Charlie Martin

Responsible for the day-to-day management of a luxury 19th-century estate, with a strong focus on catering, hospitality, and event delivery. Oversight of exclusive-use weddings, private stays, and corporate functions, ensuring every guest experience is of a 5-star standard.

Key responsibilities and achievements include:
Hospitality & Catering Management:
Acted as breakfast chef and catering coordinator for B&B and exclusive-use guests.
Managed menu planning, dietary requirements, and liaised with external caterers to ensure seamless food service at weddings and events.
Delivered hands-on FOH service, including hosting, bar service, wine pairing, and ensuring VIP guests’ needs were met personally.
Event & Wedding Delivery:
Met with bridal couples and families to walk through requirements from initial enquiry to delivery on the day.
Designed detailed event schedules, coordinated suppliers, and managed staff to ensure the smooth running of weddings and large celebrations.
Oversaw set-up, service, and close-down, with a focus on timing, presentation, and exceptional guest service.
Operational & Business Management:
Full responsibility for diary management, reservations, and bookings across multiple accommodation and event spaces.
Managed accounts, budgets, staff wages, end-of-year accounts, and P&L reporting.
Administered Rural Payment Agency submissions and ensured compliance with relevant funding schemes.
Procurement and stock control for kitchens, bars, and guest amenities, balancing cost control with guest satisfaction.
Leadership & Team Development:
Recruited, trained, and supervised FOH, housekeeping, and casual hospitality staff.
Created rotas, delegated tasks, and supported staff development to ensure high service standards and staff retention.
Guest Experience & Service Excellence:
Acted as primary host for guests, providing a welcoming presence and responding to needs in person.
Consistently maintained 5-star reviews and repeat bookings by balancing strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.

Led the development and operation of Bromyard’s community interest company, promoting the town’s tourism, heritage, and local businesses. Responsible for strategic direction, financial management, and day-to-day delivery of services to residents and visitors.

• Tourism & Visitor Services – Managed the Tourist Information Centre, providing frontline support, resources, and local knowledge to boost visitor experience.
• Business & Community Engagement – Built strong partnerships with local businesses, councils, and community groups to create joined-up promotional campaigns.
• Project Management – Secured funding and delivered initiatives to support local tourism, including marketing materials, events, and town-wide campaigns.
• Marketing & Communications – Oversaw branding, digital presence, and publications to attract visitors and promote Bromyard as a heritage destination.
• Leadership & Governance – Directed a small team and volunteers, ensuring compliance with CIC regulations and effective community-led governance.

Key Achievements:

• Established a sustainable CIC model for promoting Bromyard.
• Increased visibility of the town through coordinated marketing and events.
• Strengthened collaboration between businesses, tourism operators, and the community.

Elected to represent the local community, contributing to the governance, planning, and development of the town. Actively involved in decision-making, committees, and community initiatives.

• Participated in Town Planning, Town Development, and Finance Committees, influencing policy and local investment.
• Reviewed and contributed to sensitive planning applications, neighbourhood plans, and strategic development frameworks.
• Championed youth engagement, establishing a Working Party and authoring a Youth Strategy adopted by the Council.
• Built strong relationships with residents, businesses, and partner organisations to deliver community-focused outcomes.
• Ensured compliance with local government procedures, governance standards, and financial regulations.

Key Contributions:

• Influenced town planning and infrastructure decisions to reflect community needs.
• Strengthened youth provision and community engagement initiatives.

Appointed as a Governor while the College was working to lift itself out of Ofsted special measures. Contributed to strategic leadership, finance, and compliance during this improvement phase, helping the school achieve a “Good” rating. Subsequently invited to join the newly formed Trustee Board, established as the College prepared to convert to academy status and create a new trust with feeder schools.

• As Governor, participated in strategic and financial decision-making, monitoring budgets, resources, and outcomes through the Finance and Evidence Review Committees.
• Supported Ofsted improvement requirements, strengthening governance, accountability, and community engagement.
• Oversaw website, marketing, and communications, improving stakeholder transparency.
• As Trustee, held legal and financial accountability for the school during its transition to academy status, ensuring compliance with Department for Education requirements.
• Contributed to the establishment of the new academy trust structure, working on strategic governance and oversight.
• Completed governor and trustee training in safeguarding, finance, and compliance; held full DBS clearance.

Key Contribution:

• Played an active role in the school’s transition from special measures to a “Good” Ofsted outcome, and in laying the governance foundations for a new academy trust before the Trustee Board was dissolved following Department for Education approval.

Founded and managed a successful design and marketing company providing bespoke digital solutions to the education sector. Responsible for all aspects of business operations, including client acquisition, project delivery, financial management, and customer service.

