Tracie Simpson
Derby,Derbyshire
Summary
Motivated individual with a diverse background in customer service and soft furnishing production. Demonstrates adaptability and initiative in fast-paced environments, ensuring high-quality outcomes in all tasks. Eager to leverage strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude to contribute to team success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Soft Furnishing Maker
Lynne Kelly Curtains
Derby, Derbyshire
06.2021 - Current
- Hand finished furnishings in customers houses.
- Produced soft furnishings to a very high standard.
- Actively pursued personal learning and development opportunities.
- Trained new colleagues
- Prepared fabric to specified dimensions, using a sewing machine or pounce wheel.
- Matched thread and needle to repair damages by hand.
- Conducted quality control checks on completed projects to guarantee satisfaction and adherence to client specifications.
- Removed stitches from garments in preparation for altering.
- Made a variety of garments using manual sewing and sewing machines.
- Assisted customers in selecting fabrics and designs, providing expert advice on durability, maintenance, and colour coordination.
Kitchen Staff Member
Wayfarer Cafe
Derby, Derbyshire
06.2014 - 05.2021
- Followed all rules and regulations related to safe food handling, preparation and storage.
- Stored food according to safety procedures, protecting from spoilage and preventing waste.
- Washed and put away cookware, utensils and dishes.
- Followed recipes to achieve food quality and consistency.
- Helped kitchen team prioritise and complete high-volume orders in busy restaurant environment.
- Maintained high levels of kitchen hygiene, including cleaning surfaces and equipment regularly.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of kitchen stations and storage areas.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, including ovens, grills, and fryers, following proper procedures.
- Helped open the kitchen by completing tasks, including deep cleaning and preparing ingredients.
- Maintained strict hygiene and cleanliness standards in all kitchen areas to comply with health and safety regulations.
- Completed daily cleaning and restocking checklists to support kitchen operations.
- Handled multiple food orders simultaneously under high-pressure situations, prioritising tasks efficiently.
- Assisted in kitchen closing duties, carrying out sanitation tasks and organising stock for next day opening.
- Kept operations running smoothly and efficiently by keeping workspaces organised, clean and ready for service.
- Prepped ingredients in advance to speed up cooking times during peak hours.
- Disinfected food preparation areas for improved kitchen hygiene.
- Managed kitchen cleaning duties to keep all areas and workstations organised, well-stocked and free from hazards.
- Disposed of waste, rubbish and out of date stock into designated disposal systems.
- Upheld health and safety standards to protect staff and customers.
- Trained new kitchen staff on operating procedures, safety protocols, and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food temperatures during cooking and storage to adhere to safety guidelines.
- Observed customer requests concerning allergens and dietary requirements.
- Rotated stock and added new items from stock deliveries.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely delivery of orders and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regular checks on food stock, alerting management of low inventory levels or potential shortages.
- Checked stock was stored at correct temperatures to limit spoilage.
- Minimised risk of contamination with regular cleaning in refrigerated, frozen and dry storage spaces.
- Packaged take-out orders and staged for pickup, monitoring workflow to reduce errors.
- Played a key role in catering events, preparing large volumes of food to exacting standards within tight deadlines.
- Independently prepared up tp [Number] meals, snacks and side dishes without assistance or supervision.
- Actively participated in kitchen meetings, providing feedback and suggestions for operational improvements.
- Responded promptly to special dietary requests from customers, adapting dishes to meet allergen and preference needs.
- Managed inventory, conducted stock checks, and reordered supplies to maintain kitchen efficiency.
- Tailored dishes to accommodate customer dietary requirements and allergies, ensuring customer care and satisfaction.
- Assisted in menu planning and contributed ideas for new dishes and seasonal variations.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly greeting guests and taking orders with a friendly demeanour.
- Managed table service for guests, offering menu recommendations and taking orders accurately.
- Assisted cafe activities, including processing payments, taking orders, mixing drinks and making food.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
Education
NVQ Level 1 - Catering and hospitality
Wilmorton College
Derby, DER01-2002
GCSEs - Senior School
Merrill College
Derby01-2000
Skills
- Fabric selection
- Quality control
- Sewing machine operation
- Interior design consultation
- Customer service
- Time management
- Team training
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Inventory management
- Adaptable communication
- Client relationship management
- Safety compliance
- Technical troubleshooting
- Creative design
- Positive attitude
- Customer support
- Fabric knowledge
- Fabric cutting
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Team player
- Customer engagement
- Hand stitching
- Risk Assessment
- Hand-eye coordination
- Precision craftsmanship
- Initiative taking
- Deadline adherence
- Time efficiency
- Computer literate
Timeline
Soft Furnishing Maker
Lynne Kelly Curtains
06.2021 - Current
Kitchen Staff Member
Wayfarer Cafe
06.2014 - 05.2021
NVQ Level 1 - Catering and hospitality
Wilmorton College
GCSEs - Senior School
Merrill College