campaign Track and other TOOP+TOOP software
- Telephone answering and call directing
- Worked closely with the sales team to prioritize tasks, set goals, and allocate resources efficiently; resulting in increased productivity and revenue.
- Maintained accurate records of all sales activities, including contracts, proposals, quotes, follow-ups, and customer communications.
CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT SALES EXECUTIVE
HILTON HOTELS AUSTRALASIA
02.2019 - 11.2020
- Devising and implementing Hilton sales strategies via phone and email
- Total account management - rooms, meetings & events
- Local, regional and global account management on companies
- Dynamic & static room pricing negotiation
- Streamlined client contact, offering accounts one point of contact for all Hilton Hotels properties in Australasia
- Maintained existing relationships with clients/company to retain and increase business levels throughout the Australasian region
- Maintaining good business relationships with 3rd party clients such as travel managers and global account managers
- Ability to communicate with multiple parties on one account, ensuring client satisfaction and seamless management
- Increase the corporate, meetings and events revenues for all Hilton properties
- Conversion and ability to seek out new business
- Deal with customer feedback, enquiries and complaints
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
- Boosted sales revenue by cultivating strong client relationships and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Analyzed sales data regularly to monitor progress towards goals and make necessary adjustments to strategy as needed.
- Negotiated contract terms with clients, securing favourable conditions for both parties while maximizing profitability.
- Demonstrated expert product knowledge during client interactions, addressing questions/concerns confidently and offering solutions tailored specifically for them.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resulting in a high percentage of repeat business and client referrals.
- Developed key partnerships, resulting in increased lead generation and cross-selling opportunities.
FOOD SERVICES COORDINATOR
HILTON ADELAIDE
02.2015 - 01.2019
- Personal assistant to the Executive Chef of the Hilton Adelaide
- Communication coordinator for Kitchens between Sales, Food and Beverage, Catering, Finance & Marketing departments
- Daily interaction with Human resources regarding apprentices, PPE, performance management and training
- Daily last minute, late and event changes communication and distribution between 5 kitchens
- Calendar/Event/Meeting coordinator & planner for the Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef and Sous Chef
- Birch St ordering system
- Kronos payroll system for Kitchen and Stewarding department (50 Team Members in total)
- Implementation of roster for kitchen and stewarding
- Annual leave/Time in Lieu and Sick leave coordination for Kitchen and Stewarding
- Conduct Hilton Training initiatives for both Kitchen and Stewarding departments
- Attend meetings with Exec Chef: Pre-conference, Operations, Event order, Work Health and Safety, Daily head of Department
- Screening of resumes for Exec Chef (Taleo system)
- Petty cash responsibility
- Produce information for meetings
- Weekly forecasts
- All guest feedback (Hilton SALT system)
- TAFE coordination for apprentices
FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
HILTON ADELAIDE
02.2011 - 01.2015
- The daily operations of the Brasserie Restaurant that prepare and serve food and drinks to customers
- Oversee all of the issues pertaining to a guest’s dining experience, such as quality control, staff management, inventory, health and safety regulations and customer service
- Ensure team members are providing exceptional customer service
- Manage diversity in the workplace
- Work effectively in hospitality service
- Enhance the customer service experience
- Conflict resolution management
- Manage finances within a budget
- Use hygienic practices for food safety
- Coach team members in job skills through training and personal development records
- Monitor work operations
- Provide table service of food and beverage
- Provide advice on food and beverage
- Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks
- Upheld highest standards of hygiene practices among staff members through ongoing education on sanitation protocols leading to consistent top-rated health inspection scores.
- Improved team productivity by providing comprehensive training on food safety standards, inventory management, and customer service techniques.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, providing constructive feedback designed to enhance job skills and promote professional growth opportunities.
- Staff rostering for 32 employees
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively adjusting to sudden changes in customer volume or staffing levels while maintaining exceptional service quality.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Addressed customer complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
- Planned and executed promotions and special events in close collaboration with management, such as Melbourne Cup Lunches.
