Despoina Kosmidi
Reading,Berkshire
Summary
Experienced Store Manager with 5+ years of experience in hospitality, retail operations, and team leadership across the UK and Greece. Skilled in managing daily business operations, recruitment, staff training, rota planning, stock control, customer service, budgeting, and performance improvement. Proven ability to lead teams in fast paced environments while maintaining high service standards and improving overall business performance.
Previously worked as an Assistant Manager and Store Manager within busy coffee shop environments, with additional experience as a Hotel Receptionist managing guest services, bookings, and front desk operations. A reliable and organised professional with strong communication skills, a calm approach under pressure, and a passion for creating positive customer experiences.
Alongside hospitality management, I work as a part-time photographer specialising in live music events and creative portraits, developing strong skills in content creation, project management, attention to detail, and independent work.
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
6
6
years of professional experience
Work history
Operation Store Manager
Mac's Coffee
Reading
01.2026 - Current
- Oversee all day to day store operations, ensuring smooth service and high standards of customer experience.
- Work closely with the business owner on a daily basis to support operational decisions, staffing requirements, and business improvements.
- Develop weekly staff rotas, monitor labour requirements, and coordinate shift cover to maintain efficient operations.
- Recruit, onboard, train, and mentor new team members, supporting their development and performance.
- Manage supplier orders, stock control, and inventory levels while minimising waste.
- Design and implement seasonal décor, visual merchandising, and in-store displays to enhance the café's atmosphere and customer experience.
- Create promotional materials and contribute to social media content to increase customer engagement.
- Build strong relationships with regular customers and local businesses, helping create a welcoming community focused environment.
- Identify operational issues and implement practical improvements to increase efficiency and maintain service quality.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and company procedures.
- Developed and introduced seasonal beverages and signature drink recipes, contributing to menu variety and customer engagement
- Led performance reviews, identified areas for improvement.
- Maintained an organised stock room for easy accessibility of goods.
General Store Manager
Yaylo
Reading
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Led full recruitment process, including writing job ads, screening CVs, conducting interviews, and onboarding new team members.
- Trained and developed staff in customer service, barista skills, health & safety, and brand standards to ensure consistent quality.
- Created weekly staff schedules to balance labour costs while meeting business needs and ensuring adequate coverage.
- Managed daily store operations, opening/closing procedures, delegating tasks, and ensuring smooth service during peak times.
- Handled stock management, including placing orders, tracking inventory levels, conducting weekly stock counts, and reducing waste.
- Oversaw financial procedures such as cashing up, cash handling, reconciliation, and preparing daily/weekly financial reports.
- Maintained high store standards for cleanliness, food safety, and presentation, complying with health & safety regulations.
- Designed and introduced new menu items, creating seasonal drinks and themed specials to boost sales and customer engagement.
- Managed the café’s social media presence, creating engaging content, posting regularly, responding to messages, and growing the brand’s online reach.
- Delivered excellent customer service, resolving issues quickly and ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests.
- Monitored performance metrics (sales, footfall, waste, labour %), identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing effective changes.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate orders, manage delivery issues, and maintain product quality.
- Led promotional activities, including in-store displays, social media campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
- Ensured team morale and motivation, holding regular meetings, giving feedback, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Assistant Manager
Caffe Nero
Reading
12.2023 - 06.2025
- Managed overall store operations, ensuring smooth day-to-day running and excellent customer service.
- Conducted weekly cashing up and banking to maintain financial accuracy.
- Recruited, interviewed, and trained new staff, fostering a high performing team.
- Provided ongoing staff training and development to improve efficiency and service.
- Handled customer complaints and resolved issues promptly to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while meeting sales and performance targets.
- Led monthly staff meetings to discuss targets, performance improvements, and customer feedback.
- Created and adjusted staff rota schedules to ensure optimal coverage and efficiency.
- Managed inventory and ordering of stock, including food supplies, office consumables, and disposables such as cups, napkins, and utensils.
