Andrea Ashby
Braintree,Essex
Summary
General manager with extensive experience in restaurant management, inventory control, and customer service. Proven track record in analysing operations to enhance efficiency and service quality. Skilled in developing comprehensive business plans that drive profitable sales. Strong knowledge of HR practices and health and safety regulations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of post-secondary education
27
27
years of professional experience
Work history
General manager
Whitbread PLC
Braintree, Essex
2001.02 - Current
- Oversaw all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth running of the organisation.
- Directed day-to-day work of up to 30 employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
- Recruited and managed senior staff with focus on delivering clear results.
- Developed strategic business plans, enhancing corporate vision and objectives.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Established a positive work environment which promoted staff morale and productivity.
- Delivered results under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Achieved customer satisfaction with regular feedback and improvement sessions.
- Regularly reviewed performance data, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations at all times.
- Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Reviewed reports from subordinate management to identify areas of opportunity.
Kitchen manager
Whitbread PLC
Braintree, Essex
1999.08 - 2001.02
- Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring high quality standards and seamless service delivery.
- Reduced customer complaints by enforcing strict quality control procedures.
- Ensured food safety standards were met, preventing possible foodborne illnesses.
- Followed health and safety guidelines to keep food storage safe, prevent spoilage and minimise cross-contamination risks.
- Handled and stored food with proper methods to eliminate illness risks and prevent cross-contamination.
- Monitored kitchen operations to spot and correct issues impacting team performance or quality.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen area, meeting health and safety regulations consistently.
- Oversaw chefs, cooks and kitchen support staff, fostering collaboration to enhance operational efficiency.
- Trained new hires on kitchen procedures, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Coordinated recruitment and training of kitchen staff to develop a high-performing team.
- Led regular staff meetings; encouraged open communication and problem-solving initiatives.
- Built strong relationships with staff to promote teamwork and elevate overall kitchen performance.
- Organised staff rotas to ensure adequate coverage during all operating hours.
- Delegated tasks wisely amongst staff members; created balance and harmony in the workplace.
- Conducted regular inventory checks for more accurate stock control.
- Maintained kitchen appliances to enhance functionality and efficiency in food preparation.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes that met customer needs and palates.
Education
GCSEs -
Little Ilford Secondary School
Newham, London 1991.09 - 1996.06
NVQ Level 1 - Leisure and Tourism
Newham College
London 1996.09 - 1998.06
Skills
- Business development
- Operations oversight
- Financial management
- Financial analysis
- Budget management
- Budget forecasting
- Financial budgeting
- Regulatory compliance
- Safety regulations adherence
- ISO standards knowledge
- HR policy execution
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Leadership development
- Team Leadership
- Performance monitoring
- Performance driving
- CRM software literacy
- ERP systems operation
- Inventory management
- Supply chain management
- Contract administration
- Client management
- Client relations
- Data analysis
- Database management
- Project Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Organisational acumen
- Result-Driven approach
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Customer Service
- Team building and training
- Database management
- Budget management
- Financial management
- Team building and training
Certification
First Aid - completed 2026
Personal Licence- Issued under the licensing Act 2003 - Recieved in 2003
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General manager
Whitbread PLC
2001.02 - Current
Kitchen manager
Whitbread PLC
1999.08 - 2001.02
NVQ Level 1 - Leisure and Tourism
Newham College
1996.09 - 1998.06
GCSEs -
Little Ilford Secondary School
1991.09 - 1996.06