Stephen Skull
Swindon,Wiltshire
Summary
Hospitality manager with strong experience across daily operations, health and safety compliance and budget control. Manages staffing, cash handling and end-of-month reporting with accuracy. Improves service standards through clear briefings, staff training and practical problem-solving.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Semi retired
N/A
12.2022 - Current
- Took redundancy
- Looking after my own pjysical health
- volunteering work
Hospitality Manager
Swindon Borough Council
Swindon, Wiltshire
12.2003 - 12.2022
- 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.
- Helped improve customer service, quality assurance and service speed by developing and implementing successful solutions.
- Addressed customer complaints with empathy and efficiency, resolving issues to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Handled guest complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Handled customer complaints with care and professionalism, quickly identifying resolutions to minimise disruption to positive experiences.
- 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.
- Delivered daily staff briefings, ensuring all members understood targets and requirements to enable team success.
- Led teams to efficiently execute operations in dynamic environments.
- Maintained excellent working knowledge of health, safety and hygiene standards, guaranteeing operational compliance.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, including banking and safe management, to ensure financial security.
- Maintained professional demeanour in customer interactions, answered concerns and resolved problems with a a friendly and knowledgeable approach.
- Administered property budget, controlled expenditures and maintained accurate financial records.
- Reviewed financial reports, controlling expenses to stay within budget and maximise profitability.
- Conducted end-of-month audits for upper management review.
- Collaborated with local authorities and external bodies, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Liaised with the kitchen team to design seasonal menus, enhancing dining experiences and increasing repeat business.
Catering manager
Swindon Borough Council
Swindon, Wiltshire
09.1998 - 12.2003
- Managed hiring, onboarding and training of new catering staff to align with standards, best practices and protocols.
- Maintained high standards of food quality by reviewing shipments, overseeing preparation and monitoring food safety.
- Scheduled employees to keep shifts well-staffed.
- Closely monitored ingredient stock levels in supply rooms, promptly ordering more to keep steady products and consistent inventory.
- Trained newly hired employees on service techniques, company procedures and safety processes.
- Managed budget forecasts and reports, ensuring accurate financial planning and cost control for all catering operations.
- Directed staff in daily work assignments to help each achieve goals and uphold restaurant reputation.
- Designed menu and examined dishes to maintain quality and freshness, delivering delicious cuisines to amply event experience.
- Ran operations successfully according to industry best practices and owner standards.
- Counselled and disciplined staff, addressing issues promptly and providing constructive feedback.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure the best prices for high-quality ingredients, effectively reducing costs by 20%.
- Analysed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement, leading to a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores.
- Conducted regular inventory checks, minimising waste and ensuring optimal stock levels for upcoming events.
- Optimised stock levels for expected demand and minimised losses with proper rotation procedures.
- Pitched in to help with meal service and kitchen tasks during peak periods and employee absences.
- Stayed on top of latest catering trends to implement current offerings and provide additional services.
- Balanced cash registers, reconciled transactions and deposited establishment's earnings.
Assistant Catering Manager
Swindon Borough Council
Swindon, Wiltshire
12.1988 - 09.1998
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Hotel & Catering Management
North Star College Swindon
Swindon, SWD01-1983
Diploma of Higher Education - Hotel Catering
Swindon College
Swindon, SWD01-1982
Diploma of Higher Education - Food Hygiene
Swindon College
Swindon, SWD01-1982
Skills
- Hospitality management
- Food and beverage management
- Menu planning
- Front office operations
- Reservation management
- Event planning
- Bar management
- Hospitality staff recruitment
- Cash handling
- Financial analysis
- Budget control
- Budgetary control
- Revenue forecasting
- Inventory oversight
- Stock management
- Stock control
- Cleaning management
- Health and safety compliance
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Food hygiene training
- Fire safety inspections
- Fire safety training
- Licensing regulations
- Inspection techniques
- Professional communication
- Operational coordination
- Dispute resolution
- Complaint handling
- Guest service excellence
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Staff leadership
- Team motivation
- Staff training
- Employee development
- People Management
- Quality assurance
- Change management
- Attention to Detail
- Property inspections
- POS system usage
- Supplier negotiation
- Hospitality law knowledge
- Fire safety inspections
- Room rate management
- Revenue forecasting
- Fire safety training
- Production stock management
Hobbies and interests
- Walking/trekking
- Planet Coaster
- Gardening
- Cornwall
Timeline
Semi retired
N/A
12.2022 - Current
Hospitality Manager
Swindon Borough Council
12.2003 - 12.2022
Catering manager
Swindon Borough Council
09.1998 - 12.2003
Assistant Catering Manager
Swindon Borough Council
12.1988 - 09.1998
Bachelor of Business Administration - Hotel & Catering Management
North Star College Swindon
Diploma of Higher Education - Hotel Catering
Swindon College
Diploma of Higher Education - Food Hygiene
Swindon College