- Procured and replenished office supplies including printer ink, stationery, and other essential materials.
- Maintained effective communication with internal teams and suppliers via phone and email to coordinate deliveries and resolve issues.
- Ensured timely restocking to support smooth daily operations.
Shift Leader/Maestro
Bruno Coffee Stores
Katerini
01.2021 - 09.2023
- Assisted customers by taking orders and providing excellent service.
- Prepared beverages while ensuring health and safety regulations were strictly followed.
- Maintained high cleanliness standards within the store and managed inventory checks.
- Played an active role in daily operations, contributing to a smooth running store environment.
- Effectively managed and problem-solved last-minute absences and time off with staff.
Hotel Receptionist Seasonal Job
EDEM HOTEL
Katerini, Greece
06.2020 - 09.2020
- Welcomed and assisted guests with check-ins, check-outs, and general inquiries, ensuring a professional and friendly front-desk experience.
- Managed hotel bookings and reservation adjustments using booking systems, maintaining accurate records and availability.
- Handled high volumes of phone calls and emails, providing timely and helpful responses to guest inquiries and service requests.
- Resolved guest complaints and issues efficiently, prioritizing customer satisfaction and service excellence.
- Coordinated with housekeeping and other departments to ensure room readiness and smooth guest transitions.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and professional reception area at all times.
- Processed payments and issued invoices using front desk and payment software systems.
Photographer
Reading
05.2021 - 07.2026
- Specializing in event and portrait photography, focusing on live music events and creative portraits.
- Managed projects from conception to completion, working closely with clients to deliver high-quality results.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through independent client management.
- Managed editing and retouching of photographs to enhance their overall appeal.
Education
GCSEs - Cosmetic Science
Aesthetic and Wellness Vocational High School
Katerini, Greece 05.2017 - 06.2019
Diploma - Music Theory
Music High School
Katerini, Greece 05.2014 - 06.2017
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Multitasking
- Workplace Health & Safety Awareness
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving
- Fast-Paced Work Environment
- Efficiency Time Management & Organization
- Inventory & Stock Management
- IT & Technical Proficiency
- Scheduling & Rota Management
- Professional verbal & Written Communication
- Microsoft Office & Google Workspace
- Adobe Photoshop knowledge & Lightroom
- Basic Office Administration
- Team Collaboration
- Creative Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Professional Telephone Etiquette
- Staff Training & Development
- Scheduling & Workforce Planning
- Performance Management
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Quality Control
- Specialty Coffee Knowledge
- Menu Development & Recipe Creation
- Social Media Management (Instagram, TikTok, etc)
- Content Creation (Reels, Photos, Videos)
- Scheduling employees
- Operational optimisation
- Cash handling
- POS system operation
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Performance monitoring
- Operations Management
- Business Operations
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- KPI Monitoring
Accomplishments
- Barista of the Year – Caffe Nero (Recognised for exceptional coffee quality and customer service)
- 2nd Place – Caffè Nero Barista Competition (Awarded for coffee preparation skills and product knowledge)
- Weekly Hero Recognition – Caffe Nero (Selected for outstanding customer feedback and service performance)
- Consistent Customer Excellence Recognition (Received high customer ratings through company feedback platform)
Languages
English
Fluent
Greek
Native
Timeline
Operation Store Manager
Mac's Coffee
01.2026 - Current
General Store Manager
Yaylo
07.2025 - 12.2025
Assistant Manager
Caffe Nero
12.2023 - 06.2025
Photographer
05.2021 - 07.2026
Shift Leader/Maestro
Bruno Coffee Stores
01.2021 - 09.2023
Hotel Receptionist Seasonal Job
EDEM HOTEL
06.2020 - 09.2020
GCSEs - Cosmetic Science
Aesthetic and Wellness Vocational High School
05.2017 - 06.2019
Diploma - Music Theory
Music High School
05.2014 - 06.2017