George Popa
Plymouth,Devon
Summary
Customer-focused sales executive with over a year of experience in retail sales, specializing in furniture and sleep solutions. Consistently achieved sales targets while delivering exceptional service. Previous experience includes over 11 years in hospitality, advancing to kitchen manager/head chef, honing leadership and team management skills. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and build strong customer relationships.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Sales executive
Furniture World LTD
Plymouth, Devon
2024.12 - Current
- Delivered excellent customer service, helping customers choose furniture and sleep solutions tailored to their needs.
- Consistently met and exceeded individual sales targets while maximising revenue through upselling and cross-selling
- Built strong relationships with customers, resulting in repeat business and positive feedback
- Processed sales accurately, handled finance applications and maintained high product knowledge across a wide range of furniture and beds
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues to ensure an outstanding in-store customer experience.
- Responded promptly to customer queries, ensuring resolution whilst upholding satisfaction levels.
Kitchen Manager/Head Chef
Boston Tea Party
Plymouth
2024.01 - 2024.12
- Trained kitchen staff in food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and equipment use.
- Supervised preparation of all meals, guaranteeing high quality and consistency in presentation.
- Managed kitchen operations, including staff rota, stock control, and compliance with hygiene standards.
- Analysed customer reviews to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
- Led team meetings to discuss performance, menu changes, and customer service improvements.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to monitor stock levels and minimise waste.
- Assisted in the recruitment, selection, and induction of new kitchen staff members.
- Conducted performance evaluations for kitchen staff, identifying training needs and opportunities for growth.
- Developed and maintained a safe working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate prices, ensuring cost-effective purchasing of ingredients.
- Coordinated with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and address any issues promptly.
Assistant Kitchen Manager/ Holding Kitchen Manager
Boston Tea Party
Plymouth
2021.04 - 2024.01
- Adapted kitchen operations to comply with new health guidelines during the pandemic, maintaining service quality and safety.
- Prepared detailed reports on kitchen performance, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement to management.
- Supervised kitchen staff, delegating tasks and monitoring performance to uphold high standards of service.
- Monitored food costs, waste, and portion control to align with budgetary constraints and sustainability goals.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Boston Tea Party
Exeter
2019.08 - 2021.04
- Deputising when the Head Chef is absent
- Trained kitchen staff in food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and equipment use.
- Developed and maintained a safe working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to monitor stock levels and minimise waste.
- Oversaw special events and catering, customising menus to meet client requirements.
Chef
The Tally Ho Inn
Exeter
2018.08 - 2019.07
- Responsible for the smooth, efficient running of the kitchen, including its routine operations, food production, stock management and creating of specials.
- Supervised kitchen staff, delegating tasks efficiently to maintain high productivity levels.
- Trained new chefs, imparting essential culinary skills and kitchen management techniques.
Chef de Partie
Bill's
Exeter
2017.04 - 2018.07
- Followed strict health and safety guidelines in kitchen.
- Developed high-quality dishes for guests, including starters, mains and desserts.
- Conducted daily inspections of kitchen equipment, arranged for repairs and maintenance as needed, ensuring operational efficiency.
Chef
The Prospect
Exeter Quey
2015.08 - 2016.11
- Supervised kitchen staff, delegating tasks efficiently to maintain high productivity levels.
- Managed inventory, placing orders for supplies while adhering to budget constraints.
- Trained new chefs, imparting essential culinary skills and kitchen management techniques.
- Catered for special events, customising menus to client specifications for memorable occasions.
Chef/Baker
Carluccio's
Exeter
2014.09 - 2015.06
- Iced, glazed and decorated baked goods to design specifications.
- Completed all bakery preparations in timely and professional manner to keep shop running smoothly.
- Carried out all baking duties with care and attention to detail to guarantee production of high-quality products and minimise waste.
Education
Technical Culinary Training - Culinary
SC. Professional Care S.R.L
Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaHigh School Diploma - Languages
Stefan Cel Mare
Targu Neamt, RomaniaBachelor's degree - Dental Technique
University of Medicine and Pharmacy
RomaniaSkills
- Stock Control
- Upselling expertise
- Food safety level 3
- First Aid
- Management
- Kitchen Experience
- HACCP guidelines familiarity
- Training
- Inventory Control
- Tactical selling techniques
- Knowledge of sales methodologies
- Brand awareness building
- Performance metrics tracking
Additional Information
Communication skills, Sociable, spirit of reconciliation, team worker, Ability to quickly identify and resolve problems, Able to work under high volume of pressure
Custom Section
- Responsible for stock control and rotation procedures
- Ensuring that all foods are produced in a safe and hygienic manner
- Cooking fresh food in a high volume environment
- Ensuring that brand standards are maintained
Personal Information
- Total Experience: 14
- Food Preparation & Service
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Management
- Driving Licence: None
Languages
English
Romanian
Certification
- Level 3 Food satfy
Languages
6,C2,6,C2
Affiliations
- Travel
- Learning different languages and cultures
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sales executive
Furniture World LTD
2024.12 - Current
Kitchen Manager/Head Chef
Boston Tea Party
2024.01 - 2024.12
Assistant Kitchen Manager/ Holding Kitchen Manager
Boston Tea Party
2021.04 - 2024.01
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Boston Tea Party
2019.08 - 2021.04
Chef
The Tally Ho Inn
2018.08 - 2019.07
Chef de Partie
Bill's
2017.04 - 2018.07
Chef
The Prospect
2015.08 - 2016.11
Chef/Baker
Carluccio's
2014.09 - 2015.06
Bachelor's degree - Dental Technique
University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Technical Culinary Training - Culinary
SC. Professional Care S.R.L
High School Diploma - Languages
Stefan Cel Mare