Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Sonia Shafqat

Sonia Shafqat

Belfast

Summary

Resourceful and adaptable hospitality professional with a background in business administration and culinary expertise. Skilled in managing hotel and restaurant operations, team leadership, and business growth, while ensuring excellence in food quality, hygiene, and guest satisfaction. Committed to driving operational efficiency and delivering exceptional customer experiences in the food and hospitality industry.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef Assistant

Ginger Garlic (Amaravathi)
09.2023 - Current
  • Assisted head chefs with daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
  • Ensured high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety in compliance with UK regulations.
  • Prepared ingredients (washing, chopping, marinating, portioning) to streamline service during peak hours.
  • Maintained inventory levels, monitored stock usage, and ensured proper food storage practices.
  • Assisted in receiving and storing deliveries, checking quality and freshness of ingredients.
  • Ensured consistency in food quality, taste, and presentation according to kitchen standards.
  • Supported chefs during busy service periods by multitasking and prioritizing orders efficiently.
  • Cleaned and sanitized workstations, utensils, and kitchen equipment after use.
  • Coordinated with team members to maintain smooth kitchen workflow and minimize delays.
  • Followed health and safety protocols to avoid cross-contamination and food wastage.
  • Assisted in menu preparation by suggesting improvements based on customer preferences and demand.

Chef Assistant

Multan Tandoori
04.2023 - 08.2023
  • Floated throughout kitchen to assist in meal preparation and plating, effectively anticipating chef, and waiting staff's needs.
  • Wrapped, dated, and stored food in refrigerators under standardized temperature for future uses.
  • Maintained cleanliness and order of kitchen prep areas and appliances as well as convenient organization of ingredients.
  • Managed food preparation activities, such as cutting ingredients to size and preparing sauces and garnishes.
  • Verified food temperatures and quality ahead of service to maintain standards.
  • Replenished food and ingredients supplies to meet service demand.

Retail Worker

Nisa Local Store
12.2022 - 03.2023
  • Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
  • Maintained tidy and organized store environment to comply with cleanliness standards.
  • Actively engaged customers to provide general assistance and information on store merchandise.
  • Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
  • Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.

Front Desk Assistant

SUBWAY®Restaurants
06.2022 - 11.2022
  • Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
  • Answered customer telephone calls promptly and appropriately handled needs.
  • Handled payment and bill processing, change giving and payment collecting for guests.
  • Maintained clean and organized front desk areas to uphold polished company image.
  • Enforced policies and procedures to increase efficiency.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with guests for satisfaction.

Assistant Hotel Manager

Hasan Abdullah Highway Grill
09.2020 - 12.2021
  • Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
  • Booked large groups for weddings, seminars, conferences, and other events, providing best available room rates.
  • Offered appropriate reservation options based on expected attendees when coordinating events.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote hotel services.
  • Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
  • Provided services efficiently and with high level of accuracy.
  • Implemented successful strategies to increase customer satisfaction.

Customer Service Lead

Global Handling Links (GHL)
02.2016 - 05.2020
  • Organized and scheduled meetings, maintained records, and managed contact lists.
  • Ordered and tracked office supplies to support smooth day-to-day operations.
  • Prepared and reconciled expense reports and assisted in basic budget tracking.
  • Answered calls, coordinated office procedures, and supported management staff.
  • Performed filing, scanning, copying, and general document management.
  • Assisted in onboarding new employees by preparing documentation and conducting brief orientations.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements, including ticket booking, visas, and accommodation for staff.
  • Maintained confidential personnel and company records with accuracy and discretion.
  • Prepared official letters, memos, and correspondence on behalf of management.
  • Managed front-desk operations, greeted visitors, and resolved queries efficiently.
  • Supported the HR and finance departments with administrative tasks during audits and reporting.
  • Collaborated with different departments to ensure smooth communication and workflow.
  • Monitored office equipment and arranged for timely repairs or maintenance when required.
  • Assisted senior management in organizing company events, workshops, and team activities.
  • Supervised and guided new employees and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities.
  • Followed through with client requests to resolve problems.
  • Managed files and records for clients and adhered to safety procedures to prevent breaches and data misuse.

Education

Graduate Diploma - Business and Management

University of The West of Scotland
Paisley, United Kingdom
05-2023

Skills

  • Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation
  • Food Hygiene & Safety Standards
  • Teamwork & Communication
  • Time Management & Multitasking
  • Customer Service & Guest Satisfaction
  • Stock Management & Inventory Control
  • Administrative & Organizational Skill
  • Customer service excellence
  • Department operations
  • Billing arrangements
  • Cash handling
  • Time management
  • Task delegation
  • Scheduling

Timeline

Chef Assistant

Ginger Garlic (Amaravathi)
09.2023 - Current

Chef Assistant

Multan Tandoori
04.2023 - 08.2023

Retail Worker

Nisa Local Store
12.2022 - 03.2023

Front Desk Assistant

SUBWAY®Restaurants
06.2022 - 11.2022

Assistant Hotel Manager

Hasan Abdullah Highway Grill
09.2020 - 12.2021

Customer Service Lead

Global Handling Links (GHL)
02.2016 - 05.2020

Graduate Diploma - Business and Management

University of The West of Scotland
Sonia Shafqat