Michal Szostak
Chicago
Summary
Accomplished Food & Beverage Professional with a strong record in driving sales and managing food and beverage operations. Proven leadership abilities in staff training and development, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. Expertise in budget management, labor cost control, and adherence to health and safety standards. Aiming to contribute skills to a forward-thinking organization.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Banquet Manager
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Chicago
07.2023 - Current
- Oversaw all banquet operations for one of Chicago’s largest convention hotels.
- Managed logistics, staffing, inventory, and service standards for high-profile events.
- Maintained high service quality across multiple ballrooms and event spaces while ensuring safety compliance.
- Developed banquet team through monthly meetings, goal setting, and shift leadership.
- Acted as primary liaison between kitchen and event services teams to streamline communication.
- Fostered client relationships by delivering personalized service to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Reviewed guest feedback and survey data to implement continuous improvement strategies.
- Developed and maintained effective working relationships with internal departments, vendors, and clients.
- Provided guidance to banquet staff in order to ensure proper execution of special functions such as buffets or themed meals.
Director Food and Beverage
KIMPTON GRAY HOTEL
Chicago
05.2021 - 07.2023
- Developed and executed reopening plan for hotel venues, ensuring compliance with pandemic protocols.
- Leveraged extensive knowledge to implement policies and best practices in evolving environment.
- Oversaw hiring and onboarding processes for new employees at Kimpton Hotel.
- Consistently achieved or surpassed food and beverage venue budget targets.
- Collaborated with venue managers on staffing, budgeting, and inventory for efficient F&B operations.
- Implemented Kimpton’s SOPs to maintain service quality and safety standards.
- Achieved year-to-date guest satisfaction scores exceeding target by 104%.
- Partnered with direct reports to enhance best practices, resulting in 6% increase in Employee Engagement Scores YOY.
Director of Catering Services
HOLIDAY INN CHICAGO MART PLAZA
Chicago
09.2014 - 03.2020
- Directed operations for catering and convention services across 25,000 sq ft and 15 meeting rooms.
- Generated annual revenue exceeding $7M by managing events for up to 900 guests.
- Achieved lowest employee turnover rate in company through implementation of evidence-based retention strategies.
- Collaborated with strategic partners to coordinate menu updates and fulfill customer requests.
- Administered human resource initiatives for convention service and banquet staff management.
- Developed and managed budget, liaising with sales team to ensure effective cost control.
- Trained and evaluated banquet staff while ensuring compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Received Outstanding Customer Service Award 2018 for consistently high satisfaction scores.
Food and Beverage Manager
INTERCONTINENTAL CHICAGO O'HARE
Rosemont
09.2013 - 09.2014
Food and Beverage Operations Manager
HILTON WARSAW HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE
Warsaw
05.2011 - 08.2013
Education
Master of Business Management - Communication & PR
University of Finance and Management
Warsaw, PolandReal Estate Residential Specialist - Real Estate Development
Real Estate Academy
Chicago, ILSkills
- Client relationship management
- Event coordination
- Team leadership
- Staff oversight
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Problem solving
Timeline
Senior Banquet Manager
Marriott Marquis Chicago
07.2023 - Current
Director Food and Beverage
KIMPTON GRAY HOTEL
05.2021 - 07.2023
Director of Catering Services
HOLIDAY INN CHICAGO MART PLAZA
09.2014 - 03.2020
Food and Beverage Manager
INTERCONTINENTAL CHICAGO O'HARE
09.2013 - 09.2014
Food and Beverage Operations Manager
HILTON WARSAW HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE
05.2011 - 08.2013
Master of Business Management - Communication & PR
University of Finance and Management
Real Estate Residential Specialist - Real Estate Development
Real Estate Academy
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