Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
sections.external_links.name
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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Lauren Hole

Reynoldston,United Kingdom

Summary

I have dedicated 18 years to Oldwalls Gower, during which I have developed a wealth of expertise across multiple departments and roles. My experience includes over 12 years in HR at both managerial and director levels, as well as 18 years in payroll and senior management. Alongside this, I successfully ran my own business, managing a team of over six employees and generating an annual turnover of £1 million. Currently, I hold the position of General Manager (Venue Manager) at Oldwalls Gower, where I oversee various facets of the business. My responsibilities include event management, office administration, HR and payroll management, and the day-to-day operations of key departments, including front of house, bar, kitchen, grounds and maintenance, logistics, and housekeeping. I am a hardworking, self-motivated, and dynamic leader who invests my heart and soul into my work. I am passionate about fostering a positive work environment and building strong, dedicated teams. My commitment to the business is reflected in my long tenure and my ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the organisation. I pride myself on my loyalty, dedication, and proven track record of implementing innovative solutions that benefit the business.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
15
15
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work History

Venue Manager (Head of Operations)

Oldwalls Gower Limited
Swansea, West Glamorgan
01.2015 - 01.2025

In my role as Head of Operations (Venue Manager) at Oldwalls Gower, I have seamlessly integrated my expertise and experience as HR Manager into my responsibilities


As Venue Manager, I have effectively taken on the key duties typically known as a General Manager, overseeing the operations of a multimillion-pound business with an annual turnover of over £2 million


  • I have successfully embraced dual responsibilities, acting as both Venue & Operations Manager and HR & Payroll Manager. This dual role has involved not only managing daily operations but also ensuring that financial performance consistently aligns with or surpasses forecasted projections
  • Managing multiple roles within the organisation has enhanced my adaptability and leadership skills
  • I have overseen teams of 70-100+ employees, balancing diverse responsibilities while ensuring the seamless functioning of all departments
  • Additionally, I have facilitated the successful execution of events hosting 100-250+ guests, ensuring exceptional quality and client satisfaction


Key achievements include:

  • Recruiting and managing senior staff with a focus on driving performance and achieving clear results
  • Developing strategic operational initiatives that contributed to sustained business growth
  • Maintaining an agile, responsive organisation by monitoring industry trends, refining budgets, and adjusting marketing strategies
  • Implementing rigorous financial controls that significantly enhanced overall profitability

HR Manager

Oldwalls Gower Limited
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
01.2012 - 01.2025
  • Designed and implemented HR programs to enhance employee performance and boost business efficiency
  • Developed career progression plans to promote employee growth, satisfaction, and retention
  • Led restructuring initiatives to improve departmental productivity and streamline operations
  • Optimised recruitment processes to secure high-quality hires and improve overall talent acquisition
  • Implemented succession planning strategies to ensure future leadership stability and business continuity
  • Created and maintained the employee handbook, outlining company policies, procedures, and values
  • Introduced and executed successful retention strategies, including improved on-boarding and exit interview processes
  • Streamlined HR operations to enhance organisational performance and effectiveness

Payroll Manager

Oldwalls Gower Ltd
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
01.2008 - 01.2025
  • Oversee daily operations to maintain high productivity and operational efficiency
  • Produced detailed reports outlining project progress, outcomes, and recommendations
  • Handled logistics and operational processes to optimise workflows and achieve efficiencies
  • Negotiated with directors and trade unions to resolve pay and contract disputes effectively
  • Ensured all company policies complied with current employment legislation and best practices
  • Collaborated with HR teams to identify innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent
  • Provided expert advice to managers on disciplinary procedures and employee issue resolution

Head of Wedding & Events Management Team

Oldwalls Gower Limited
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
01.2010 - 12.2018
  • Conducted training sessions for junior staff, boosting team productivity and knowledge
  • Carried out workforce planning and benchmarking to align staffing with company needs
  • Provided administrative support to the accounting department as required
  • Promptly resolved payroll issues, minimising disruptions for employees
  • Developed succession plans and promotion pathways for staff, enhancing career progression opportunities

Sales & Duty Manager

Goodnews Newsagents
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
10.2004 - 07.2010
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records
  • Developed menus with strict cost controls to maximise restaurant profits
  • Conducted routine safety checks to adhere to health and safety regulations in premises
  • Calculated daily takings, ensuring accurate financial records were kept for auditing purposes

Customer Sales Representative

Virgin Media Business
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
08.2005 - 10.2006

