Yvonne Love
Addlestone,Surrey
Summary
Senior hospitality and catering leader with over 25 years management experience across hospitality, catering, customer service and commercial operations. Proven track record of leading teams, improving customer experience, developing food and hospitality offers and delivering measurable commercial results. Most recently Head of Hospitality at Painshill Trust leading hospitality, kitchen and front of house operations within a nationally and internationally significant heritage attraction. Strong commercial focus spanning revenue generation, cost control, supplier negotiation, events, menu development, purchasing, compliance and operational improvement. Hands on people-focused and commercially minded, with a consistent focus on standards, customer satisfaction and business performance.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Hospitality (Seasonal Contract)
Painshill Trust
03.2026 - 10.2026
- Led and developed the hospitality operation at Painshill, supporting a high quality, contemporary customer experience within an internationally significant heritage attraction.
- Delivered a 37% increase in average customer spend, from £3.30 to £4.52, alongside a 16% increase in products sold, from 17901 to 20818.
- Generated £7000+ monthly turnover just for weekend opening within the Gothic Tower, developing a distinctive new visitor experience and revenue opportunity.
- Identified and implemented operational efficiencies, delivering a saving of approximately £75000 per annum in staffing savings
- Negotiated ongoing supplier cashback arrangements, including 6% with Bidfood and 15% with Froneri, strengthening commercial returns.
- Secured approximately £6000 worth of equipment at no cost and negotiated significant supplier benefits, including approximately £7000 in Bidfood goodwill.
- Developed menus and hospitality offerings, including events, seasonal promotions, afternoon teas and standalone units to enhance customer experience and increase revenue.
- Worked on developing the hospitality business model, including high and low season financial targets and opportunities to increase income.
- Identified and implemented strategies to improve customer engagement and increase hospitality uptake and commercial performance.
- Worked closely with the Senior Management Team, colleagues, volunteers and Trustees to improve hospitality standards, engagement, commercial performance and customer experience.
- Supported integration of locally sourced produce and Painshill Kitchen Garden produce into hospitality offerings to promote sustainability.
- Led, supported and developed hospitality team members, promoting high standards, teamwork and accountability.
- Managed operational requirements including purchasing, stock control, food safety, allergens, health and safety and risk assessment.
Chef Manager
Caterlink
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Managed a team of eight staff producing approximately 500 dishes daily with a budget of £1.10 per meal, whilst maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene and service.
- Managed kitchen operations, including staff scheduling, ordering, stock control, and daily operational requirements, ensuring smooth service delivery.
- Recruited, trained and developed kitchen staff, improving skills, efficiency and team performance.
- Controlled inventory and negotiated with suppliers to achieve cost-effective purchasing, contributing to budget adherence.
- Implemented waste reduction strategies, minimising food waste and lowering associated costs.
- Maintained stringent food safety and hygiene standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Managed food ordering and deliveries in line with food cost and budget requirements.
- Acted as school allergen champion, overseeing 15 special diets, including diabetic student requirements.
Temporary Head Chef/Chef Manager
Evolve Hospitality
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Managed food preparation and service, upholding high standards of food safety and allergen management
- Delivered bulk food orders on time while adapting to various operational environments efficiently.
- Provided catering support across care homes and school kitchens, ensuring smooth daily operations
Catering Manager
Marsden Nurseries t/a Ashtead Park Garden Centre
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Led a team of 20 within a busy Garden Centre Cafe with an annual turnover of approximately £900,000
- Managed day to day cafe operations ensuring high standards of food, service and customer experience
- Oversaw food ordering, stock levels, waste management, and purchasing to achieve operational and financial targets
- Designed diverse menus and created bespoke options for commercial meetings, wakes, and celebrations to enhance customer satisfaction
- Maintained compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements, achieving a 5 star result with EHO.
