Luke Ponton
Hove,East Sussex
Summary
Experienced professional with expertise in budgeting and financial planning, staff management, and scheduling. Demonstrates proficiency in cash handling and management, Excel data analysis, and POS system usage. Skilled in organising restaurant floors and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols, including COSHH standards. Adept at conflict mediation in fast-paced environments. Committed to leveraging skills to enhance operational efficiency and drive business success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
General Manager
Burger And Bird
Peacehaven, East Sussex
2024.11 - 2026.07
- Built high-performing teams to achieve an organised and effective team during busy periods.
- Provided higher profit margins and reduced labour costs versus previous management, including two record totals.
- Managed weekly rota changes to address staff scheduling preferences and concerns.
- Managed stock changes to strengthen drinks and food quality across establishment.
- Organised staffing for extremely busy days, including Mother's Day and Christmas.
- Maintained supplier relationships to support priority deliveries and promotional incentives.
Assistant manager
Ceno
Southampton, Hampshire
2024.04 - 2024.10
- Handled customer complaints effectively, retaining trust in our company and keeping regular customers.
- Minimised inventory loss for improved profit margins.
- Ensured health and safety compliance, maintaining a safe working environment for all staff members.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, enhancing shopping experience for customers.
General manager
La Baronia
Southampton, Hampshire
2020.03 - 2024.04
- Identified new business opportunities, leading to market expansion.
- Introduced effective cost control measures, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Consistently stock checked and ordered anything needed for FOH and BOH
- Controlled cash ups were consistently correct and ensured profitability
- Delivered reliable, helpful advice and service despite challenging client interactions.
Server
Yo Sushi
Southampton, Hampshire
2018.01 - 2020.03
- Waited tables, seated customers, and maintained smooth dining room flow.
- Demonstrated menu knowledge to assist patrons in meal selections.
- Managed high-volume orders to ensure timely delivery of meals.
Bartender/Waiter
Hydes Brewery
Affetside, Lancashire
2016.01 - 2020.01
- Managed bar stock accuracy, food service routing, and payments for guests.
- Checked identification to ensure legal age requirements for alcohol consumption were met.
- Provided menu suggestions based on knowledge of popular items.
- Demonstrated professionalism and patience whilst dealing with difficult customers.
- Managed end-of-night closing duties for a seamless handover to morning staff.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sport Studies
Southampton Solent University
Southampton 09/2017 - 06/2020
Skills
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Staff management and scheduling
- Cash handling and management
- Excel data
- POS system usage
- Working in fast paced environments
- Restaurant floor organisation
- Health and Safety Protocols
- COSHH compliance
- Conflict mediation
Certification
- Swimming coaching level 1
- Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
- Drivers License
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Burger And Bird
2024.11 - 2026.07
Assistant manager
Ceno
2024.04 - 2024.10
General manager
La Baronia
2020.03 - 2024.04
Server
Yo Sushi
2018.01 - 2020.03
Bartender/Waiter
Hydes Brewery
2016.01 - 2020.01
Bachelor of Science - Sport Studies
Southampton Solent University
09/2017 - 06/2020