BANQUETS CATERING SERVICES MANAGER
HILTON CAIRNS
12.2004 - 01.2011
- Plan, organize and develop the food and beverage services of organizations and businesses, while meeting customer expectations, food and hygiene standards and financial targets
- Managing the food and beverage provision for functions and events
- Supervising catering and waiting staff at functions
- Recruiting and training permanent and casual staff
- Organizing, leading and motivating the catering team
- Planning staff shifts and rosters
- Ensuring health and safety regulations are strictly observed
- Budgeting and establishing financial targets and forecasts
- Monitoring the quality of the product and service provided
- Keeping financial and administrative records
- Managing the payroll and monitoring spending levels
- Maintaining stock levels and ordering new supplies as required
- Interacting with customers if involved with front of housework
- Liaising with suppliers and clients
- Ensuring compliance with all fire, licensing, and employment regulations
- Maximizing sales and meeting profit and financial expectations
RESTAURANT MANAGER
AMALFI PIZZERIA RESTAURANTE
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Increased restaurant revenue by optimizing table turnover rates and enhancing menu offerings.
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Established strong relationships with regular diners to ensure repeat business.
- Cultivated strong team culture, organizing team-building activities that improved morale and teamwork.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality service.
- Rostering, cash handling, and floor planning for service
- Hostess whilst answering telephone for booking and take away orders
MANAGER
THE COFFEE CLUB
01.2000 - 01.2002
FOOD AND BEVERAGE ATTENDANT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
SYDNEY OLYMPICS
01.2000 - 01.2000
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
LENZERHEIDE RESTAURANT
01.1997 - 01.2000
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
VILLAGE CAFÉ BURNSIDE VILLAGE
01.1996 - 01.1997
FOOD AND BEVERAGE ATTENDANT
FALLS CREEK
01.1995 - 01.1995
FOOD AND BEVERAGE TEAM LEADER
ICE ARENA
01.1994 - 01.1995
Education
Bachelor Double Major - Arts & Sociology
Flinders University
Clovelly Park, SA12-2007
Certificate 3 +4 - Hospitality
Regency TAFE
Adelaide12.1998
SACE certificate -
Annesley College
Adelaide12.1993
Skills
- A passion and focus on customer service and experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills coupled with excellent interpersonal skills at all levels of an organisation
- Extensive organisational and time management skills
- Loyalty with a family fun attitude
- Developing and mentoring strong interpersonal relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
- Professional office procedures
- Ability to achieve goals set and follow directives
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking abilities
- Strong negotiation skills
- Resilience
- Adaptability
- Fast Learner
Hobbies and Interests
Family and Friends, Entertaining, Food and Wine, The Outdoors (Beach/Murray River)
Certification
Mental Health 1st Aid Certificate (valid to May 2027)
Timeline
Event Sales Executive
Hilton Adelaide
09.2022 - Current
Customer Care Coordinator
Hugh Hamilton Wines
10.2021 - 09.2022
SALES COORDINATOR (Maternity Cover)
TOOP+TOOP
12.2020 - 12.2021
CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT SALES EXECUTIVE
HILTON HOTELS AUSTRALASIA
02.2019 - 11.2020
FOOD SERVICES COORDINATOR
HILTON ADELAIDE
02.2015 - 01.2019
FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
HILTON ADELAIDE
02.2011 - 01.2015
BANQUETS CATERING SERVICES MANAGER
HILTON CAIRNS
12.2004 - 01.2011
RESTAURANT MANAGER
AMALFI PIZZERIA RESTAURANTE
01.2002 - 01.2005
MANAGER
THE COFFEE CLUB
01.2000 - 01.2002
FOOD AND BEVERAGE ATTENDANT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
SYDNEY OLYMPICS
01.2000 - 01.2000
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
LENZERHEIDE RESTAURANT
01.1997 - 01.2000
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
VILLAGE CAFÉ BURNSIDE VILLAGE
01.1996 - 01.1997
FOOD AND BEVERAGE ATTENDANT
FALLS CREEK
01.1995 - 01.1995
FOOD AND BEVERAGE TEAM LEADER
ICE ARENA
01.1994 - 01.1995
Bachelor Double Major - Arts & Sociology
Flinders University
Certificate 3 +4 - Hospitality
Regency TAFE
SACE certificate -
Annesley College
Similar Profiles
Kanchan TamangKanchan Tamang
Housekeeper at Hilton adelaideHousekeeper at Hilton adelaide
KRISTEN TRANKRISTEN TRAN
Guest Service Agent at Hilton AdelaideGuest Service Agent at Hilton Adelaide
Ali SextonAli Sexton
Human Resources Manager at HiltonHuman Resources Manager at Hilton