Senior Sales Manager

CHRISTINA M. ZARA

*** **** ***** **, *******, GA 30075, 678-***-****, ******@*****.***

CAREER PROFILE

Well-organized event planner with over 15 years of experience planning and coordinating numerous events from corporate conferences to themed parties. Solid track record of staying within budget constraints to meet client’s needs. Builds trustworthy relationships and acts as liaison with caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other vendors. Oversees several projects at a time and works well under pressure. Identifies cost reduction strategies and implements them. Excellent community service leader organizing numerous charity golf tournaments, casino nights, and other volunteer opportunities annually.

SKILLED AREAS AND EXPERTISE

Project Management

Strategic Planning & Analysis

Process Implementation

Relationship Building

Budget Management

Cost Reduction

Business Development

Contract Negotiation

Multitasking

Safety Evaluation

Supervisory Skills

Team Leader

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

COX AUTOMOTIVE, Atlanta, GA 2000 – Present

Director of Sales Events & In-House Production Services, 2014 – Present

Senior Manager, 2010 - 2014

Manages overall event operations including budgets and timelines. Leads a team of 9 through motivation and weekly team meetings. Manages annual budget of $10M and stays within budget. Oversees the successful execution of more than 100 events each year including the Cox Automotive Sales event. Meets with clients to discuss event specifications and inspect venues. Evaluates safety measures for events and implements an emergency protocol plan plus first aid trained staff for each event. Analyzes market trends and implements new technologies such as an event App to promote programs and engage attendees.

Key Accomplishments:

Promoted 9 times during 15 years of employment with the company.

Decreased annual costs of over $550,000 on expenses by training staff on contract negotiations and best practices.

Consistently achieves a 95% customer satisfaction rate from clients and stakeholders.

Decreased rental expenses $300,000 annually by installing in-house equipment.

Expert negotiating skills and consistently acquires A-list talent for events.

Oversees staff fundraising events to raise over $500,000 annually for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Special Olympics, and Kris Kids.

Received Simply Outrageous Service (SOS) award for outstanding achievement and commitment.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Convention Industry Council

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