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CARMEL H. TORTORA
ADDRESS: RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY 07070
PHONE: 201.390.6786 EMAIL: CARMELTORTORA@GMAIL.COM

-- CATERING SALES MANAGER | CATERING MANAGER | BANQUET MANAGER-( QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

Detail-oriented and dynamic professional, with 25 years of experience in the catering industry. Equipped with creativity
in developing menu and event ideas to exceed client expectations. Skilled at integrating and implementing cost-effective
and strategic initiatives toward operational efficiency and tasks completion within budgetary limits. Resourceful and
hands-on in planning and coordinating event services. Armed with track record of ensuring repeat business while
maintaining high level of client satisfaction. Highly analytical leader and team player with well-defined business acumen
and outstanding analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
( AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Event Management
Event Sales Management
Customer Service and Relations
Cross-functional Leadership
Process Improvement
Catering and Banquet Management
Strategic Planning
( PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Something Different Party Rental | Paterson, NJ
ACCOUNT MANAGER, Sales
FEB 2015PRESENT
Leverage industry expertise in overseeing the integral aspects of the business, including customer service,
account management, and sales
Developed new sales leads for short term and long term partnership
Sodexo: USA Office Headquarters, Gaithersburg, MD 4000
RESOURCE CATERING MANAGER, Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ
JUL 2014FEB 2015
Exemplified outstanding communication skills in establishing team unity and coordinating with clients to
efficiently understand their needs and expectations
Developed and maintained strong business relationship with all clients
Played an integral role in introducing Catertrax online ordering system to realize the full potential of the
program
Made substantial contribution to a number of successful events that re-established the reputation of the
Catering Department and Sodexo by Stevens
CATERING MANAGER, Saint Peters University | Jersey City, NJ
MAY 2008MAY 2014
Held full accountability in securing and increasing in-house catering events among clients, Saint Peters
University, and Sodexo
Guaranteed high level of customer satisfaction by maintaining a strong balance between the vendors objectives
and the clients needs and by identifying the potential of clients various departmental objectives as a dynamic
resource to be developed
Ensured long-term relationship with clients built on trust and loyalty by maintaining effective communication,
focusing on full customer satisfaction; training and developing support staff; sourcing outstanding suppliers;
generating novel promotions to the forefront; and employing concept to completion (CTC) event management
style

Carmel possesses a well-balanced approach to being a captain, from staff assignment, to handling client requests through unexpected challenges.
John Fedeneaz, John Lack Associates

P age |2

CARMEL H. TORTORA
ADDRESS: RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY 07070
PHONE: 201.390.6786 EMAIL: CARMELTORTORA@GMAIL.COM

Earned recognition for efficiently administering the prestigious grand opening of the new Mac Mahon Student
Center as well as for transforming the available space into a centerpiece for the Hearts & Mind scholarship
event
Successfully introduced and oversaw numerous programs such as:
o Student Board of Directors Program
o Food Services Staff Training classes
o New flavors Catering
o Limited-time Seasonal Menus Development
o New In-vogue Menu Items Development
o Catertrax On-Line Ordering System Introduction
Surpassed client expectations to see Saint Peters University in a new light by faculty, donors, and students

Centerplate: Headquarters, Stamford CT

CATERING SUITE SALES MANAGER New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center | Newark, NJ
AUG 2007DEC 2007
Presided over daily BEO meetings with catering staff and supervisors, and facilitated training of new staff on the
procedures for setting up service and break down of suites
Rendered assistance in creating new menus for the suites
Planned and administered suite tasting event before the grand opening for suite holders and their
administrative staff
Took charge of interviewing and hiring in-house staff for suite attendants, runners, and suite supervisors
positions
Spearheaded the start-up catering operations at the New Jersey Devils Prudential Center
Ensured customer satisfaction by focusing on direct interactive contact with clients to customize their needs
CATERING MANAGER Jacob Javits Convention Center | New York, NY
AUG 2005AUG 2007
Displayed technical acumen in utilizing cutting-edge, interactive catering software program that integrated
BEOs, operations management, event planning, food and material acquisition, billing and customer
communications, as well as many other facets of the daily operations
Closely monitored functions from set-up to breakdown, ensuring all details had been followed according to
client requests
Assumed responsibility for staff training focused on people, product, and process goals; operation and
maintenance of catering equipment to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and readiness; as well as interface with
clients to identify their needs and implement procedures and efficient timelines to accomplish their goals.
ASSISTANT CATERING DIRECTOR Liberty Science Center | Jersey, NJ
APR 2005AUG 2005
Took full charge of ensuring a successful event by identifying clients catering needs, requirements,
expectations, and urgent requests
Communicated with the kitchen staff on a weekly basis to analyze updates on booked events
Effectively handled and updated the weekly event management reports, supplies inventory, and equipment
Introduced and followed-up on commitments with rental and staffing companies for each event
Organized all in-house events, board meetings, and departmental meetings
Earlier Position Held:
CATERING SALES MANAGER
OCT 2003 - AUG 2005
FREE LANCING CATERING SERVICE
1993 - 2003
TUPPERWARE EXECUTIVE SALES MANAGER
1990 - 1993

Carmel possesses a well-balanced approach to being a captain, from staff assignment, to handling client requests through unexpected challenges.
John Fedeneaz, John Lack Associates