MARIA RIDLEY
SE London
Summary
Highly skilled professional with expertise in event planning, financial management, and office operations. Demonstrates exceptional organisational abilities, strategic decision-making, and effective communication to drive project success and enhance brand development. Proficient in supplier relationship management, staff training, and customer relationship management, with a proven track record of optimising processes and delivering impactful results. Adept at crafting social media strategies and managing inventory to support business growth while maintaining operational efficiency.
An encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder, Director, Everything-er
The South East Cakery
London, England
01.2011 - 01.2022
- Successfully founded and operated a thriving hospitality business for over a decade, overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations
- Built a strong client base, led a team of up to 20 employees, and managed multiple locations
- Implemented online ordering systems, email marketing, and social media strategies, significantly increasing engagement and sales
- Planned and coordinated large-scale corporate events with event companies, including menu planning, logistics, staffing, and vendor management, with high-profile clients such as Disney, Apple, Google, and TikTok
- Managed and nurtured B2B relationships such as wholesale clients and event companies
- Directed operations for flagship store, 3 full-time markets, and 2 kitchens, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality customer service
- Led recruitment, training, and performance management for staff, focusing on customer service excellence and compliance with health and safety standards
- Managed administrative functions including invoicing, cash flow, accounts, and PAYE, in close collaboration with accountants
- Oversaw website updates, product listings, and promotional campaigns, driving online sales growth
- Made strategic decisions to guide company's growth and expansion.
- Fostered customer loyalty with excellent service standards and quality products.
- Oversaw product development for superior market positioning.
- Networked with industry leaders, cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.
Events coordinator
Blomsbury Bowling Lanes
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Coordinated and executed events for groups of 20-350, handling all aspects including food and drink menus, entertainment, and staffing
- Managed budgets for corporate and private events, ensuring cost-effective solutions and client satisfaction
- Collaborated with press and media outlets to promote events, increasing visibility and brand recognition
- Handled attendees' queries promptly and professionally, improving overall guest experiences.
- Coordinated event staff workflow and delegated tasks to maintain seamless flow of events.
- Ensured seamless flow of events by timely troubleshooting any arising issues.
- Facilitated communication between vendors, clients and internal teams to guarantee event success.
- Solicited client feedback to assess event success and uncover opportunities for improvement.
Education
Foundation Course - Acting
RADA
London 09/2007 - 06/2008
BTEC - Theatre
The BRIT School
London 09/2003 - 05/2007
Skills
- Exceptional organisation skills
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Financial Management & Budgeting
- Supplier & Vendor Relationship Management
- Office and Operations Management
- Staff Recruitment, Training & Development
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Social Media & Marketing Strategy
- Inventory Management & Stock Control
- Effective Communication & Multitasking
- Project Management
- Strategic decision-making
- Self-motivation
- Brand development
Additional Information
Highly organised, knows how to handle a busy inbox, A grafter and a fast learner, Excellent interpersonal skills, able to foster positive relationships with staff, suppliers and clients, High degree of discretion and professionalism when dealing with sensitive information
Affiliations
- Yoga
- Reading
- Creative Writing
Certification
Personal Licence holder
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Founder, Director, Everything-er
The South East Cakery
01.2011 - 01.2022
Events coordinator
Blomsbury Bowling Lanes
01.2009 - 01.2011
Personal Licence holder
Foundation Course - Acting
RADA
09/2007 - 06/2008
BTEC - Theatre
The BRIT School
09/2003 - 05/2007
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