Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Additional Information
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Katarzyna  Grzelak

Katarzyna Grzelak

Technician In Nutrition And Catering Services
Edinburgh

Summary

Dedicated and reliable professional with experience in customer service, retail, hospitality, and volunteer work. Proven ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team in fast-paced environments. Strong communication skills in English and Polish, with a focus on delivering exceptional service and building positive client relationships. Experienced volunteer, skilled in supporting diverse communities through effective communication and empathy. Adept at time management, problem-solving, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety. Enthusiastic about continuous learning and professional development, with a proactive approach to challenges.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
12
12
Certifications
4
4
Languages

Work History

Housekeeping Attendant

Hotel – Edinburgh
03.2022 - Current
  • Thoroughly cleaned guest rooms and bathrooms to high hygiene and presentation standards.
  • Replenished amenities and maintained stock levels of cleaning supplies.
  • Reported maintenance issues and guest feedback to supervisors.
  • Followed health & safety, COSHH, and infection control procedures.
  • Ensured excellent guest experience through attention to detail and discretion.
  • Worked efficiently under time pressure, independently and in a team.


Key skills gained:

  • Time management
  • Workplace English vocabulary
  • Physical stamina & reliability
  • Teamwork in multicultural environment

Customer Support Volunteer

UK Volunteer Helpline Services
09.2024 - 05.2025
  • Answered incoming calls and assisted individuals with general inquiries related to local services.
  • Provided empathetic and clear verbal communication in English.
  • Logged call outcomes and followed up via email when needed.
  • Handled difficult conversations calmly and professionally.
  • Worked independently and maintained confidentiality.

Remote Administrative Volunteer

UK Community Services
01.2024 - 07.2024
  • Responded to email and phone enquiries from members of the public in a polite and timely manner.
  • Maintained and updated digital records, spreadsheets, and contact databases.
  • Assisted with scheduling virtual meetings and preparing basic documents.
  • Supported the coordination of online community events and sent follow-up communications.
  • Ensured all information was handled confidentially and in line with GDPR guidelines.
  • Used Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for daily administrative tasks.



Peer Support Volunteer

Mental Health Support Circle
02.2023 - 12.2023
  • Provided emotional support to individuals through regular online or phone-based conversations.
  • Listened actively and responded with empathy, confidentiality, and respect.
  • Referred individuals to professional services or crisis support when needed.
  • Encouraged positive coping strategies and offered motivation during difficult periods.
  • Documented basic session notes in accordance with data protection and safeguarding guidelines.
  • Attended virtual training sessions on active listening, mental health awareness, and boundaries.

Retail Sales Assistant

Polish Grocery Store
06.2020 - 03.2022
  • Assisted a diverse customer base in both English and Polish, ensuring friendly and efficient service.
  • Operated the till, processed cash and card payments, and handled customer enquiries.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organisation of shelves, fridges, and stockrooms.
  • Replenished stock and monitored expiry dates, especially for fresh and imported products.
  • Unpacked deliveries, labelled products, and supported pricing and promotions.
  • Provided information about traditional Polish products to local (non-Polish) customers.

Chef / Prep Chef

Restaurant / Catering Service
12.2018 - 06.2019
  • Prepared ingredients and basic components for daily menu items according to recipes and quality standards.
  • Washed, peeled, chopped, and measured vegetables, fruits, and other raw materials.
  • Assisted chefs with mise en place to ensure efficient kitchen operations during service.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen workstations in compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
  • Monitored stock levels of ingredients and reported shortages to the kitchen supervisor.
  • Followed health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.

Retail Sales Assistant

Polish Grocery Store
12.2017 - 06.2018
  • Assisted customers in both Polish and Dutch, providing friendly and efficient service.
  • Operated the cash register and handled cash, card, and contactless payments accurately.
  • Stocked shelves, organized product displays, and monitored inventory levels.
  • Managed product deliveries and ensured proper labeling and freshness, especially for imported Polish goods.
  • Maintained cleanliness and order of the sales area and storage rooms.
  • Provided product information and recommendations to a diverse customer base.

Community Support Volunteer

Local Volunteer Network
12.2017 - 06.2018
  • Assisted in planning and organizing local community events aimed at fostering social cohesion and support.
  • Communicated with residents via phone and email to provide information, answer queries, and gather feedback.
  • Supported administrative tasks including managing contact lists, scheduling meetings, and preparing event materials.
  • Collaborated with a diverse team of volunteers to ensure smooth execution of projects and activities.
  • Monitored and reported on community engagement metrics to help improve future initiatives.
  • Ensured respectful and inclusive communication to accommodate people from various cultural backgrounds.

Assistant Manager (Retail Supervisor)

Tesco Supermarket
10.2016 - 12.2017
  • Supervised daily store operations during shifts to ensure efficient workflow and high customer service standards.
  • Managed and motivated a team of sales assistants, delegated tasks, and monitored performance.
  • Assisted store management in staff recruitment, training, and scheduling.
  • Handled customer service escalations and resolved issues effectively.
  • Oversaw inventory management, stock replenishment, and merchandising.
  • Ensured compliance with health, safety, and company policies.

Education

Nutrition And Catering Services Technician
06-2016

Skills

  • Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to deliver friendly, efficient, and personalized service, ensuring high customer satisfaction in multicultural environments
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with diverse clients and colleagues
  • Teamwork and Leadership: Experience leading small teams, motivating coworkers, and collaborating effectively to achieve common goals
  • Time Management: Skilled in prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines in fast-paced settings
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to stock management, cash handling, and maintaining workplace hygiene standards
  • Adaptability: Quick learner who thrives in dynamic environments and embraces new challenges with a positive attitude
  • Technical Proficiency: Competent with point-of-sale (POS) systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic administrative software
  • Food Safety & Hygiene: Knowledgeable in food preparation standards and health regulations, ensuring compliance and safety in kitchen and retail settings

Additional Information

  • Bilingual: fluent in Polish and English, with experience communicating in multicultural environments.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work independently with a high level of responsibility.
  • Eligible to work in the UK and the EU.
  • Open to learning new skills and taking on new responsibilities.
  • Focused on personal and professional development, especially in customer service and team-based roles.
  • Positive attitude, adaptable, and committed to delivering high standards in every task.

Certification

Occupational health and safety in small and medium-sized enterprises

Interests

Passionate about literature, actively running a book-themed social media profile (Bookstagram) focused on reviews and literary discussions Enthusiast of history, particularly prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods Enjoy staying active through various forms of sport and fitness Value continuous learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with culture and knowledge

Timeline

Customer Support Volunteer

UK Volunteer Helpline Services
09.2024 - 05.2025

Remote Administrative Volunteer

UK Community Services
01.2024 - 07.2024

Peer Support Volunteer

Mental Health Support Circle
02.2023 - 12.2023

Housekeeping Attendant

Hotel – Edinburgh
03.2022 - Current

Retail Sales Assistant

Polish Grocery Store
06.2020 - 03.2022

Chef / Prep Chef

Restaurant / Catering Service
12.2018 - 06.2019

Retail Sales Assistant

Polish Grocery Store
12.2017 - 06.2018

Community Support Volunteer

Local Volunteer Network
12.2017 - 06.2018

Assistant Manager (Retail Supervisor)

Tesco Supermarket
10.2016 - 12.2017

Nutrition And Catering Services Technician
Katarzyna GrzelakTechnician In Nutrition And Catering Services