Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Carlton Madambo

Ellesmere Port,Cheshire

Summary

A dedicated and versatile hospitality professional with over 10 years of international experience in South Africa and Germany, including formal training as a Restaurantfachmann (IHK) at one of Germany's top 3 hotels. Possessing a unique blend of operational leadership, financial responsibility, and empathetic people skills developed through managing restaurant operations independently and supporting guests with diverse needs including those with autism and other vulnerabilities.

Proven ability to lead teams, manage cash reconciliations, coordinate reservations, and ensure exceptional guest experiences in high-pressure environments. During owner absences, assumed full responsibility for restaurant operations, including staff oversight and secure handling of daily takings over extended periods.

Recognised for a calm, patient, and compassionate approach whether training new staff, resolving guest concerns, or providing attentive care to individuals requiring additional support. Eager to bring this combination of hospitality excellence and person-centred care to a Restaurant Assistant Manager or Support Worker role in the UK, while continuing to grow professionally.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Restaurant Specialist

Kruse's bi de Pump
Wyk auf Föhr, Schleswig-Holstein
2025.03 - 2026.02

Restaurant Operations & Service

Delivered high‑quality food and beverage service as a certified Restaurantfachmann (IHK) , trained to German Chamber of Commerce standards.
· Managed the front‑of‑house independently during the owner's extended absences (up to 3 weeks), ensuring seamless daily operations.
· Coordinated table reservations, guest seating, and service flow during peak hours and special events.
· Maintained hygiene and quality standards in accordance with German regulations.

Financial & Cash Management

· Performed daily cash reconciliations and end‑of‑day financial closings.
· Solely responsible for the secure safekeeping of all cash takings at my private residence during the owner's multi‑week absences – a role requiring exceptional trust and integrity.
· Processed payments, handled guest billing, and managed petty cash.

Staff Coordination & Training

· Supervised and supported front‑of‑house staff in the owner's absence.
· Assisted in training new team members on service standards, menu knowledge, and POS system usage.

Guest Relations & Special Needs Support

· Built strong rapport with a diverse clientele, including regular guests and visitors to the island.
· Demonstrated patience and empathy when supporting a guest with autism who used non‑verbal communication (written notes) to express his needs – ensuring he felt comfortable and respected throughout his visit.

Holiday Apartment Management

· Independently managed the housekeeping, check‑in, and check‑out of the holiday apartments located above the restaurant.
· Ensured apartments were cleaned, prepared, and maintained to a high standard for incoming guests.
· Acted as the primary point of contact for guests during their stay, resolving any issues promptly.

Inventory & Ordering

· Responsible for ordering alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages in consultation with the owner, maintaining optimal stock levels.
· Conducted regular stock checks and assisted with inventory control.

Event Support

· Contributed to the planning and execution of themed evenings and special occasions (e.g., weddings, Valentine's Day), including menu coordination and service setup.

Hospitality Specialist (Specialism: F&B)

Arosa Hotel
List auf Sylt , Schleswig-Holstein
2024.07 - 2025.02
  • Bar and Table Service: Managing bar operations and providing attentive food and beverage service.
  • Guest Relations: Delivering excellence in customer service to ensure a high-quality guest experience.
  • Buffet Management: Overseeing the buffet area to maintain presentation and stock levels.
  • Live Cooking: Preparing fresh omelettes to order for guests.
  • Cold Larder: Preparing a variety of cold dishes and appetizers.
  • Maintenance & Hygiene: Clearing tables, managing dishwashing, and ensuring a clean, tidy environment.

Post-Construction Cleaner (Part-time)

Sauerland Projektbau(Dunnenpark)
List auf Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein
2023.10 - 2025.02
  • Ensuring full compliance with all Health, Safety, and hygiene regulations.
  • Independently developing and implementing cleaning schedules, liaising with senior management for approval and coordination.
  • Overseeing rigorous waste management processes, ensuring correct segregation and disposal in line with environmental standards.
  • Executing all cleaning tasks with high attention to detail and a commitment to strict deadlines.

