Gemma Ryan

Hardworking and enthusiastic customer service assistant trained in every facet of successful work. Stays on top of current and expected demands, quickly realigning tasks to handle needs. Dedicated to first-rate communication and team success.

Experienced in catering industry with focus on delivering high-quality customer service and maintaining hygiene standards. Capable of preparing and presenting food to meet various dietary needs and preferences. Equipped with strong teamwork abilities and commitment to creating positive dining experience

Catering assistant at M.R Spences (2024-04 – 2024-10)

• Prepared high-quality meals for customer satisfaction.
• Assisted in training new staff members, fostering a supportive work environment.
• Provided excellent customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Set up dining areas for special events, improving the overall ambiance.
• Implemented hygiene protocols throughout daily duties ensuring safe food handling.
• Maintained cleanliness of kitchen area to ensure health and safety regulations were met.
• Conducted routine checks on cooking equipment for timely maintenance or replacement if necessary.
• Ensured freshness of ingredients by properly storing them according to food hygiene standards.
• Managed inventory of catering supplies, reducing waste through efficient usage and ordering practices.
• Assisted in the preparation of buffet services, enhancing event experiences for clients.
• Enhanced customer experience by promptly addressing queries and complaints.
• Executed food preparation tasks efficiently to meet dining deadlines.
• Handled cash transactions with customers, maintaining integrity and accuracy at all times.
• Coordinated with suppliers for timely delivery of fresh produce contributing towards seamless kitchen operations.
• Cleaned preparation areas thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.
• Operated cash register to quickly process sales, maintaining excellent customer service levels.

Customer service assistant at Leeds City Libraries Learning and leisure (2007-11 – 2012-06)

• Addressed customer questions and concerns with knowledge of menu items, ingredients and allergens.
• Prepared service area and kitchen equipment as directed.
• Maintained high standards of food hygiene through regular checks of fridge and freezer temperatures.
• Maintained skills across various kitchen roles, providing support in alternative positions during staff absences.
• Upheld outstanding levels of cleanliness through methodical clean-as-you-go approach.
• Managed food delivery processes, maintaining efficient storage solutions and meticulous stock rotation to reduce waste.
• Ensured cleanliness and usability of crockery, cutlery and utensils for smooth-running, high-functioning kitchen operations.
• Mastered skills across various kitchen roles, providing support in alternative positions during staff absences.
• Inspected kitchen equipment and tools, promptly reporting malfunctions to prevent inefficiencies.
• Carefully prepared ingredients based on menus, portion control and agreed quality standards.
• Prepared food for high-capacity events to strict schedules.
• Boosted customer satisfaction by preparing dishes to exact dietary needs.
• Cleaned refrigerators, freezers and dry storage spaces to minimise contamination.
• Followed checklists to keep kitchen areas clean, stocked and sanitised.
• Cleared tables and brought used utensils, plates and glassware back to kitchen for cleaning.
• Followed good operating practices, safety standards and equipment maintenance protocols to minimise downtime.
• Monitored and recorded fridge and freezer temperatures to safely preserve stock.
• Washed, peeled and chopped vegetables to be used in dishes.
• Maintained a clean and orderly checkout area, contributing to a pleasant store environment.
• Organised stock shelves neatly to improve the overall appearance of the shop floor.
• Improved efficiency at checkout by mastering POS system operations quickly.
• Assisted in the training of new staff members, ensuring consistency in service delivery.
• Utilised product knowledge effectively whilst assisting customers with purchases decisions.
• Provided exceptional levels of customer service consistently; creating loyal customers.
• Managed time efficiently during peak hours to limit customer waiting periods.
• Processed returns and exchanges swiftly, enhancing customer satisfaction levels.
• Upheld company policies and procedures consistently for maintained standards of operation.
• Assisted customers with product inquiries for enhanced shopping experience.
• Prioritised tasks during busy periods for maximised productivity.
• Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills when dealing with complex customer issues.
• Monitored inventory levels regularly, preventing potential stock-outs or overstocks.
• Improved customer relations by managing customer complaints effectively.
• Adapted quickly to changes in store layout or products range, minimising disruption to service delivery.
• Communicated effectively with colleagues to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Showcased strong communication skills when explaining promotions or discounts to customers.
• Collaborated well within a team setting, fostering a positive working atmosphere.
• Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining financial integrity of the till.
• Provided warm, positive customer care from arrival to departure, encouraging return visits and repeat spending.
• Replenished store inventory regularly, monitoring stock demands to appropriately address customer needs.
• Maintained spotlessly clean sales floors, organising merchandise for visually-appealing displays.

GCSEs in Dual award Science – Agnes Stewart C of E high school (1991-09 – 1996-05)

NVQ Level 3 in Childcare – Joseph Priestly College (1994-02 – 1994-10)

B tec Diploma in Health and Social Welfare/Councelling – Joseph Priestley (1994-09 – 1995-05)

Levels 1 and 2 in Hood hygiene and Allergy Awareness – Online Course/food standards agency (2024-06 – 2024-06)