• Led end-to-end delivery of website design, branding, and marketing projects for nurseries and schools, ensuring compliance with OFSTED regulations and sector-specific requirements.
• Developed and maintained long-term client relationships, providing reliable support and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Prepared proposals, pitched solutions to stakeholders, and managed multiple projects simultaneously to tight deadlines.
• Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, accounts, and compliance.
• Directed strategic growth of the company, expanding client base and reputation through quality delivery and referrals.

Key Achievements:

• Built a loyal client base across the education sector, known for reliability and high standards.
• Successfully ran a business for 10 years, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial, organisational, and financial management skills.
• Delivered projects on time and within budget, securing repeat business and referrals.

Responsible for the core hospitality team of 30 staff, plus the recruitment, training, and deployment of up to 4,000 casual staff annually for match days and events. Line management of 30 permanent staff and approximately 60 casual supervisors, alongside hands-on operational leadership across multiple hospitality outlets within St Mary’s Stadium.

Key achievements and responsibilities:

• Multi-outlet management: Oversaw hospitality operations across 30 executive boxes, 5 large hospitality suites (90–250 covers each), the Players’ Lounge, Supporters’ Club Bar, concourse bars, and fast-food kiosks.
• Team leadership: Directly managed 30 permanent hospitality staff and ~60 casual supervisors, including rotas, appraisals, and performance oversight. Built and retained a core team, many of whom transitioned from The Dell to St Mary’s Stadium.
• Recruitment & training: Designed and delivered bi-annual recruitment drives for 3,000–4,000 casual staff, including interviews, reference checks, right-to-work compliance, payroll set-up, and training. Created training programmes covering Health & Safety, Hygiene, First Aid, Silver Service, Barwork, and Concourse Operations.
• Event delivery: Managed match-day staffing and logistics from 7am check-ins through to evening close, ensuring smooth operations for thousands of guests. Coordinated agency partners to cover no-shows and last-minute requirements.
• Corporate & non-match day events: Delivered conferences, charity dinners, exhibitions, and private functions with the same high standards of service.
• Operational excellence: Maintained service standards across all outlets, resolved issues swiftly, and ensured supervisors and staff had the resources needed for smooth, high-pressure service days.

Promoted from Recruitment Consultant to Branch Manager of a high-performing office specialising in public sector placements across education, healthcare, and local government. Responsible for full branch operations, team leadership, client relationship management, and compliance.

• Managed branch budgets, financial performance, and client accounts, consistently meeting or exceeding sales and placement targets.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of consultants, ensuring high standards of professionalism and adherence to REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) codes of conduct.
• Built and maintained strong client relationships, tailoring staffing solutions to complex public sector needs.
• Oversaw compliance with all employment legislation, contracts, and internal audit requirements.
• Personally conducted candidate sourcing, interviewing, and placement, ensuring long-term client satisfaction and retention.

Key Achievements:

• Promoted from Consultant to Branch Manager within two years, reflecting rapid progression and strong leadership.
• Gained professional membership of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (2000).

Key Skills Gained:

• Financial and budget management
• Team recruitment, training, and leadership
• Client relationship management
• Compliance and governance
• Business development and growth strategies

Specialised in prime central London property sales and lettings, working with a high-profile client base including international investors, corporate clients, and high-net-worth individuals. Operated in one of the most competitive and fast-moving real estate markets in the world, delivering results under pressure while maintaining exceptional client service.

• Marketed, negotiated, and closed sales and lettings across prestigious London districts, consistently achieving and exceeding sales targets.
• Built strong relationships with overseas buyers from Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Russia, as well as domestic investors, ensuring excellent client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Conducted property valuations, led viewings, and negotiated contracts, balancing the interests of buyers, sellers, and tenants.
• Coordinated legal and financial processes with solicitors and banks to ensure compliance and smooth completions.

Key Skills Gained:

• High-value sales and contract negotiation
• Client relationship management at senior and international level
• Luxury property marketing and presentation
• Cross-cultural communication and diplomacy
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, target-driven environment

Promoted from Waitress to Restaurant Manager at Southampton’s only seafood speciality restaurant at the time — a destination venue located on the seafront beside the docks. Porters was renowned for attracting both local diners and international visitors, including guests arriving directly from American cruise liners, who expected the highest standards of service. Managed a team of 20 front-of-house staff, overseeing training, rotas, stock management, and service delivery in a high-volume, high-expectation environment.

• Directed daily restaurant and bar operations, consistently delivering excellent guest service and maintaining high standards of presentation.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised staff, building a strong and motivated team with a focus on customer care and efficiency.
• Oversaw stock control, supplier negotiations, and ordering, balancing cost efficiency with quality standards.
• Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Delivered bespoke corporate hospitality for high-profile clients at the annual Southampton Boat Show (e.g. Sunseeker Yachts, Fairline), providing seamless fine-dining service and event management for exclusive functions.

Key Skills Gained:

• Leadership and staff management in hospitality
• High-level customer service and guest relations
• Corporate and event hospitality management
• Stock control, supplier negotiation, and cost management
• Training and performance development
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced service environments