Kathryn Waring

Assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer with the arrival of a new Chief Executive at Cromwell Place, prioritised collaborative leadership, closely working with the CEO to facilitate effective decision-making and provide a unified direction for the organisation.

This collaborative approach extended beyond internal operations to incorporate a strategic commercial element, focusing on the future financial health and sustainability of Cromwell Place.

• Identified necessary changes to physical buildings, with the goal of improving operational efficiency, member and visitor experience within Cromwell Place and attract more foot traffic with emphasis on accessibility and inclusion.
• Initiated and oversaw successful planning application, development, and design phases for the improvement building project at Cromwell Place, paving the way for the seamless execution of transformative changes to the organisation's physical infrastructure.
• Strengthened community ties, fostering integration within the neighbourhood, and ensuring a sense of collaboration with the local community.
• Achieved significant 30% boost in Food and Beverage revenue through a strategic approach that involved menu development, member surveys, cost analysis, and targeted talent acquisition. Leveraged insights from member and visitor surveys to tailor F&B offerings, aligning them with member preferences and successfully increasing patronage.
• In collaboration with the Head of People, developed and implemented a comprehensive people strategy, prioritising employee benefits, well-being, and job satisfaction, with a firm commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Amidst a significant period of change within Cromwell Place, the collaborative leadership approach incorporated succession planning, addressed the diverse needs of the workforce, fostered a positive environment contributing to financial success, and ensured continuity in leadership and stability in the workforce.

Stepped in as Interim Managing Director during pivotal period of change, orchestrating a seamless transition following the resignation of the previous Managing Director and a complete turnover of the Board of Directors. Focused on driving results, commercial success, and strategic alignment, reporting into the Board, I took charge of the overall direction of Cromwell Place. Led a dynamic team, fostering collaboration and community among our membership.

• Developed visionary strategy to position Cromwell Place as a prominent player in the art and culture sector, ensuring sustained commercial success. Established robust relationships with stakeholders, bolstering business credibility.
• Directed the administration and optimisation of financial operations, including payroll and accounting processes, contributing to consistent year-on-year revenue growth of 20% with focus on prudent cost control.
• Recruited and managed senior leadership team, prioritising clear results and KPIs, ensuring the business remained steady and successful through the transformative phase.

Led transformation of Cromwell Place's diverse business operations, taking charge of day-to-day administrative and operational function.

• Achieved commitment to excellence by consistently providing high-quality service across all facilities, resulting in increased Membership satisfaction and improved visitor experiences.
• Spearheaded comprehensive cost analysis, identifying and implementing efficiency measures across operational processes, resulting in 25% reduction in annual operating costs within first year.
• Implemented strategic procurement strategies, negotiating favourable contracts with suppliers, leading to 15% decrease in procurement expenses over two consecutive years.
• Pioneered strategic decision to bring food and beverage operations in-house, leading to a substantial 30% reduction in outsourcing expenses.
• Implemented a streamlined and efficient food and beverage in-house model, resulting in 25% increase in profit margins in F&B P&L within the first year of transition.
• Implemented effective CRM system integrations and dynamic digital strategy in collaboration with the Head of Digital, transforming new business with poor processes and CRM knowledge into a more streamlined and efficient operation.
• Delivered successful outcomes through strategic management of legal matters, licensing processes, planning initiatives, and large-scale building projects.

Successfully launched and managed two esteemed private members clubs in London, personally overseeing establishment of financial, POS, stock control, and health and safety systems and procedures.

• Strategically planned and executed revenue goals while adeptly managing labour and supply budgets.
• Collaborated with membership team to drive new memberships and ensure retention of existing members, achieving the significant milestone of opening the second club with 1000 new members.
• Demonstrated leadership by coaching, mentoring, and developing all managers across both clubs, playing a pivotal role in the establishment and success of the venues.
• Achieved notable event success by doubling projected event revenue within the first year, showcasing effective collaboration with the events and private hire team.
• Initiated the recruitment and creation of a programming team, driving the development of a new, value-added annual program to enhance membership, contributing significantly to member growth and retention.
• Achieved key commercial milestones, ensuring sustainable growth for both private members clubs.

As the operational leader for five restaurants, I achieved notable success through strategic initiatives:

• Successfully managed the day-to-day operations for all five restaurants, serving as the direct line manager for each General Manager.
• Achieved a 15% increase in annual year-on-year revenue within the first two years of leadership.
• Implemented strategic measures to optimise resources, streamline operational systems, and enhance overall efficiency, resulting in substantial cost savings of 25% across four restaurants.
• Annually conducted thorough financial analyses, enabling precise tracking and successful achievement of budget targets.
• Proactively collected and analysed regular customer and employee feedback, translating findings into actionable strategies that enhanced customer satisfaction and employee performance, contributing to overall financial success.
  

As the General Manager at Opera Tavern, I took charge of overall operations, steering the restaurant towards significant financial success.

• Achieved a remarkable 28% year-on-year increase in revenue.
• Implemented meticulous analysis of variances, prompt initiation of corrective actions, and the establishment of robust financial controls.
• Developed and implement strategies that effectively boosted average meal checks, contributing significantly to the commercial success of Opera Tavern.
• Maintained a strong focus on ensuring a safe, secure, and healthy facility environment. This involved instituting and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures, as well as ensuring strict compliance with health and legal regulations.

• Part of the Senior Leadership Team to open Oblix Restaurant which was the first restaurant to open in the iconic Shard Building
• Responsible for recruiting and hiring the opening team for the Lounge in Oblix
• Provided direct leadership to upwards of 50 personnel, including food and beverage managers, bar manager and assistant lounge managers
• Responsibilities include all talent-acquisition efforts; hiring, training, and developing staff
• Manage business operation initiatives, including payroll, invoicing, inventory, and human resource related matters.

• Oversaw all restaurant operations, food and beverage, food safety handling, kitchen operations, staff training, and all front of house operations, which resulted in increased sales and improved customer service
• Recruited, supervised and trained staff of up to 85 personnel including Food/ Beverage Manager, Restaurant manager, all head of department managers and Head Chef
• Provided a “Customer Dining Destination” experience with superlative customer service and support that generated repeat business and customer loyalty.
• Tracked KPIs to drive profitability and target delivery.
• Recruited top-performing candidates to build staff retention and team performance.
• Completed stock ordering, replenishment and inventory management.
• Directed HR operations, including strategic workforce planning, goal cascading, performance management, staffing and benefits administration.

• Surpassed restaurant financial objectives
• Oversaw all restaurant operations in a busy Soho Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Recruited, supervised and trained staff of up to 35 personnel
• Working closely with the head chef, assistant managers and bar manager to maintain a high level of food, beverage and outstanding customer service, in a fast paced, friendly restaurant and bar.

• Part of the opening team for Shoreditch House members club
• Involved in the opening recruitment, establishing the club through exception service, friendly, personable staff and excellent product
• Responsible for the business performance of the club
• Planned and coordinated menus
• Coordinated the entire operation of the club during scheduled shifts
• Managed staff and provided them with feedback.

• Supported the daily functions of the general manager in managing the business operation initiatives, including payroll, invoicing, inventory, and human resource related matters.
• Developed and maintained a staff that provided hospitable, professional service while adhering to policies and business initiatives.
• Assumed General Manager role when the General Manager was on annual leave or out of the business.