Wedding & Events Sales Manager - The Venue Group Ltd (previously est with The Chopping Block Ltd) - Ashton Lodge Country House, Warwickshire
(2021-09 - 2026-03)
- Spearheaded end-to-end sales for weddings and corporate events, converting enquiries into confirmed bookings through consultative viewings and tailored proposals.
- Managed CRM workflows and personalised follow-ups to ensure prompt responses and improve lead conversion.
- Helped develop and sell premium drinks packages, menu pairings, and add-ons to increase average event revenue, pushing more than £1,000,000 GPA, with an average of 100 to 180 bookings.
- Built and kept strong client relationships, handling negotiations, contracts, and payments with clear accountability.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver flawless on-the-day execution and high guest satisfaction.
- Streamlined administrative processes including diary management, contracts, invoicing, and receipts to improve turnaround and reduce errors.
Assistant Manager - Greene King Brewery - The Wentworth Arms, Leicestershire
(2020-02 - 2021-05)
- Oversaw daily restaurant and bar operations, including reservations, rotas, and service standards to keep high customer satisfaction.
- Adapted operations to COVID-19 restrictions, meeting revised quarterly targets through new service models and safety protocols.
- Managed stock, deliveries, and inventory controls; completed cash-ups and financial reporting using the Aztec POS.
- Developed and delivered staff training to sustain service quality during peak periods and changing conditions.
- Performed chef duties during busy periods and ensured EHO/HACCP compliance through routine kitchen checks.
- Collaborated with local businesses and corporate clients to drive event bookings and revenue.
Assistant Manager - The Free Spirit Pubs Company - The Red Lion, Northamptonshire
(2019-09 - 2020-02)
- Supervised day-to-day operations across the restaurant, bar and B&B, including reservations and front-desk management.
- Oversaw stock control, equipment maintenance and end-of-shift cashing up to protect margins.
- Developed a bespoke cocktail menu and trained staff to raise drink quality and improve upselling performance.
- Collaborated with chefs on food preparation and service standards to ensure consistent guest experiences.
- Supported corporate events and local business partnerships to grow bookings and revenue.
- Configured TouchScreen tills to streamline bookings and prepayments.
Beverage Manager & Venue Operations - Lea Management Team Ltd - Swallows Nest Barn, Warwickshire
(2018-10 - 2019-09)
- Managed beverage operations for weddings and corporate events, overseeing bar set-up, service and on-site execution.
- Designed drinks packages and cocktail menus; developed a full training programme for bar teams to deliver Silver-Service standards.
- Configured POS (iZettle) for stock management and led end-of-night cash-ups and banking procedures.
- Handled bookings, client viewings, and contract negotiations, ensuring meticulous attention to customer requirements.
- Managed payroll, invoices, and supplier relationships; sourced trends and vendors to enhance menu offerings.
- Maintained health & safety compliance and expanded professional knowledge through beverage seminars and wine courses.
Food & Beverage Manager - The Chopping Block Ltd, Northamptonshire - Swallows Nest Barn, Warwickshire
(2015-05 - 2018-11)
- Co-ordinated bar setup and operations for weddings and festivals, ensuring consistent service across multiple venues.
- Developed and implemented a full training programme for bar teams to improve consistency and standards.
- Led cocktail menu development and till configuration; oversaw end-of-night cash-ups and banking.
- Managed cash handling, travel logistics, and supplier coordination for nationwide events.
- Delivered mixology masterclasses and received DraughtMaster training; collaborated with chefs on tastings and menu planning.
- Provided office-based administration support, including bookings and accommodation co-ordination when needed.
Bar Manager - Mix'd Café Bar Ltd - Mix'd Café Bar, Leicestershire
(2015-06 - 2017-04)
- Managed bar operations in a high-volume late-night venue, keeping service quality during peak shifts.
- Oversaw cash handling, staff rotas, and shift scheduling to ensure efficient service.
- Organised then delivered live music nights, open mic events, private party bookings - including local celebrities and corporate events.
- Supported local artists and fostered partnerships with both Leicester universities to run student-focused social events and charity nights.
- Increased community engagement and repeat custom through targeted events and promotions.
Bar Manager / Supervisor - Ray Cooper Pubs - The Tudor / The Crow's Nest, Leicestershire
(2014-02 - 2014-08)
Two pubs - serving as interim Manager on behalf of the Landlord of The Tudor (whilst the council were in dispute over the building), and Supervisor at The Crow's Nest—overseeing service, cash-handling, and cellar duties.
- Completed Everards cellar training and maintained stock control processes.
- Performed restaurant service and front-of-house responsibilities to support smooth operations.
- Organised and ran weekly pool leagues and entertainment nights, including accessible activities for local SEN groups.
General Assistant - The Reynard, Leicestershire
(2012-08 - 2014-02)
- Delivered bartending and barista service in a busy student-focused venue, handling high volumes during peak periods.
- Responsible for cash handling, mixology, and front-of-house service; supported kitchen duties when needed.
- Aided with private event bookings and venue hire coordination.
General Assistant / Front Desk Supervisor - Chilli White Nightclub, Leicestershire
(2011-12 - 2013-01)
- Operated bars in a high-volume late-night nightclub and supervised front-door payment operations to ensure secure cash handling.
- Completed mixology and COSHH training; managed stock and supported private party and hosting duties.
- Contributed to event delivery and crowd management during peak weekend services.
Supervisor - Riley's Sports Bar Limited - Riley's / Q Bar / Willie Thorne's, Leicestershire
(2010-01 - 2014-04)
- Led high-volume peak shifts as Night Manager and Day Supervisor, increasing service standards and team performance.
- Introduced tighter stock supervision and pour controls that reduced inventory loss and improved gross profit margins.
- Operational responsibilities including cash handling, banking, safe/key-holder duties, stock-sheet imports, and quarterly reporting.
- Secured partnerships with De Montfort University and University of Leicester; on-boarding 26 student societies to increase midweek trade through sponsorship negotiations and tailored events.
- Trained staff on POS, customer service, opening/closing procedures, and food-safety checks to ensure compliance and consistent delivery.
- Managed entertainment budgets and held Bingo Operative certification; planned promotions to increase off-peak revenue.
- Oversaw crowd safety and capacity during major sporting events to ensure efficient turnover and safe operations.
- Supported Cellar and Kitchen duties, including food preparation, line cleaning, keg handling, recording temperatures and food-safety standards