- Managed allergens and special dietary requirements to provide safe and inclusive dining
- Recruited, onboarded, trained and developed catering staff and managed staff rotas
- Handled POS operations, conducted daily reconciliation, and prepared weekly management accounts to ensure financial accuracy
Gold Consultant/Franchise Owner
Slimming World
02.2005 - 08.2020
- Achieved Top 1% Consultant recognition among approximately 8,000 consultants nationally
- Ranked 5th in Surrey and achieved Gold Consultant status
- Established and developed a successful business, growing membership from 36 to over 300 weekly attendees across two groups
- Maintained over 85% member retention through effective communication, motivation, and engagement strategies
- Led and supported a team of 40 volunteers
- Developed marketing strategies and established partnerships with local healthcare providers to enhance visibility
- Coached and mentored consultants, improving their performance and helping them achieve targets
- Managed stock ordering, financial administration, logistics and year end accounts
Business Owner
Deli Delight Ltd
11.2012 - 10.2016
- Achieved 2000% turnover growth from inception to sale
- Sold business in 2016, achieving a substantial profit after significant growth
- Established and invested in cafe and retail delicatessen business, transforming it from zero profit to a sustainable operation
- Managed refurbishment and relaunch of the business and developed it into a successful customer focused food operation
- Expanded from 10 to 45 covers by taking on adjacent premises
- Recruited and trained team of 10, fostering a customer-focused service culture
Earlier Commercial & Customer Service Career
Lloyds TSB, Plastico, Superdrug & BT
09.1986 - 01.2005
- Customer Service Manager - Lloyds TSB
- Credit Control Manager - Plastico
- Customer Service Manager - Superdrug
- Commercial Officer - BT Managed 28 employees across specialist teams. Handled significant commercial debt exposure exceeding £18million at its peak, alongside recruitment, appraisals, staff management and performance analysis.
Education
Health & safety - Level 3
Caterlink Training
01-2025
Food Safety - Level 3
Caterlink Training
01-2025
Allergen Training - Level 3
Caterlink Training
01-2025
Enhanced DBS Certificate
Disclosure and Barring Services
01-2025
Diploma of Higher Education - Diet & Nutrition - Level 5
Brentwood Open Learning
01-2019
O Levels - English, Maths, Geography, Computer Studies, Sociology, Home Economics
Southfields Academy
01-1986
Skills
- Hospitality and catering operations
- Commercial and financial management
- Food and beverage leadership
- Revenue growth and business development
- Kitchen operations and menu development
- Event functions and seasonal trading
- Team leadership and development
- Purchasing and supplier negotiations
- Customer experience and service excellence
- Food safety and allergen management
- Health and safety compliance
- Stock control and waste reduction
- Problem solving and decision making
Hobbies and interests
- Raised in excess of £40,000 for charitable causes
- Completed the London Marathon in 2009
- Interests include cooking, gardening, reading, scrabble & socialising
Timeline
Head of Hospitality (Seasonal Contract)
Painshill Trust
03.2026 - 10.2026
Chef Manager
Caterlink
09.2024 - 11.2025
Temporary Head Chef/Chef Manager
Evolve Hospitality
08.2022 - 09.2024
Catering Manager
Marsden Nurseries t/a Ashtead Park Garden Centre
08.2020 - 08.2022
Business Owner
Deli Delight Ltd
11.2012 - 10.2016
Gold Consultant/Franchise Owner
Slimming World
02.2005 - 08.2020
Earlier Commercial & Customer Service Career
Lloyds TSB, Plastico, Superdrug & BT
09.1986 - 01.2005
Health & safety - Level 3
Caterlink Training
Food Safety - Level 3
Caterlink Training
Allergen Training - Level 3
Caterlink Training
Enhanced DBS Certificate
Disclosure and Barring Services
Diploma of Higher Education - Diet & Nutrition - Level 5
Brentwood Open Learning
O Levels - English, Maths, Geography, Computer Studies, Sociology, Home Economics
Southfields Academy