Richard Smith
Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire
Summary
Flexibility and the ability to adapt in the hospitality industry has never been so important. I have spent the last 17 years working through the ranks within the industry in various types of hospitality businesses. I have had a wealth of experience in Events, F&B, Hotel and Bar and restaurant Management. Currently Looking for a hands-on role where the lead from the front line approach can be adopted. With a strong passion and will to succeed in the industry I have become multi skilled in all departments gaining the ability to keep the operation going no matter what challenges the business faces.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager
The Fountain (Bollington Brewing)
Parkgreen Macclesfield, Cheshire
2025.02 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations of site, including recruitment and development of 25-30 staff, control of business, labour, H&S, ordering, sales and events. Maintained hands-on management while leading refurbishment and relaunch of venue. Provided support to other sites as appropriate.
- Developed The Fountain as a premium contemporary café bar, fostering a positive vibe and a passion for food, independent local beers, cocktails and wine.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations at all times.
- Built high-performing teams to achieve organisational objectives.
- Identified new business opportunities, leading to market expansion.
Cellar supervisor (Casual)
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot, Windsor and Maidenhead
2015.01 - Current
- Support full-time cellar team during large Ascot Racecourse events such as Royal Ascot.
- Managed inventory and organization of keg rooms to ensure efficient storage and access. and assist agency staff onsite.
- Performed maintenance and repairs on beer dispense equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
- Take in deliveries and head up receiving and dispatching stock
Hotel Manager
Basingstoke Country Hotel
Basingstoke Hampshire, Hampshire
2021.04 - 2025.02
- Managed and developed 60 staff across departments including kitchen, f&B, events, sales, maintenance, housekeeping, leisure, and reception to enhance team performance and service delivery.
- Maintaining a strong and healthy P&L. Completing risk assessments, legionella, fire safety paperwork. Working alongside E.H.O. and Fire safety departments to ensure a safe legal and compliant site.
- Led sales planning, menu development, and costings while managing in-house hotel refurbishment project to enhance hotel sales and service standards.
- Collaborated with local organisations to enhance business exposure and build strategic relationships.
- Working with local organisations to create business exposure and relationships.
Roaming Relief Manager
Various locations including Adelphi hotel Liverpool, The grand hotel Scarborough
2020.04 - 2020.09
- Working closely with department who is struggling to get performance and standards back on track. Working closely with E.H.O, Fire department and licensing to help restore faith back in the businesses where things had previously gone wrong.
- (Elite venue selection continued alongside The Basingstoke country hotel)
C&E F&B/ Operations Manager
Palace Hotel Buxton
2018.08 - 2020.04
- Running of weddings and events and ensuring high levels of service and standards at all times. Managing the day-to-day operation of the hotel Managing the various Food and beverage operations on site Working closely with the sales department to create strong sales packages to increase sales.
- (Elite Venue Selection)
Assistant manager to general manager
Spirit Pub company
2012.01 - 2016.01
F&B / C&B Assistant
Mannor House Hotel Alsager
2011.01 - 2012.01
F&B / C&B Assistant
Chimney House Hotel Sandbach
2010.01 - 2011.01
Education
Level 3 Diploma - Hospitality Management
South Cheshire Collage
Crewe, Cheshire East 2010.09 - 2012.04
Level 2 BIIAB Personal License -
BIIAB
Level 2 Beer & Cellar Management -
BIIAB
Level 3 Food Hygiene -
e-lerning
Skills
- Adaptable
- Thrive under pressure
- Strong financial controller
- Maintaining high H&S standards
- Quality assurance
- Achieve deadlines
- Customer Service
- Hands on multi skilled
- Professional training delivery
ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS
Restoring Classic vehicles, House renovations, Food & Beverage, Animals, Countryside
Affiliations
- Restoring classic Vehicles, Motor sport
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
The Fountain (Bollington Brewing)
2025.02 - Current
Hotel Manager
Basingstoke Country Hotel
2021.04 - 2025.02
Roaming Relief Manager
Various locations including Adelphi hotel Liverpool, The grand hotel Scarborough
2020.04 - 2020.09
C&E F&B/ Operations Manager
Palace Hotel Buxton
2018.08 - 2020.04
Cellar supervisor (Casual)
Ascot Racecourse
2015.01 - Current
Assistant manager to general manager
Spirit Pub company
2012.01 - 2016.01
F&B / C&B Assistant
Mannor House Hotel Alsager
2011.01 - 2012.01
Level 3 Diploma - Hospitality Management
South Cheshire Collage
2010.09 - 2012.04
F&B / C&B Assistant
Chimney House Hotel Sandbach
2010.01 - 2011.01
Level 2 BIIAB Personal License -
BIIAB
Level 2 Beer & Cellar Management -
BIIAB
Level 3 Food Hygiene -
e-lerning