Job search status
Open to workPreferred start date: Negotiable
Desired job title
General ManagerManagerAssistant General ManagerWork Type
Full timeLocation preference
On-siteLocation: Yeovil, Somerset
Open to relocation: Yes
Open to work
Gillian O’Leary
Hotelier
Yeovil,Somerset
Work preference
Summary
Senior Management Professional with a proven track record of turning businesses around, strengthening financial performance and delivering sustainable operational improvement. Experienced in identifying underperformance, leading operational restructuring and implementing commercially focused solutions that future-proof businesses and position them for long-term success. A decisive, hands-on leader who leads from the front, builds high-performing teams and drives accountability, efficiency and profitability. In my most recent position, I led a significant operational restructure that delivered a £200k year-on-year improvement in profit within just six months, demonstrating a strong ability to translate strategic decision-making into measurable financial results. Brings over ten years’ experience across operations, inventory management, financial controls, people leadership, compliance and customer management, with a consistent focus on improving performance and creating sustainable business value.
Overview
1
1
Certificate
29
29
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager
The Hillbrook Hotel & Restaurant
Sherborne, Dorset
2024.03 - 2025.10
- Promoted to General Manager within 12 months of joining The Hillbrook at launch.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure smooth organisational functionality.
- Implemented rigorous financial controls, enhancing profitability and reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Sourced local products at competitive prices to establish sustainable kitchen.
- Defined company direction through strategic planning and performance data analysis.
- Fostered high-performance culture, resulting in increased productivity across teams.
- Achieved customer satisfaction through regular feedback and improvement sessions.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
- Coordinated site inspections to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Completed necessary paperwork for compliance purposes.
- Maintained comprehensive records to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all business operations.
Manager
Texas Rocks
Yeovil, Somerset
2023.04 - 2024.03
- Transformed loss-making establishment into profitable venture through effective stock control and theft management.
- Managed all service operations, collaborating with head chef to enhance customer experience.
- Ensured utilisation of high-quality, locally sourced meats and produce for menu offerings.
- Conducted staff training, stock counting, and cash handling to optimise operational efficiency.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity.
Café, Restaurant & Bar General Manager
Hundred Monkeys
Glastonbury, Somerset
2021.04 - 2023.04
- Operated café, restaurant, and bar in town centre, attracting high tourist footfall.
- Managed kitchen and front of house teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
- Facilitated staff training and motivation to ensure seamless operations.
- Liaised with customers, suppliers, and authorities to maintain satisfaction across all service levels.
- Monitored profit and loss to secure business prosperity through strategic decisions.
- Implemented recycling initiatives while adhering to sustainable practices.
- Ensured compliance with budgets and executed cost reduction strategies.
- Utilised EPOS systems for effective programming and operational management.
- Introduced effective cost control measures, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Oversaw all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth running of the organisation.
Restaurant Manager to General Manager
Rose & Crown Inn
Trent, Dorset
2019.09 - 2021.03
- Oversaw operations of a high-traffic restaurant and bar, including accommodation services.
- Managed staff scheduling to ensure optimal coverage for all shifts.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff for food orders and special event requirements.
- Controlled stock levels and ordered supplies to support daily operations.
- Executed weekly banking processes and completed end-of-day cash reconciliations.
- Trained new staff to uphold standards of 2 AA Rosette restaurant and 5 Star AA B&B.
- Motivated shift teams to deliver exceptional service and improve customer experiences.
- Maintained budget compliance by managing expenses and optimising staffing hours.
- Streamlined staff rotas to optimise efficiency.
- Planned menu changes seasonally for fresh dining options throughout the year.
Restaurant Duty Manager
The White Lion Pub
Broadwindsor, Dorset
2017.09 - 2019.09
- Oversaw daily operations of pub and restaurant, ensuring seamless functionality.
- Trained front of house staff to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
- Managed stock control and ordering processes to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Resolved customer issues promptly to guarantee satisfaction and loyalty.
Leather Worker
Pittards Plc
Yeovil, Somerset
1996.07 - 2008.02
- Conducted leather sample tests to ensure compliance with customer specifications.
- Processed skins in R&D and dye shop for effective chemical products.
Education
BTEC National Diploma - Business & Finance
Yeovil College
YeovilSkills
- Business Turnaround & Transformation
- Strategic Business Restructuring
- Profit Improvement & Financial Performance
- Commercial & Financial Acumen
- Operational Transformation & Efficiency
- Strategic Planning & Business Performance
- Cost Reduction & Margin Improvement
- Change Management & Implementation
- Senior Team Leadership & Development
- High-Performance Team Building
- People Leadership & Accountability
- Business Performance Optimisation
- Financial Planning & Budget Management
- Cash Flow & Cost Control
- Commercial Decision-Making
- Performance Management & KPI Delivery
- Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
- Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Business Development & Growth Strategy
- Future-Proofing & Sustainable Business Solutions
- Stakeholder & Customer Relationship Management
- Recruitment, Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Strategic Problem Solving
- Crisis Management & Business Recovery
- Leading Change & Organisational Restructuring
Certification
- Food Safety and Hygiene, Level 3 February 2026 to Present
- ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management) March 2022 to Present Leadership & Management Package - ILM assured: Understanding Yourself, The Role of the Manager, Personal Effectiveness, Coaching, Performance Management, Communication, Managing Teams and Managing Change.
- BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders October 2020 to Present
- Full Driver's License
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) February 2026 Level 3 for Supervisors and Management
- COSHH Risk Assessment February 2026
- Food Allergy Awareness March 2026
- Emergency First Aid at Work May 2024 to May 2027
- Fire Safety Awareness & Fire Marshal Role May 2026 to May 2028
Timeline
General Manager
The Hillbrook Hotel & Restaurant
2024.03 - 2025.10
Manager
Texas Rocks
2023.04 - 2024.03
Café, Restaurant & Bar General Manager
Hundred Monkeys
2021.04 - 2023.04
Restaurant Manager to General Manager
Rose & Crown Inn
2019.09 - 2021.03
Restaurant Duty Manager
The White Lion Pub
2017.09 - 2019.09
Leather Worker
Pittards Plc
1996.07 - 2008.02
BTEC National Diploma - Business & Finance
Yeovil College