Geoffrey Wilcox
Whitstable,UK
Summary
Accomplished Senior Manager with extensive expertise in food and beverage operations, strategic planning, and service delivery management. Demonstrates proficiency in menu development, quality control orientation, and effective communication to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Skilled in event planning, contract management, and budgeting proficiency, ensuring seamless execution of high-profile events while adhering to dietary restrictions and special diets. Committed to leveraging problem-solving abilities and collaboration to drive success in dynamic environments. Career goals include advancing innovative culinary solutions that align with industry trends and customer needs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Catering Manager
PGL Beyond
Ashford, Kent
2025.09 - 2026.06
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team for market leading Children’s Adventure Centre
- Responsible for the management and delivery of the catering operation
- Oversight of all relevant budgets from food spend, labour, colleague welfare
- Development, training and performance managing a high performing Catering team
- Planning and execution of an allergen safe, cost controlled menu
- Ownership of all dietary requirements, from client liaison to service time management
- Management of Colleague accommodation and enforcing full compliance of Health and Safety standards
- Liaise with local stakeholders such as the public, local MPs to promote to business and maintain relations
- Identify trends and development of the food service
- Full technical knowledge of the Catering operation, including liaising with contractors
- Contract management with Food Suppliers
- Account management
Student Events Officer
University Of Kent
Canterbury, Kent
2025.03 - 2025.08
- The planning and execution of an annual range of recruitment events.
Food & Beverage Manager
University Of Kent
Canterbury, Kent
2018.01 - 2025.03
- Day to day management of food and beverage personnel including organising work specifications, administration of working patterns, holidays, absence and personnel issues.
- Input on the recruitment, selection, induction and training of food and beverage staff. Set targets via annual appraisals and performance management.
- Holder of a personal licence and oversee door and floor staff at licenced events and areas.
- Oversee procedures for all stock management and adherence to financial procedures and reconciliation.
- Procurement of goods from food to capital equipment purchases.
- To innovate and develop the food and beverage offer by analysing market trends and developing a network of industry contacts and suppliers.
- Adhere to monthly/weekly profit targets and sharing the relevant data with the team.
- Planning, costing and execution of a wide range of events, both inside and outside.
- Liaise with stakeholders to ensure all recruitment opportunities are maximised
- Manage relationships with an International base of future students.
- Recruitment, management and training of a large team to facilitate all recruitment events and associated activities.
- Represent the University at recruitment events across the UK.
- Engage in public speaking as required and deliver talks and presentations to a diverse audience.
Bar & Bistro Supervisor
University Of Kent
Canterbury, Kent
2004.08 - 2018.01
- Developed and implemented training programs for new employees.
- Purchased or requisitioned supplies and equipment needed for quality and timely delivery of services.
- Forecasted staff, equipment, and supply requirements, based on master menu.
- Specified food portions and courses, production, and time sequences and workstation and equipment arrangements.
- Trained workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures.
- Assigned duties, responsibilities, and work stations to employees in accordance with work requirements.
- Scheduled parties and took reservations.
- Performed personnel actions, such as hiring and firing staff, providing employee orientation, and training and conducting supervisory activities, such as creating work schedules and organizing employee time sheets.
- Conducted meetings and collaborated with other personnel for menu planning, serving arrangements and related details.
- Developed equipment maintenance schedules and arranged for repairs.
- Estimated ingredients and supplies required to prepare recipes.
- Presented bills and accepted payments.
- Controlled inventories of food, equipment, and liquor, and reported shortages to designated personnel.
- Inspected supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards.
- Recommended measures for improving work procedures and worker performance to increase service quality and enhanced job safety.
- Evaluated new products for usefulness and suitability.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food service.
- Supervised and participated in kitchen and dining area cleaning activities.
- Performed various financial activities, such as cash handling, deposit preparation, and payroll.
Education
A Level -
Simon Langton Grammar School
CanterburySkills
- Menu development
- Operations Oversight
- Service Delivery Management
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Strategic Planning
- Effective Communication
- Public Speaking
- Relationship Building
- Problem-solving abilities
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Labor and Overhead Cost estimation
- Sales and Marketing
- Dietary restrictions familiarity
- Time-Pressured execution
- Experience with point-of-sale systems
- Proficient in catering software
- Quality control orientation
- Menu development creativity
- Budgeting proficiency
- Recipe modification
- Special diets catering
- Event planning expertise
- HACCP certification
- Licenses for serving alcohol
- Contract management
- Work schedule management
- Social media promotion
- COSHH guidelines
- Event planning
Certification
- BII Licence
- Level 3 Food Safety
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Enhanced DBS check (March 2025)
REFERENCES
References available upon request
Timeline
Catering Manager
PGL Beyond
2025.09 - 2026.06
Student Events Officer
University Of Kent
2025.03 - 2025.08
Food & Beverage Manager
University Of Kent
2018.01 - 2025.03
Bar & Bistro Supervisor
University Of Kent
2004.08 - 2018.01
A Level -
Simon Langton Grammar School