Giovanna Cretì
London,ENG
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Manager with extensive experience in the luxury retail and hospitality sectors. Proven track record in launching a new Delicatessen/Café in London and opening new international locations. Expertise in increasing sales and enhancing team performance. Previously led operations for Le Deli Robuchon, with a strong background in managing multiple locations, improving operational efficiencies, and driving business growth through strategic planning and team development. Currently seeking a new challenge in area management and operations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1998
1998
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
General manager
Clap Ka-Fe
London
01.2025 - Current
- Successfully led the full setup and launch of a new Ka-Fe from concept to opening.
- Managed all supplier relationships, including procurement of packaging, crockery, and operational essentials.
- Developed and implemented the Step of Service and brand presentation standards to ensure a cohesive and high-quality guest experience.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive induction and training programs covering customer service, allergen awareness, and brand values.
- Recruited, onboarded, and managed a high-performing team, aligning staffing needs with service standards and brand vision.
Event manager
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
London, UK
11.2024 - 12.2024
- Trained and supervised staff and volunteers daily to maximize donations for the hospital.
- Worked closely with the security team and hospital representatives to ensure smooth operations.
- Maintained the garden's appearance, ensuring all lights were operational at all times.
- Managed crowd control, preventing unauthorized access while ensuring visitor safety.
- Enforced health and safety protocols, overseeing thousands of visitors efficiently.
Area Manager
Le Deli Robuchon
London
06.2023 - 10.2024
- International Pre-Opening & Operations Support
Collaborated with an international team to design efficient delicatessen spaces and ensure smooth pre-opening and opening processes. Managed supplier coordination, menu development, and team support across London, Cyprus, Doha, and Casablanca. - Conducted audits and risk assessments to achieve regulatory compliance.
- Supported front-line sales teams with well-coordinated administrative operations.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers that facilitated significant cost savings.
- Developed training programmes for staff; led to increased skill levels across the team.
- Managed daily operations efficiently, facilitating smooth business functioning.
General Manager
Le Deli Robuchon
London
11.2020 - 05.2023
- Developed, planned, and implemented annual budget
- Provided leadership and consistent coaching to ensure high service standards for each customer
- Managed on-duty responsibilities including coaching, floor management, task assignment, safety, and open/close duties
- Led and maximised sales growth, achieving 70% increase in last year
- Managed five platforms, resulting in 30% sales increase
- Prepared daily work schedules, assigned tasks to employees, scheduled deliveries, and enforced company policy
- Reduced staff turnover rate and implemented team-building initiatives
- Dealt with suppliers and defined selling price for all retail products
- Assisted in opening new business locations in Cyprus, Doha, Casablanca, and new shop on King's Road.
Floor Manager
Le Deli Robuchon
London
11.2019 - 10.2020
- Undertook accurate and efficient stock taking
- Trained staff on food safety and health and safety protocols
- Conducted staff training on FIFO and LIFO
- Collaborated with team to achieve highest standards of customer service.
General Manager
Plough Way Deli
Surrey Quays, London
05.2017 - 08.2019
- Increased weekly sales from £7k to £15k while managing team of 8
- Reduced expenses by minimising waste
- Worked with team members to increase individual performance and set realistic improvement goals
- Interviewed, hired, and trained new staff
- Improved GP margin from 53% to 60%
- Negotiated prices with suppliers and identified best products to sell
- Proposed and planned new promotional campaigns
- Set and reviewed budgets, managed costs, and oversaw inventory
- Promoted positive health and safety culture on site.
Assistant Manager
Petersham Nursery
London
06.2017 - 12.2017
- Led a cross-functional team of trainers to boost organisational effectiveness.
- Delivered high-quality products to increase customer satisfaction.
- Maintained inventory control, reduced stock shortages.
General Manager and Deli Manager
Gazzano and Son - Italian Delicatessen
Farringdon (Valentina Group)
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Increased weekly sales from £15k to £28k while managing team of 8
- Provided training to staff on company policies and sales guidelines
- Responded to queries and complaints from both customers and employees
- Placed orders with different suppliers
- Analysed profit and loss statements and recommended improvements to meet department goals
- Oversaw product labelling, temperature control, cleanliness, and safety.
Assistant Manager
Valentina Fine Foods
Battersea
11.2014 - 08.2016
- Controlled company standards and worked with team to achieve high customer service standards
- Conducted efficient stock taking and reconciled money and invoices
- Administered all cash and credit card payments and handled manager duties unsupervised
- Promoted hygiene and health & safety practices.
Waitress
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh
03.2014 - 10.2014
Front Shop Assistant
Sicilian Pastry
Albert Street, Edinburgh (part-time)
12.2013 - 10.2014
Manager & Seller in an Insurance Company
Cattolica Assicurazioni
03.2001 - 08.2013
- Dealt with personal and commercial insurance (car, home, business, health, life)
- Met daily, weekly, and monthly targets
- Maintained direct contact with clients and convinced customers to buy insurance
- Developed and maximised profits for the company.
Education
A-Levels - Diploma in Business, Accounting o Finance
ITC Jean Monnet
Italy 09/1992 - 07.1997
Languages
Italian
Native
English
Advanced
French
Elementary
Certification
Personal Alcohol Licence
First Aid Officer
Fire Marshal
Health and Safety Level 2
Food Safety Level 2
Skills
Multi-Unit Operations Management
Strategic Business Planning
People Development & Leadership
Daily Operations Oversight
Health & Safety Compliance
Financial & Cost Control Management
Timeline
General manager
Clap Ka-Fe
01.2025 - Current
Event manager
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
11.2024 - 12.2024
Area Manager
Le Deli Robuchon
06.2023 - 10.2024
General Manager
Le Deli Robuchon
11.2020 - 05.2023
Floor Manager
Le Deli Robuchon
11.2019 - 10.2020
Assistant Manager
Petersham Nursery
06.2017 - 12.2017
General Manager
Plough Way Deli
05.2017 - 08.2019
General Manager and Deli Manager
Gazzano and Son - Italian Delicatessen
08.2016 - 03.2017
Assistant Manager
Valentina Fine Foods
11.2014 - 08.2016
Waitress
Royal Yacht Britannia
03.2014 - 10.2014
Front Shop Assistant
Sicilian Pastry
12.2013 - 10.2014
Manager & Seller in an Insurance Company
Cattolica Assicurazioni
03.2001 - 08.2013
A-Levels - Diploma in Business, Accounting o Finance
ITC Jean Monnet
09/1992 - 07.1997
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