Ian Cates
Norwich,NFK
Summary
High-energy individual with a passion for achieving goals and a love for working in an organized manner. Known for clear communication and the ability to speak up when necessary. Thrives on challenges and excels at moving projects forward. Skilled in crisis management, able to take charge with calm confidence, ensuring effective organization and communication. Embraces change and possesses strong long-range planning abilities. Experience in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational excellence to drive business growth and foster collaborative environments for measurable results.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
The Kings Head Hotel | Greene King
06.2017 - Current
- Running the biggest unit in the community division with net sales of over £80k per week
- Leading and developing a team of 60
- Planning and delivery of Service foundations training program nationwide across 700 sites as a learning and development partner
- Multi unit management across 5 areas
- Holding Area manager covering holidays and project work
- Delivered 5 star EHO inspection and 5 star NSF audit scores
- ITM for the region and supporting training team evolving the team member induction
- Supporting role for ER cases in the area
- Supported BDM with Assistant manager/ Kitchen Manager delivering area meeting and support
- Supporting GM within the area and other areas in the division
- Completed Oversite program for top 2% of general managers in Greene King
Learning and Development Program Leader
Greene King
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Headed up the role out of Service foundations across Greene King pubs division covering the whole of the UK.
- Planned training sessions all across the uk with optimal effiency according to brand and location alignment
- Delivered training via teams and face to face with capacity of up to 60 people
- Attended meeting with the stakeholders of the project and took a leading roll
- Delivered the project to budgetury constraints
General Manager
The Fur and Feathers | Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales
12.2016 - 06.2017
- Develop new business including stocking policy and negotiating with suppliers
- Assist marketing department with promoting business
- Introduce table service within the whole pub
- Drive down labour costs making the business profitable
- Improved communication with the brewery
General Manager
The Ewe and Lamb | Greene King
06.2014 - 11.2016
- Implement company standards to bring site from 2star EHO rating to maximum 5 star
- In total control of wages and flexing in line with business requirements
- Developing team members and supporting them in there NVQ
- Dealing with refurbishments of my own unit and help with 2 others
- Involved with brand menu feedback forums
- Supporting other sites within local area
Owner
The Horseshoes
03.2013 - 05.2014
- Start up company and plan redevelopment of business
- In total control of financial aspects
- Organise the refurbishment and reopening of business
- Dealing with suppliers, contractors and customers
- Menu design and spec cards production
- Dealing with advertisement and internet web page construction
- Engaging with the local community
Area Manager
Wherry Hotel | Castle Carvery
05.2011 - 03.2013
- Ultimate responsibility for running hotel, function room and restaurant
- £3million pound turnover per annum
- 3000 covers per week
- 40% L4L growth
- Training all team members and managers
- Responsible for over 60 staff across 5 departments
- Implementing brand standards
- Improving guest satisfaction and encouraging repeat business
- Planning the reopening after refurbishment
- During refurbishment promoted to Area Manager covering 7 sites for 6 months
Manager
Premier Inn | Taybarns
04.2009 - 05.2011
- Supporting all aspects of running a hotel and running a 5000 – 7000 covers per week restaurant
- Labour percentage very well controlled
- Training new team leaders
- Getting industry leading guest recommend scores
- Improving brand standards
- Introduced structured duty management rota and responsibilities
New Openings Kitchen Manager
Premier Inn | Nationwide
10.2006 - 04.2009
- Training in all aspects of running the food and beverage department
- Designed CMI audit spreadsheet for training purposes
- Working with local college having regular work placements
- 5 star scores on the doors rating from local EHO
- Training and coaching other F&B managers from other hotels
- Helping with new openings and conversions to train in the brand standards
Deputy Manager
Whitbread Beefeater | Norwich Townhouse
09.2002 - 10.2006
- Control over stocks, rota’s and training
- 200 cover restaurant, maxing out at 500 meals in one day
- In house new starter training
- Day to day running of restaurant and 20 bed hotel (non branded)
Relief Manager
Scottish and Newcastle Retail | Nationwide
03.1995 - 09.2002
- Control over stocks, wages and working to budgets
- As a relief manager, the job role made me work all over the country where I gain a huge wealth of experience
Education
GNVQ intermediate - business studies
Thorpe St Andrew
Norwich, NFK01.1995
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Effective leader
- Training and coaching
- Team leadership
- Training and development
- Staff management
volunteering
volunteer crew member of the Wherry Albion part of the Norfolk Wherry Trust. Keeping history alive by sailing the 120 year old wherry part of Norfolk's history
Timeline
Learning and Development Program Leader
Greene King
09.2023 - 01.2024
General Manager
The Kings Head Hotel | Greene King
06.2017 - Current
General Manager
The Fur and Feathers | Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales
12.2016 - 06.2017
General Manager
The Ewe and Lamb | Greene King
06.2014 - 11.2016
Owner
The Horseshoes
03.2013 - 05.2014
Area Manager
Wherry Hotel | Castle Carvery
05.2011 - 03.2013
Manager
Premier Inn | Taybarns
04.2009 - 05.2011
New Openings Kitchen Manager
Premier Inn | Nationwide
10.2006 - 04.2009
Deputy Manager
Whitbread Beefeater | Norwich Townhouse
09.2002 - 10.2006
Relief Manager
Scottish and Newcastle Retail | Nationwide
03.1995 - 09.2002
GNVQ intermediate - business studies
Thorpe St Andrew
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