Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Waitress
Louise Tovell-Davis

Louise Tovell-Davis

Hanwell fields, Banbury

Summary

As you can see from my employment history, there is a 7 year hiatus. This is due to My youngest daughter (now 17) being diagnosed with Autisum. I put a hold on my career to take care of her needs. To keep myself busy, I set up a Men's Saturday football team and I also became the registrations secretary for our local football league committee.

I have High energy, outgoing, highly motivated, with adaptability, commitment honest and trustworthy person with a positive attitude offering extensive knowledge of hospitality etiquette, food preparation and superior customer service with the ability to analyze situations, listen affectively, communicate clearly and problem solve with professionalism. I have patience and a people first attitude.

Organised, independent worker with strong time management skills . Customer-oriented General Manager with 30 years of experience. Adaptive and deadline-oriented with capacity to execute multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with strong managerial acumen. Results-driven, ambitious and competitive business leader focused on transformative leadership and continuous improvement to drive growth and maximise profits. Tenacious executive ready to take on challenging role, meet goals and surpass expectations.

I'm very passionate about community and bringing people together.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work history

General manager/Head Chef

Scott Pemberton Enterprise
Farthinghoe/Long Itchington, Northamptonshire/warwickshire
2022.03 - 2023.10
  • For his 2 public houses.
  • The Fox at Farthinghoe.
  • The Two Boats at Long Itchington.
  • The Fox is fine dining where I imported specials to the existing menu and created a new lunch menu. Due to my extensive allergen training. I was able to offer a complete allergen free menu which was very popular.
  • Covers averaged from 35 to 90 a day. I also managed the Bar.
  • At The Two Boats it is more pub food but freshly made from scratch. It is also a very busy pub in the summer as it is based on a canal.
  • As the kitchen is small there is no kitchen assistant, It was just myself and the food orders where 90 to 280covers a day. I added new meals to the existing menu and again imported a new allergen menu.
  • Sanitised equipment and kitchenware to adhere to hygiene and cleanliness protocols.
  • Properly handled and stored raw ingredients, minimising illness and cross-contamination risks.
  • Monitored linework processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity and presentation.
  • Developed and delivered exciting, memorable dishes, increasing repeat business.
  • Implemented effective customer service procedures to encourage positive feedback at both establishments.
  • Resolved internal staff conflicts to mutual benefits of all parties involved.
  • Increased revenue streams by reducing costs, managing schedules and performing variance and risk analysis to implement corrective actions a both establishments.
  • Delivered business strategy to drive revenue and operational efficiencies.
  • Prepared and reviewed procedural documents for daily operations.
  • Scheduled regular team meetings to discuss business updates, issues and recommendations.
  • Generated business, cost and employee reports to management.
  • Obtained fresh ingredients from local farms, maximising kitchen sustainability.
  • Forecasted kitchen supply needs, accurately estimating quantities to reduce wastage.
  • Prepared selected dishes and ingredients in advance, improving efficiency during peak service hours.
  • Produced high volumes of fresh, quality plates, meeting peak restaurant demand.
  • Trained and managed kitchen staff, issuing disciplinary action and conducting performance reviews.
  • Incorporated customer feedback in experimentation and creation of new signature dishes.
  • Planned popular promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
  • Trained junior chefs in required culinary techniques, improving overall kitchen productivity and performance.
  • Hired, managed and trained kitchen staff, maintaining competent service teams.

General Manager/Head Chef

The Fox Tea, All, Enterprise LTD
Farthinghoe, Northamptonshire
2022.03 - 2023.03
  • I started as head chef at the Fox Tea Rooms.
  • I was quickly promoted to manager due to my previous experience and qualifications.
  • Training, COSHH, Food Allergen information, Customer feedback,
  • Empowered staff members to contribute to continuous improvement, quality and growth of the Tea rooms.
  • Prepared and reviewed procedural documents for daily operations.
  • Delivered business strategy to drive revenue and operational efficiencies.
  • Implemented effective customer service procedures to encourage positive feedback.
  • Used problem-solving skills to resolve challenges and prioritise workload.
  • Identified training needs by evaluating findings from performance appraisals, formal reviews, learning plans and anecdotal feedback.
  • Built leadership potential through one-to-one coaching, mentoring and career guidance.
  • Managed stock rotations to balance inventory of perishable products and minimise wastage.
  • Used excellent telephone manner to optimise customer experience, promptly cutting complaints.
  • Resolved complaints by ensuring appropriate and timely compensation, boosting customer satisfaction levels.
  • Maximised sales revenue growth by successfully identifying up- and cross-selling opportunities.
  • Predicted and interpreted consumer trends to improve product offerings.
  • Maximised media coverage through tactical planning and communications.

General manager

The Pinto Lounge
Banbury
2021.08 - 2022.03

This was my first job since returning back to work after a 7 year break. (see covering letter)

