Lisa Graham

Sales & Business Growth

• Drove 20-50% of weekly venue revenue through client engagement, market expansion, targeted outreach, and strategic partnerships with corporate clients and luxury brands.
• Developed and executed growth strategies to enhance brand visibility, attract high-value clients, and drive customer acquisition.
• Conducted market research and competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and refine event offerings.
• Secured high-profile partnerships and collaborations to position MAYA as a premium event venue.
• Negotiated and closed high-value events, leveraging industry insights and upselling premium event packages.
• Monitored and analysed sales performance, tracking key metrics and presenting insights to management.

Event Planning & Execution

• Led the planning, coordination, and execution of events, including corporate functions, brand launches, influencer events, networking nights, and large-scale celebrations such as Manchester PRIDE.
• Developed creative event concepts, ensuring alignment with business goals and guest expectations.
• Managed event logistics, including vendor negotiations, budgeting, production schedules, and floor plans to ensure seamless execution.
• Collaborated with internal teams—marketing, chefs, floor staff, sommeliers—to deliver tailored, high-end experiences.
• Ensured full compliance with health, safety, and legal regulations for all events.
• Secured and managed VIP bookings, catering to corporate leaders, high-net-worth individuals, and public figures.
• Handled event-day operations, troubleshooting issues proactively for a flawless guest experience.

Guest Experience & Relationship Management

• Created a welcoming, luxury experience, ensuring impeccable service from arrival to departure.
• Built and maintained strong client relationships, offering personalised service to enhance guest satisfaction.
• Managed reservations and event bookings, coordinating with service teams for seamless execution.
• Developed guest engagement strategies, including personalised follow-ups.

Operational Efficiency & Budget Management

• Managed budgets effectively, balancing cost control with high-quality event execution.
• Proficient in SevenRooms.
• Ensured consistent service standards across the entire venue, adapting to different event settings as needed.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Led and motivated teams, assigning roles and ensuring smooth coordination across departments.
• Fostered a collaborative, high-performance environment, encouraging teamwork and proactive problem-solving.
• Acted as the primary point of contact for event-related queries, resolving issues professionally and efficiently.

Administrative & Marketing Coordination

• Responded promptly to guest enquiries and event bookings, increasing conversion rates.
• Managed communications via email, phone, and face to face, ensuring timely responses to client requests.
• Maintained accurate records of guest preferences, past bookings, and feedback, ensuring personalised future interactions.
• Issued invoices, processed payments, and tracked financial records to support event operations.
• Worked closely with marketing teams to promote events and implement targeted outreach campaigns.

• Welcomed and engaged with VIP guests, ensuring a premium hospitality experience
• Managed guestlists and seating arrangements
• Provided attentive and professional service, anticipating guest needs
• Acted as a point of contact for guests, handling queries and resolving any issues efficiently

• Ensured victims of serious and violent crimes were support throughout their engagement with the criminal justice system
• Provided operational support to multiple case officers, ensuring adherence to critical national deadlines
• Managed and maintained a secure government database, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Oversaw safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring the protection and well-being of all involved parties
• Took initiative in leading projects and assuming additional responsibilities to enhance operational efficiency
• Managed a high-volume caseload while maintaining attention to detail and prioritisation of urgent matters
• Acted as a key liaison between courts, police, prisons, youth offending teams, probation officers, and family/victim liaison officers to facilitate case progression
• Delivered timely and professional responses to enquiries from internal and external stakeholders
• Ensured full compliance with government regulations, policies, and operational standards
• Maintained strict confidentiality and upheld General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements for highly sensitive information

• Managed a team of over 35 staff in a high-volume, fast-paced café environment
• Thrived in a dynamic, high-pressure setting, handling over 750 covers a weekend
• Oversaw the planning and execution of a range of events, including birthdays, weddings, baby showers, small festivals, and workshops
• Led daily team briefings to ensure smooth service, clear communication, and staff motivation
• Oversaw recruitment, training, and ongoing mentorship of staff, fostering a strong team culture
• Delegated responsibilities effectively to maximise efficiency during peak hours
• Managed daily financial reconciliations, cash handling, and end-of-day reporting
• Ensured exceptional customer service by actively engaging with guests and resolving complaints professionally
• Maintained high operational standards, including health and safety compliance and customer service excellence
• Implemented workflow improvements to optimise service speed and staff performance
• Coordinated stock control and liaised with suppliers to maintain inventory and minimise waste
• Safeguarded staff well-being by managing challenging situations and ensuring a supportive work environment

• Used bespoke industry software and knowledge of industry trends to provide personalised travel recommendations for clients
• Drove revenue growth through outstanding customer service and expert product knowledge
• Consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets
• Applied strong knowledge of foreign exchange rates to facilitate currency exchange transactions accurately
• Assisted customers with due diligence and anti-money laundering procedures, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements
• Sold insurance products in accordance with compliance standards and provided support with claims processing
• Participated in training events and industry conferences to enhance expertise and stay updated on market developments