Bar Manager

Bounders Pub & Restaurant Spain
La Cala
08.2003 - 09.2004

Bar Staff Member

The Britannia Inn
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
10.2002 - 08.2003

Retail Sales Assistant

Goodnews Newsagents
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
10.1998 - 06.2003

Education

Higher National Diploma - CIPD Level 5 Human Resources Management Associate diploma

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2014 - 09.2015

Diploma of Higher Education - CIPD Level 3 Human Resources Management Foundation diploma

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2013 - 09.2014

Access Course - Business Management

Gower College Swansea
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2006 - 09.2008

AS Level - Accounting and Finance

Gower College Swansea
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2004 - 09.2005

AS Level - Spanish Language and Literature

Gower College Swansea
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2004 - 09.2005

AS Level - Communication and Media Studies

Gower College Gorseinon
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2001 - 09.2002

AS Level - Art and design

Gower College Gorseinon
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2001 - 09.2002

AS Level - Spanish Language and Literature

Gower College Gorseinon
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.2001 - 09.2002

GCSEs - Maths, English Literature, English Language, PE (Physical Education), Art, Double Science

Gowerton Comprehensive School
Swansea, City and County of Swansea
09.1995 - 07.2001

Skills

  • Leadership & people management
  • Strategic HR planning & implementation
  • Employee relations & conflict resolution
  • Recruitment & selection
  • Learning & development
  • Performance management
  • Policy development & compliance
  • Project management
  • Data analysis & reporting
  • HR Policy Development
  • Change Management
  • Grievance Handling
  • Training & Development
  • Quality Assurance & Control
  • HR Compliance Audits
  • Health and Safety regulations
  • Business growth
  • Financial forecasting tools
  • Event planning
  • Food and beverage handling
  • Guest relations

Accomplishments

Throughout my tenure at Oldwalls Gower, I have achieved the following key accomplishments:


Department Setup and Management 

  • Established and managed departments such as the bar, service, and reception.
  • Founded and managed the Wedding and Events department, where I implemented structured processes for meetings, payment schedules, and event planning.
  • Developed and introduced systems and training programs to ensure consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, saving the business significant resources by standardising team operations.

HR and Payroll Expertise: 

  • Recognised the need for a dedicated HR department as the business grew and completed CIPD Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications in HR Management and Leadership while working full-time.
  • Implemented HR functions such as training programs, induction processes, company policies, and the employee handbook, in collaboration with solicitors.
  • Managed payroll since the business opened in 2008, creating systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, and cost-saving measures.

Training and Recruitment Initiatives: 

  • Collaborated with colleges, universities, and job centres to establish a training academy at Oldwalls, offering students valuable work experience and potential employment opportunities.
  • Sourced and managed grants and funding to support training initiatives and job creation within the business.

Certification

  • Full UK Driving Licence
  • First Aid Training
  • Food & Hygiene Certificate
  • Fire Safety Training

Timeline

Venue Manager (Head of Operations)

Oldwalls Gower Limited
01.2015 - 01.2025

Higher National Diploma - CIPD Level 5 Human Resources Management Associate diploma

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
09.2014 - 09.2015

Diploma of Higher Education - CIPD Level 3 Human Resources Management Foundation diploma

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
09.2013 - 09.2014

HR Manager

Oldwalls Gower Limited
01.2012 - 01.2025

Head of Wedding & Events Management Team

Oldwalls Gower Limited
01.2010 - 12.2018

Payroll Manager

Oldwalls Gower Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2025

Access Course - Business Management

Gower College Swansea
09.2006 - 09.2008

Customer Sales Representative

Virgin Media Business
08.2005 - 10.2006

Sales & Duty Manager

Goodnews Newsagents
10.2004 - 07.2010

AS Level - Accounting and Finance

Gower College Swansea
09.2004 - 09.2005

AS Level - Spanish Language and Literature

Gower College Swansea
09.2004 - 09.2005

Bar Manager

Bounders Pub & Restaurant Spain
08.2003 - 09.2004

Bar Staff Member

The Britannia Inn
10.2002 - 08.2003

AS Level - Communication and Media Studies

Gower College Gorseinon
09.2001 - 09.2002

AS Level - Art and design

Gower College Gorseinon
09.2001 - 09.2002

AS Level - Spanish Language and Literature

Gower College Gorseinon
09.2001 - 09.2002

Retail Sales Assistant

Goodnews Newsagents
10.1998 - 06.2003

GCSEs - Maths, English Literature, English Language, PE (Physical Education), Art, Double Science

Gowerton Comprehensive School
09.1995 - 07.2001
Lauren Hole