Summary

Overview

Work history

Education

Skills

Timeline

Karen Hickling

Sandy,United Kingdom

Summary

Organised and dependable with 20 years of experience in catering and hospitality, specializing in high-quality customer service and strict adherence to hygiene standards. Expertise in food hygiene, COSHH compliance, and safety regulations, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for all. Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to both team-oriented and independent work settings. Strong attention to detail and a positive attitude contribute to overall operational success.

Overview

years of professional experience

year of post-secondary education

Work history

Front of house assistant / Barista

BaxterStorey

Bedford, Central Bedfordshire

2024.01 - Current

Punctual in daily operations and completion of opening and closing procedures.
Manage comprehensive front of house activities from serving customers to restocking, till operations, and food preparation to uphold operational efficiency.
Assist head chef with cooking, and serving to maintain service quality.
Conduct stock takes to monitor inventory levels and ensure product availability.
Ordering of Stock
Process transactions accurately on till for seamless customer service.
Provide customers with food and beverages to enhance dining experiences.
Balance cash registers while maintaining accurate hospitality records.
Barista

Company secretary

Lewis Contract Services Ltd

Colesden, Central Bedfordshire

2020.09 - 2024.01

Invoiced customers for completed work and issued receipts upon payment.
Chased customer payments to maintain cash flow.
Reconciled bank statements regularly, ensuring accurate financial records.
Processed supplier invoices for timely payments to support operations.
Liaised with suppliers to procure materials, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
Handled incoming telephone calls, resolving queries promptly and professionally.

Cafe / Bar supervisor / Barista

Letchworth Sports & Tennis Club

Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire

2018.07 - 2020.08

Responsible for efficient operation of the cafe/bar by scheduling staff shifts effectively.
Created a welcoming atmosphere for patrons by maintaining clean premises and exceptional customer services.
Maintained high quality of food preparation and presentation standards leading to positive reviews.
Managed supply orders to keep optimal stock levels without excess or deficiency & keep up to date Stock inventory on a weekly basis
Upheld licensing regulations to sustain the establishment's positive reputation.
Strictly followed health and safety protocols to maintain a safe environment.
Collaborated with management on special events, generating fresh interest among patrons.
Oversaw all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth running of the organisation.
Maintained accurate cash handling practices including cashing up
Facilitated smooth day-to-day operations of Coffee shop, serving customers daily.

Deputy chef

Anchor Care Homes

Saint Neots, Cambridgeshire

2016.12 - 2018.07

Assisted the Chef Manager in meal preparation for elderly residents during all meal times.
Executed regular stock management to maintain inventory levels.
Oversaw staff rotas to ensure adequate coverage.
Step up to cover Chef Manager during periods of absence.
Opening and closing of kitchen operations
Procurement of supplies

Catering manager

Innovate Services Ltd

Sandy, Central Bedfordshire

2005.06 - 2016.07

Started as a kitchen assistant, I was then promoted to assistant manager and promoted again to to Catering manager.
Managed all aspects of daily kitchen operations.
Managed opening and closing procedures to maintain smooth transitions.
Handled cash and operated till systems accurately.
Log till information on computer
Conducted regular stock takes.
Created staff rotas
Prepare and serve hot and cold food items for service.
Exceptional customer services
Upheld hygiene and safety regulations through regular checks and audits.
Ensured client satisfaction by maintaining high standards in food quality and presentation.
Handled day-to-day scheduling and Menu planning