Hospitality Specialist (Specialism: F&B)

Severins* Resort & Spa
Kampen (Sylt), Schleswig-Holstein
2022.10 - 2024.06
  • Delivering excellence in guest service to ensure a premium customer experience.
  • Driving revenue through proactive upselling of food and beverage offerings.
  • Ensuring strict adherence to HACCP protocols and food safety standards.
  • Conducting periodic stocktakes and inventory management.
  • Maintaining front-of-house standards, including clearing tables and ensuring a clean dining environment.

Retail Assistant (Part-time)

Sylter Tee Company
Westerland, Sylt, Schelswig-Holstein
2023.01 - 2023.11
  • Managed high-volume footfall, providing consistent service to 60+ customers daily.
  • Facilitated sales and point-of-sale (POS) operations, including cash handling and electronic payments.
  • Demonstrated specialist product knowledge by advising on, weighing, and packaging various tea blends.
  • Coordinated e-commerce fulfilment by preparing and dispatching mail-order assignments.

Bartender

Pabloz VIP lounge
Harare, ZImbabwe, Mashonaland Central
2018.05 - 2022.10
  • Crafting a range of cocktails and premium beverages to high standards.
  • Providing personalised recommendations based on guest preferences to enhance the customer experience.
  • Managing bar stock levels and ensuring all stations were fully replenished for service.
  • Overseeing stock maintenance and conducting regular inventory audits.

Front of House Team Member

Hard Rock Cafe
Pretoria, South Africa
2016.08 - 2017.12
  • Delivered exceptional customer service consistently, ensuring high standards were maintained even during high-pressure peak periods.
  • Ensured full compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable hygiene standards across all front-of-house areas.
  • Enhanced the guest journey by providing attentive, high-quality service to facilitate a premium dining experience.
  • Built strong relationships with regular patrons, successfully increasing customer loyalty and repeat business.

Front of House Team Member

Milhaus Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Centurion, South Africa
2015.06 - 2016.07
  • Providing expert recommendations on wine and beverage pairings to complement specific menu selections.
  • Ensuring full legal compliance by conducting rigorous age verification and ID checks for age-restricted products.
  • Proactively gathering customer feedback to enhance the service experience and provide actionable insights to the kitchen team.

Front of house team member

Les Trois Canards
Waterkloof, South Africa
2014.02 - 2015.06
  • Delivering a friendly, attentive service within a refined French dining environment, consistently maximising customer satisfaction and driving positive guest reviews.
  • Providing prompt and efficient service while maintaining the high standards of French service etiquette.
  • Exceeding service standards by ensuring all guests receive a punctual, warm welcome and a professional introduction to the French culinary experience.
  • Maintaining rigorous health and hygiene standards, ensuring full compliance with food safety regulations and the meticulous cleanliness expected in a high-end restaurant.

Education

NVQ Level 3 - Catering Specialist Focus : Restaurant Service

IHK
Flensburg
2022.10 - 2025.01

Skills

  • Certified Restaurantfachmann
  • Independent Restaurant management
  • Financial responsibility
  • Reliability and Trustworthiness
  • Empathy with vulnerable guests
  • Inventory management
  • Team supervision and coordination
  • Shift management

Languages

German
Advanced
English
Advanced
Xhosa
Advanced

Timeline

Restaurant Specialist

Kruse's bi de Pump
2025.03 - 2026.02

Hospitality Specialist (Specialism: F&B)

Arosa Hotel
2024.07 - 2025.02

Post-Construction Cleaner (Part-time)

Sauerland Projektbau(Dunnenpark)
2023.10 - 2025.02

Retail Assistant (Part-time)

Sylter Tee Company
2023.01 - 2023.11

Hospitality Specialist (Specialism: F&B)

Severins* Resort & Spa
2022.10 - 2024.06

NVQ Level 3 - Catering Specialist Focus : Restaurant Service

IHK
2022.10 - 2025.01

Bartender

Pabloz VIP lounge
2018.05 - 2022.10

Front of House Team Member

Hard Rock Cafe
2016.08 - 2017.12

Front of House Team Member

Milhaus Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2015.06 - 2016.07

Front of house team member

Les Trois Canards
2014.02 - 2015.06
Carlton Madambo