PAUL OGDEN
Farnborough,Hampshire
Summary
Accomplished hospitality professional with 18 years in restaurants, hotels, and multisite operations. Strong commercial acumen and operational expertise support effective leadership of large teams, revenue growth, cost control, and management of complex events. Seeking to enhance hospitality operations and deliver outstanding guest experiences.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Restaurant Manager
The Third Monkey Farnham
Farnham, SURREY
02.2026 - 07.2026
- Managed daily operations of a busy city centre restaurant, overseeing both front-of-house and kitchen staff to maintain high service standards.
- Delivered personalised, anticipatory service for VIP and HNW guests, consistently exceeding 5‑star standards and maintaining guest satisfaction scores above 95%.
- Trained Front of House (FOH) staff on restaurant policies, guest service techniques, and communication skills, enhancing overall guest experience.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, providing effective solutions that reinforced guest loyalty.
- Managed inventory, including ordering supplies and conducting regular stock takes, to support seamless restaurant operations.
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Highfield Park Hotel
hook, Hampshire
07.2025 - 02.2026
- Oversaw food & beverage operations across weddings, conferences, and leisure guests simultaneously
- Led and motivated teams to consistently deliver high service standards
- Improved productivity and stock control through enhanced staff training and operational procedures
- Supported the day-to-day management of an 86-bedroom hotel, deputising for the Food & Beverage Manager.
- Ensured operations adhered to industry best practices and owner standards.
- Played a key role in maintaining guest satisfaction and operational continuity
- Faced redundancy following company restructuring
Sales & Venue Coordinator
Dearborne Estates - Millbridge Court Wedding Venue
Frensham, SURREY
03.2021 - 07.2025
- Managed the full sales and planning lifecycle for premium wedding and event bookings
- Conducted client consultations and venue viewings, leading to successful contract negotiations that secured bookings.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment and support for successful event execution.
- Coordinated suppliers, agencies, and internal teams to deliver flawless events
- Managed crisis situations effectively, resolving unexpected issues to minimise disruption and uphold operational excellence.
- Maintained exceptional presentation, cleanliness, and operational standards across the venue
Assistant Manager
The Wheatsheaf
Farnham, Surrey
07.2017 - 03.2021
- Oversaw daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, to ensure smooth running of the premises.
- Managed team rotas effectively, guaranteeing optimal staffing levels during peak hours to maintain service quality.
- Trained staff in delivering first-class service for exceptional customer feedback.
- Delivered daily staff briefings, ensuring all members understood targets and requirements to enable team success.
- Built and nurtured positive working environments, reducing staff turnover and retaining strong front-of-house teams.
- Worked with energy and enthusiasm, leading by example to motivate high-performing, driven hospitality teams.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, including banking and safe management, to ensure financial security.
Assistant Restaurant Manager
The Donkey PH
Tilford, SURREY
04.2009 - 07.2017
- Recruited, trained, and managed staff, overseeing rota planning and performance
- Managed daily financial reporting, cash handling, and stock control
- Drove sales growth through local marketing initiatives and exceptional service
- Designed and implemented new wine lists, increasing wine sales and average spend
- Ensured compliance with health & safety and operational standards
- Advanced from waiter to Assistant Restaurant Manager, demonstrating consistent high performance
Karate Instructor
GKR Karate
06.2003 - 04.2009
- Head instructor overseeing three thriving karate dojos
- Coached the South West junior kata team to multiple competition titles
- Developed coaching strategies and lesson plans that aligned with team objectives.
- Led recruitment drives and implemented student retention initiatives to enhance dojo participation
- Provided one-to-one tutoring sessions for students requiring additional support, tailoring approaches to individual needs.
Education
GCSEs - English Language, English Literature, Biology, Maths
Wishmore Cross Academy
Chobham, SRY01-2004
A-Levels - Maths
Babcock Training International
Skills
- Guest Experience
- Events Operations
- Weddings Operations
- Conference Operations
- Staff Recruitment
- Training
- Performance Management
- Stock Control
- Operational Budgeting
- Expense Management
- Procurement
- Compliance
- Brand Standards
Professional Qualification
- NVQ LV3 diploma in hospitality leadership and supervision
- Advanced apprenticeship in hospitality supervision and leadership
- WSET LV2 in wine and spirits
- Fire Marshall
- First Aider
- REPS LV3 personal trainer
- Mental Health awareness qualification
- Trained in risk assessment
- Karate Instructor
- Event Management & Planning
Timeline
Assistant Restaurant Manager
The Third Monkey Farnham
02.2026 - 07.2026
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Highfield Park Hotel
07.2025 - 02.2026
Sales & Venue Coordinator
Dearborne Estates - Millbridge Court Wedding Venue
03.2021 - 07.2025
Assistant Manager
The Wheatsheaf
07.2017 - 03.2021
Assistant Restaurant Manager
The Donkey PH
04.2009 - 07.2017
Karate Instructor
GKR Karate
06.2003 - 04.2009
GCSEs - English Language, English Literature, Biology, Maths
Wishmore Cross Academy
A-Levels - Maths
Babcock Training International