Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Kirstie Dacker

Inverasdale,Ross shire

Summary

Dedicated professional with extensive experience in customer-facing roles, ensuring exceptional customer experiences. Skilled in collaborating with team members, adaptable to changing environments, and proficient in basic IT management. Demonstrates strong communication with veterinary personnel and a passion for planning and organising tasks and projects. Holds education in health & safety and possesses significant volunteer and employment experience working with equines and other animals. Committed to improving knowledge and understanding of animal welfare.

Personal experience with assisting local community members, rehoming their beloved animals, normally due to owners personnel circumstances changing.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Housekeeper

Gairloch Hotel
Gairloch, Ross shire
03.2025 - Current
  • Swept and vacuumed floors, hallways and stairwells, keeping public areas immaculately well-presented.
  • Communicated with other staff to determine best use of resources and guest care.
  • Kept housekeeping trolleys well-stocked, reporting low supplies to management for prompt reordering.
  • Proactively identified changing housekeeping needs to provide reliable and attentive service.

Yard Groom

Gairloch Estate
Gairloch, Ross shire
01.2022 - 03.2025
  • Kept records of each horse's diet, health and behaviour meticulously.
  • Coordinated with Estate Factor regarding daily tasks and responsibilities.
  • Maintained pasture quality through regular checks and necessary actions.
  • Administered medications to sick horses under vet instruction.
  • Assisted in veterinary procedures to provide optimal care for horses.
  • Monitored horse behaviour for signs of distress or illness.
  • Managed turnouts efficiently, ensuring safe and effective exercise routines for horses.
  • Maintained tack room organisation, keeping all equipment easily accessible.
  • Maintained stable cleanliness by regularly mucking out stalls.
  • Monitored horse welfare and wellbeing, identifying and addressing any unmet needs.

Restaurant Manager

Donald Crerar
Gairloch, Ross shire
09.2008 - 04.2023
  • Trained new team members, enhanced service quality.
  • Managed daily operations for smooth restaurant functioning.
  • Liaised effectively with all departments, ensured seamless operation flow from kitchen to tables.
  • Developed relationships with suppliers for better inventory management.
  • Recognised and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance, boosting team morale and productivity.
  • Planned staff rotas to meet customer demand, while ensuring all contracted hours were met.


I worked at this establishment from a young age where I started as the KP & over the years I progressed through all the areas of work. Where I went onto college to study hospitality management.


My employment here was on & off over the years due to studies & moving away or working in other establishments to further my experience. I always came back due to the incredible team and the employer.

Social care assistant

NHS Highland
Gairloch, Ross shire
11.2019 - 06.2020
  • Provided companionship to elderly residents, created a comforting environment.
  • Provided end-of-life care with utmost compassion and sensitivity.
  • Participated in training programmes for continual professional development.
  • Worked closely with other care staff for seamless service delivery.
  • Improved client wellbeing by providing daily personal care and support.

Hotel Manager

Millcroft Hotel
Gairloch, Ross shire
01.2018 - 11.2019
  • Coordinated front desk operations, ensured smooth guest experiences.
  • Assisted in marketing campaigns to increase hotel visibility.
  • Established effective communication channels between departments for seamless operation.
  • Responded promptly to customer complaints ensuring swift resolution and customer retention.
  • Directed staff schedules and rosters, optimising workforce efficiency.
  • Facilitated team meetings, promoting open communication and collaboration.
  • Coordinated staff training sessions, enhancing team competencies and service standards.

Stable Hand

Balmoral Estate
Balmoral , Aberdeenshire
10.2019 - 10.2019

3 Weeks Holiday Cover

  • Prepared riding equipment, facilitating smooth training sessions.
  • Conducted daily checks on horses' health, enabling early detection of illnesses or injuries.
  • Maintained cleanliness of stables, contributing to a healthy environment.
  • Followed strict dietary plans for the well-being of horses.
  • Fed, groomed and exercised 10-20 horses daily.
  • Cleared paddocks and maintained fencing.

Head Groom

Gairloch Trekking Centre
Gairloch, Ross shire
04.2016 - 08.2016

Seasonal* Although, I grew up here and volunteered at this centre for a number of years during my school years and after. I came home for A summer, after my studies to assist for a season.

  • Boosted morale within the team through effective communication, fostering a supportive work environment.
  • Facilitated smooth operations with diligent management of all stable tasks including mucking out, bedding down, turning out and bringing in.
  • Conducted guided tours around facilities providing insightful information about each resident horse.
  • Trained new recruits on stable duties enhancing overall productivity.
  • Tacked up and untacked horses before and after outings.
  • Prepared horses for less and trail rides.
  • Prepared and portioned food in line with feeding schedules.
  • Updated lesson booking system and collected payments.
  • Followed hygiene procedures to maintain safe agricultural environment.

Hostess

OVO Hydro (Levy Restaurants)
Glasgow, Lancashire
10.2015 - 05.2016
  • Coordinated efficiently with kitchen staff for timely food preparation.
  • Worked in high-pressure situations whilst maintaining composure and professionalism.
  • Escorted guests to their tables, providing detailed menu information when needed.
  • Assisted in setting up and clearing tables for improved dining experience.
  • Represented company and promoted brand with exceptional service and presentation.

Education

SVQ Level 8 - Hospitality Management

Modern Apprenticeship
Gairloch, Highland
02/2018 - 02/2019

Higher National Certificate - Hospitality Management

City of Glasgow College
Glasgow
08/2015 - 07/2016

SCQF Level 6 - Scottish Certificate for Personal License Holders

Modern Apprenticeship
Gairloch, Highland
03/2019 - 03/2019

SCQF Level 5 - Sports Equestrian Coaching Award

Horse Scotland
Glasgow, Glasgow City
05/2024 - 07/2024

PVG -

Disclosure Scotland

Challenge Awards-Silver - Ride Safe

The British Horse Society

Intermediate - Food Hygiene

Environmental Health

Skills

  • Enjoy working and collaborating with team members
  • Experience within customer facing roles, ensuring customers experience is the main focus
  • Adaptable in changing environments
  • Basic IT experience through management roles
  • Experience communicating with veterinary personnel
  • Enjoy Planning & organising daily tasks and projects
  • Volunteer and Employment experience working with equines and other animals
  • Education in health & safety
  • High interest in improving knowledge and further my understanding of animal welfare
  • Enthusiastic for potential career change


Affiliations

  • Horse Riding
  • Gardening

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Housekeeper

Gairloch Hotel
03.2025 - Current

Yard Groom

Gairloch Estate
01.2022 - 03.2025

Social care assistant

NHS Highland
11.2019 - 06.2020

Stable Hand

Balmoral Estate
10.2019 - 10.2019

Hotel Manager

Millcroft Hotel
01.2018 - 11.2019

Head Groom

Gairloch Trekking Centre
04.2016 - 08.2016

Hostess

OVO Hydro (Levy Restaurants)
10.2015 - 05.2016

Restaurant Manager

Donald Crerar
09.2008 - 04.2023

SVQ Level 8 - Hospitality Management

Modern Apprenticeship
02/2018 - 02/2019

Higher National Certificate - Hospitality Management

City of Glasgow College
08/2015 - 07/2016

SCQF Level 6 - Scottish Certificate for Personal License Holders

Modern Apprenticeship
03/2019 - 03/2019

SCQF Level 5 - Sports Equestrian Coaching Award

Horse Scotland
05/2024 - 07/2024

PVG -

Disclosure Scotland

Challenge Awards-Silver - Ride Safe

The British Horse Society

Intermediate - Food Hygiene

Environmental Health
Kirstie Dacker