SEBASTIAN SHEPHERD
London
Summary
Results-driven Operations Manager adept at transforming business processes and boosting efficiency. Customer-orientated with over 19 years of experience in the on and off trade. Spearheaded multiple initiatives that streamlined operations, reduced costs and improved overall productivity. Known for fostering strong team collaboration and driving sustainable growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2008
2008
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head of Operations
Wellman Taverns
Central London
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Appointed to lead operational excellence across the business, reporting directly to company directors.
- Oversaw successful opening of The Cheshire Cheese in Temple in October 2024, personally managing the site through its first quarter, including the high-pressure Christmas period, during which the pub broke company sales records.
- Designed and implemented new operational structures, including efficient stock systems, in-house stocktaking, and cost controls through renegotiated supplier agreements.
- Spearheaded recruitment for key leadership positions across the group, including General Managers and Assistant Managers.
- Developed and rolled out comprehensive training and induction plans with clear career pathways, significantly boosting team capability and retention.
- Modernised internal communication systems and overhauled the company’s internet infrastructure to support operational scalability.
- Directed the company’s digital presence, setting a strategic vision for social media across all sites.
- Introduced modern health and safety systems, embedding a proactive safety culture throughout the business.
- Actively preparing for the launch of a new site, overseeing renovation and building plans, and leading on the implementation of maintenance protocols.
- Leading multiple projects to transform food operations across several venues.
- Currently negotiating a strategic partnership with Singha for a full garden redevelopment at one of the company’s flagship sites.
General Manager
Fest & Revel
Southeast London
11.2022 - 09.2024
- Joined the organization just before the Christmas period and was able to lead during a challenging sales period.
- Took complete ownership of revamping the neglected health and safety systems by completely reviewing all risk assessments and implementing safe working practices.
- Successfully expanded the business and boosted sales through a site refurbishment.
- Managed two sites from September to November 2023 until a new GM was appointed at my existing site.
- Oversaw the transition of a new site starting December 2023, along with another refurbishment, driving the business to achieve substantial growth in sales compared to the previous year.
- Delivered quality food offerings to elevate the business's reputation to an exceptional standard.
- Established a dynamic and progressive team culture by implementing ongoing learning programs and apprenticeships, resulting in record staff retention rates and happy employees.
Deputy General Manager
Young's Pubs
Chislehurst, UK
02.2020 - 11.2022
- Primarily responsible for recruitment, events operations and restaurant operations.
- Successfully led pub closures and re-openings amid the pandemic, adapting to industry challenges.
- Diligently analysed food and liquor stock results and problem solved to enhance overall GP and profitability.
- Specialised in stocktaking and auditing, providing training to newly appointed Designate General Managers.
- Utilised market trend analysis to drive function bookings and enhance customer engagement.
- Collaborated on a significant garden transformation project to increase revenue and attract a new customer demographic.
- Transformed a previously underperforming business into a highly successful one.
- Completed two successful holds in challenging businesses.
Assistant Manager
Young's Pubs
Chislehurst, UK
05.2018 - 02.2020
- Recruited directly into the industry as Assistant Manager of a flagship site, managing a challenging and dynamic environment.
- Managed operations of a complex facility including 4 bars, restaurant, kitchen, 15-room hotel, garden and large function room.
- Trained and coached a team of over 100 staff members, enhancing their multi-disciplinary skills.
- Controlled liquor stock, analysed results, and implemented corrective actions to optimise gross profit.
- Promoted the business through social media, websites, and in-house messages.
- Assisted in organising events and functions, including weddings.
- Led shifts during record-breaking periods, ensuring efficient operations and high performance.
Operations Manager
Vino V Ltd
Bromley, UK
06.2010 - 05.2018
- Oversaw daily operations for three wine merchants, focusing on increasing sales revenue and profitability.
- Provided organisational leadership and established business vision to achieve sales, profit and revenue goals.
- Fully accountable for HR operations and payroll management.
- Led recruitment and training initiatives, establishing a comprehensive wine education program.
- Fostered a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Exceeded KPIs through strategic planning and effective financial forecasting.
- Elevated sales by crafting strategic partnerships within the beverage sector.
- Introduced a new EPOS system, increasing efficiency through digital inventory procedures.
Branch Manager
Wine Rack
Bromley, UK
09.2006 - 06.2010
- Managed daily branch operations, ensuring smooth workflow and high customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regional stock audits, maintaining inventory accuracy.
- Handled employee disciplinaries and grievances.
- Achieved 100% in a mystery shopper evaluation, earning a significant bonus.
- Promoted to district Liaison Officer, enhancing communication and coordination across the Kent region.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Linguistics & Hispanic Studies
Queen Mary University of London
A-Levels - Fine Art - A, French - B, Spanish - A
The Ravensbourne School
GCSEs - 4 x A 2 x A, 4 x B
The Ravensbourne School
Skills
- Variance and risk analysis
- Leadership development and team building
- Business development
- Operational policy updates
- Contract negotiation
- Talent Management
- Operational planning
Certification
- Personal Licence BIIAB, 2008
- WSET Level 2 Intermediate - Merit, 2012
- WSET Level 3 Advanced - Merit, 2013
Driving Licence
UK Full
Timeline
Head of Operations
Wellman Taverns
09.2024 - 06.2025
General Manager
Fest & Revel
11.2022 - 09.2024
Deputy General Manager
Young's Pubs
02.2020 - 11.2022
Assistant Manager
Young's Pubs
05.2018 - 02.2020
Operations Manager
Vino V Ltd
06.2010 - 05.2018
Branch Manager
Wine Rack
09.2006 - 06.2010
Higher National Diploma - Linguistics & Hispanic Studies
Queen Mary University of London
A-Levels - Fine Art - A, French - B, Spanish - A
The Ravensbourne School
GCSEs - 4 x A 2 x A, 4 x B
The Ravensbourne School
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