Jessica Stanhope
Brighton,East Sussex
Summary
Talented Head Chef with sound knowledge of food preparation and restaurant management. Solid understanding of managing personnel activity in hospitality industry. Exceptional communication skills with ability to give clear instructions to subordinates. Organised and reliable with outstanding menu creation capabilities, aiming to leverage these skills to expand into new environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work history
Head Chef
Red Roaster
Brighton, East Sussex
2025.03 - Current
- Assisted in managing operations across multiple sites during peak service times.
- Supported transformation of Lucky Beach into high-rated venue through effective stock management and customer service.
- Coordinated holiday bookings for up to 300 guests at Red Roaster Dome, ensuring smooth operations.
- Contributed to menu planning and ingredient sourcing alongside operations chef.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of kitchen facilities at all locations.
- Achieved EHO score of 5 at each site through rigorous hygiene practices.
- Delivered prompt service using local produce, earning praise from customers and reviewers.
- Facilitated training and recruitment of chefs across all venues.
- Monitored stock levels regularly to ensure adequate supply across different sites.
Deputy Manager
Red Roaster
Brighton, East Sussex
2024.09 - 2025.03
- Successfully run shifts by increasing team morale and ensuring they are aware of the expectations.
- Daily control of bar stock and set up, all back office controls and general management.
- Often in control of hosting during fully booked restaurant days to ensure all runs smoothly.
- Successfully orchestrated several office parties over the Christmas period making it the most profitable in company history, taking 15% more than last year.
- Increasing GP from 71% to 76% in the space of 3 months.
- Constant use of labour controls to ensure costs are low whilst providing high quality service.
Head Chef
Trading Post
Brighton, East Sussex
2024.05 - 2024.09
- Oversaw staff management, focusing on recruitment and performance evaluations to build a cohesive team.
- Conducted kitchen maintenance audits, ensuring adherence to EHO regulations for operational excellence.
- Directed stock control activities, including daily ordering and supplier relations to optimise inventory.
- Facilitated fast service while establishing and maintaining rigorous quality standards.
- Implemented a waste reduction programme to reduce food cost by 10%
Senior Sous Chef
Alcampo Lounge
Brighton, East Sussex
2022.06 - 2024.05
- Delivered meals in compliance with hygiene and safety regulations.
- Assisted in overseeing kitchen and food operations.
- Handled customer allergies with care to ensure satisfaction.
- Supported high-pressure kitchen duties during festive promotions.
- Contributed to daily kitchen team operations.
- Managed kitchen responsibilities during senior staff absences.
- Guided chefs on efficient station operation during peak times.
- Improved NSF rating from 4/5 to 5/5.
Seafront Facilities Assistant
Brighton and Hove City Council
Brighton
2023.04 - 2023.10
- Assisted in running a department while supporting office and lifeguard service operations.
- Helped coordinate weddings and events at the bandstand by communicating with couples, wedding planners, registrars, and a florist.
- Facilitated clear communication with external parties.
- Demonstrated organisational skills in daily tasks.
- Contributed to the successful execution of multiple weddings.
- Provided administrative support to enhance organisational efficiency.
- Adapted to a high pressure and dynamic work environment.
Assistant Manager
Alcampo Lounge
2021.06 - 2022.06
- Provided optimal assistance to the General Manager and handled a variety of tasks.
- Delegated tasks, staff management and prioritisation of tasks to ensure the business thrived.
- Stock control and management, rota systems and weekly cost of sales analysis.
- Continually adapted and excelled in a fast paced environment.
- Completed opening and closing procedures multiple times per week, completing reporting and security tasks.
- Motivated management and staff teams to consistently deliver high quality, customer-focused service.
- Managed over 70 daily covers during the Christmas period.
- Increased regular bookings to Christmas bookings by 45% resulting in 10% annual profit increase.
- Consistent 90% or higher mystery diner scores.
Shift Manager
Pizza Hut
2017.09 - 2021.06
- Promoted within three months.
- Completed shift reports for effective handovers.
- Supported team by demonstrating company best practices.
- Received consistently high evaluations from EHO and internal sources.
- Adapted to the fast paced environment of the fast food industry.
- Conducted daily staff meetings to foster communication.
- Maintained cleanliness of freezers, fridges, and ovens every fortnight.
- Executed monthly stock counts and managed controls efficiently.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History of Art and Design
University of Brighton
Brighton, East SussexA-Levels - English Literature, Sociology and Business
Tolworth Girls School
Tolworth, Kingston upon ThamesSkills
- First Aid Trained with St Johns Ambulance
- Proficient in baking
- Time management proficiency
- Seasonal ingredients utilisation
- Familiarity with dietary restrictions
- Full bar, coffee, and cocktail training
- Health and safety level 3
- Volunteer for the East Sussex Fire Service
- Nutritional knowledge
- Cost optimisation strategies
- Leadership
- Quality Control
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
Timeline
Head Chef
Red Roaster
2025.03 - Current
Deputy Manager
Red Roaster
2024.09 - 2025.03
Head Chef
Trading Post
2024.05 - 2024.09
Seafront Facilities Assistant
Brighton and Hove City Council
2023.04 - 2023.10
Senior Sous Chef
Alcampo Lounge
2022.06 - 2024.05
Assistant Manager
Alcampo Lounge
2021.06 - 2022.06
Shift Manager
Pizza Hut
2017.09 - 2021.06
Bachelor of Arts - History of Art and Design
University of Brighton
A-Levels - English Literature, Sociology and Business
Tolworth Girls School