Louise Baker
Street,Somerset
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in team leadership and resourceful problem-solving, demonstrating exceptional organisational skills and a strong understanding of health and safety regulations. Adept at managing dietary restrictions and food allergy considerations, ensuring compliance with food safety standards while minimising waste. Proven track record in cost control, stock management, and delivering catering training, consistently meeting deadlines under pressure. Committed to enhancing customer service through effective communication and calm execution in time-sensitive environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
Catering manager
Innovate Bridgewater college academy seniors
Bridgwater, Somerset
2023.04 - Current
- Recruited and trained high-performing team members to deliver faultless customer care.
- Ensured client satisfaction by maintaining high standards in food quality and presentation.
- Implemented effective waste management strategies, reducing overall costs.
- Upheld hygiene and safety regulations through regular checks and audits. Enforce strict adherence to Food Safety (HACCP), Health & Safety (COSHH), and EHO standards, maintaining impeccable hygiene records
- Enhanced team efficiency with consistent training programmes.
- Managed all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow.
- Conducted regular staff meetings for improved communication within the team.
- Optimised inventory management processes, avoiding unnecessary wastage and saving costs.
- Hired and managed catering staff to perform best practices and quality standards.
- Supervised food preparation for events, assessing for quality, proper plating and portioning.
- Handled day-to-day scheduling, ordering food and planning events to support catering logistics.
- Identified and arranged for catering team training, building skills and knowledge.
- Responded to questions, complaints and concerns from clients during events.
- Recorded ingredients and quantity of catering supplies to maintain accurate inventory.
- Maintained outstanding hygiene levels for optimised customer safety and continued regulatory compliance.
- Monitored and maintained stock levels for maximised efficiency and minimised waste.
Kitchen manager / millennium catering
Brookside School
Street
2010.09 - 2023.04
- Trained new hires on kitchen procedures, ensuring seamless integration into the team.
- Adhered to budget constraints when ordering supplies, effectively managing expenses.
- Streamlined meal preparation process
- Updated menus seasonally for fresh dining options and improved customer experience.
- Delegated tasks wisely amongst staff members; created balance and harmony in the workplace.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen area, meeting health and safety regulations consistently.
- Managed daily kitchen operations efficiently whilst maintaining high quality standards.
- Ensured food safety standards were met, preventing possible foodborne illnesses.
- Developed a superb rapport with staff to encourage better teamwork and productivity.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely ingredient deliveries, avoiding shortages or interruptions in service.
- Conducted regular inventory checks for more accurate stock control.
- Coordinated recruitment and training of kitchen staff to develop high-performing team.
Chef
Chartwells
Street
2005.11 - 2010.09
- Demonstrated proficiency in various cooking techniques, improved dish presentation.
- Implemented cost-effective strategies in purchasing and inventory management.
- Collaborated closely with suppliers, secured fresh ingredients daily.
- Maintained high safety standards during food preparation and serving procedures.
Shop assistant sandwich maker
Shawls Bakery
Taunton
2003.09 - 2005.11
- Improved product visibility with strategic shelf arrangements.
- Promoted sales and special promotions to increase store revenue.
- Directed customers towards fitting rooms when needed for convenient try-on experience.
- Conducted price checks at request of customers for clear communication on cost.
Chef
Chartwells
Street
2003.01 - 2003.09
- (Left to move area)
- Break to have children
Education
NVQ Level 2 - Catering and Hospitality (food pre and cooking)
Northampton College
G.C.S.E - Home Economics (food), Home Economics (childcare), English Literature, English Language, Maths, Science (double subject), Business studies, Office Tech, Integrated Humanities
Weston Favell Upper School
NorthamptonNVQ Level 3 - Hospitality Supervison & leadership
HIT training
Street 03/2012 - 03/2013
Skills
- Good communication with work colleges
- Experience with being in charge of a team
- Excellent organisation skills
- Good understanding of paper work and saving money
- A good understanding of health and safety at work and health and hygiene at work
- Dietary restrictions familiarity
- Time-Pressured execution
- resourceful problem-solving
- Customer Service
- Calm under pressure
- Meeting deadlines
- Food preparations
- Food safety awareness
- Cost control
- Food stock control
- Hiring and onboarding staff
- Stock control
- Food safety and hygiene
- Catering training delivery
- Food waste minimisation
- Food allergy and special diet meals
- Health and Safety regulations
References
References are available on request
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy spending time with my family, socializing with friends and meeting new people, I also enjoy swimming watching films playing darts and nature walks with my family
Timeline
Catering manager
Innovate Bridgewater college academy seniors
2023.04 - Current
Kitchen manager / millennium catering
Brookside School
2010.09 - 2023.04
Chef
Chartwells
2005.11 - 2010.09
Shop assistant sandwich maker
Shawls Bakery
2003.09 - 2005.11
Chef
Chartwells
2003.01 - 2003.09
NVQ Level 3 - Hospitality Supervison & leadership
HIT training
03/2012 - 03/2013
NVQ Level 2 - Catering and Hospitality (food pre and cooking)
Northampton College
G.C.S.E - Home Economics (food), Home Economics (childcare), English Literature, English Language, Maths, Science (double subject), Business studies, Office Tech, Integrated Humanities
Weston Favell Upper School