  • My duties included - banking, rotas, PNP, stock takes, and stock control, feed it back, bookings, Ordering, Hiring and training staff, advertising, risk assessments, flash audits and covering in the kitchen
  • I used Zonal and Aztec Management Systems
  • Weekly takes from £16000 to £25000
  • I have new Allegan, fire, health and safety training certificates.
  • Met health and safety guidelines to maintain compliant working environments.
  • Oversaw emergency procedures and administered first aid.
  • Responded to customer concerns with speed and knowledge, delivering professional, personalised service.
  • Initiated and implemented plans to improve customer relations, quality standards and service efficiency.
  • Handled guest complaints to protect brand reputation.
  • Adhered to company policies and brand standards to support outstanding guest experiences.
  • Wrote end of shift reports to facilitate service continuity.
  • Stored cash floats and delivered secure banking procedures.
  • Coordinated marketing initiatives, contributing to increased patronage and revenue.
  • Directed staff schedules and rosters, optimising workforce efficiency.
  • Oversaw inventory and stock management, optimising levels for operational continuity.
  • Facilitated team meetings, promoting open communication and collaboration.
  • Executed emergency response protocols for safe, secure and compliant environment.
  • Led by example, embodying positive work ethic and motivating staff for peak performance.
  • Inspected facility to identify and promptly address maintenance needs.
  • Monitored and enforced compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Managed customer service interactions, addressing concerns and preserving positive experiences.
  • Conducted staff appraisals and evaluations, fostering continuous improvement and development.
  • Recruited and onboarded new staff to meet performance standards.
  • Coordinated staff training sessions, enhancing team competencies and service standards.
  • Enforced health and safety procedures to prioritise staff and customer wellbeing.
  • Reason for leaving - I wanted more of a challenge and to have the freedom to show my skills in entertainment.

General manager/Chef

The New Inn
Middleton Cheney
2009.12 - 2013.05
  • I was general Manager and Chef under the licensee.
  • I organised function, managed staff, taking inventory and re-ordering of supplies.
  • Hiring and training of all staff
  • Payroll and invoicing.
  • Stock control, marketing and advertising.
  • Plan, prepare, produce menus and cook food and producing buffets for functions.
  • Stock management, health and hygiene upkeep and cost control.
  • Planned and executed public entertainment.
  • Developed fun, engaging learning experiences for children of varying ages.
  • Promoted performances through online and offline marketing to generate interest.
  • Performed with energy and enthusiasm to fully engage audiences.
  • Reviewed customer history to recommend appropriate products and services.
  • Developed appropriate resources to meet needs of diverse audiences.

General Manager/Chef

The Marston Inn
Marston St Lawrence
2006.01 - 2009.11
  • I was General Manager and Chef under the Licensee
  • I organised functions, booked bands and other entertainment
  • Manage staff by hiring and training
  • Stock control, stock management, taking inventory and re-ordering of supplies
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Plan, prepare and cook food
  • Health and hygiene upkeep and cost control
  • Payroll and invoicing.

Customer Service advisor

Orange
2003.01 - 2006.01
  • Chipping warden, Northamptonshire
  • Answering to customers enquires
  • Providing information about products and services
  • The booking in of customers for appointments and repairs
  • Invoicing customers and 3rd parties
  • Responding to customer complaints
  • Training new staff.

Bar Manager and Functions operator

Banbury United football club
Banbury
2000.06 - 2002.12
  • Running of the clubhouse
  • Booking in private functions
  • Catering for Banbury united club, functions and private functions
  • Ordering of stock and stock control
  • Training staff.

Bar staff/cook

The Wine vaults
Banbury
2000.10 - 2001.06
  • Serving of customers
  • Preparing and cooking food
  • Waitressing.

Bingo caller/Bar/Kitchen

Gala Bingo
Banbury
1999.09 - 2000.10
  • The calling of bingo numbers for high amounts of money and prizes
  • Dealing with large sums of money and prizes
  • Stock control of prizes
  • Dealing with customer complaints
  • Working on the bar and cooking and serving food.

Catering assistant

Carole's Kitchen
Banbury
1993.02 - 1999.08
  • Making hundreds of sandwiches, baguettes, salads, pies and pastries
  • Catering for private functions
  • Cooking of hot fast food
  • Dealing with customers.

Kitchen Assistant

Granada
Ardley
1997.03 - 1999.03
  • M40 service station
  • Serving customers food and drink
  • Operating of tills and cashing up
  • Cooking of hot food and cold prep
  • Pot-wash.

Education

NVQ Level 4 - Business Studies

Oxfordshire College
Banbury, Oxfordshire
1995.09 - 1997.07

GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, Drama, Geography, Art, Food Technology

Drayton School
Banbury, Oxfordshire
1990.09 - 1995.07

Skills

  • Highly responsible and reliable
  • In depth food and wine knowledge
  • Works well under pressure
  • Trained in liquor, wine and food service
  • Upbeat, outgoing and positive
  • Point of sale (POS) system operation
  • Level 3 food hygiene qualification
  • Personal licence holder
  • Advanced Allergy Awareness
  • Face painting
  • Balloon Modelling
  • Vast Entertainment skills
  • Employee training and development
  • Forecasting and planning
  • Kitchen management
  • Menu planning
  • Payroll and scheduling
  • Engaging leadership style
  • Seasonal specials planning
  • Ingredient selection
  • Performance assessments
  • Vendor relations
  • Workflow optimisation
  • Process improvements
  • Social strategy development
  • Social listening

Timeline

General manager/Head Chef

Scott Pemberton Enterprise
2022.03 - 2023.10

General Manager/Head Chef

The Fox Tea, All, Enterprise LTD
2022.03 - 2023.03

General manager

The Pinto Lounge
2021.08 - 2022.03

General manager/Chef

The New Inn
2009.12 - 2013.05

General Manager/Chef

The Marston Inn
2006.01 - 2009.11

Customer Service advisor

Orange
2003.01 - 2006.01

Bar staff/cook

The Wine vaults
2000.10 - 2001.06

Bar Manager and Functions operator

Banbury United football club
2000.06 - 2002.12

Bingo caller/Bar/Kitchen

Gala Bingo
1999.09 - 2000.10

Kitchen Assistant

Granada
1997.03 - 1999.03

NVQ Level 4 - Business Studies

Oxfordshire College
1995.09 - 1997.07

Catering assistant

Carole's Kitchen
1993.02 - 1999.08

GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, Drama, Geography, Art, Food Technology

Drayton School
1990.09 - 1995.07
Louise Tovell-Davis