Scott Mason

Dynamic and results‑driven hospitality professional with 15 years of extensive operational experience across multiple disciplines within the sector. Energetic, enthusiastic, and highly motivated, with a proven ability to achieve both personal and organisational objectives. Recognised for strong commercial awareness, a collaborative leadership style, and a consistent commitment to delivering exceptional customer and client experiences.

Passionate about driving high standards, developing motivated teams, and leading change to support long‑term financial sustainability and staff retention. Known for an instinctive interest in innovation and a dedication to creating opportunities for emerging talent. Deeply committed to the belief that great food, excellent service, and engaged people form the foundation of every successful hospitality business.

Approachable, friendly, and always eager to progress, continuously seeking new skills, knowledge, and professional growth.

Senior Operations Manager at Gather & Gather (2021-09 – Present)

Due to a company restructure during COVID, returned from furlough back into a Senior Ops Role but continued to operate within the same regions with some of the same units that were held as Director of Operations along with the same responsibilities. Gained new contracts, and at one point was operating thirty-three businesses. Some of these were prestigious contracts including F1 Williams, Worcester Bosch Group and Lloyds Banking Group (Southwest).

Currently responsible for the Southwest and Wales region consisting of sixteen contracts.

Director of Operations at CH&Co Catering (2019-01 – 2021-08)

Internal promotion to a more strategic role. Responsible for a wider area within the business looking after key group accounts as Director with a team of 2 Operations Managers and a support team of five. Responsible for a patch of forty-six businesses across the B&I, Manufacturing and Education sectors in the Southwest, Midlands, and Wales, with an annual turnover of £10.9 million.

Role involved working alongside all business department heads on strategic planning of business growth and project work. Sales was an integral part of this role working alongside the sales Directors to grow the business, co-writing tenders with the sales team and presenting to new clients.

Operations Manager at CH&Co Catering (2011-11 – 2019-01)

After gaining 1 year's valuable experience as Compliance Manager, promoted to Operations Manager covering a large patch for the CH&CO Workplaces brand. Initially managing twelve contracts which soon grew to eighteen, working for some high-end prestigious clients including BMW Group, Sony, Allianz Insurance and Renishaw Group. Retained eighteen contracts which were located predominately in the Southwest with a total turnover of £5.7million.

Had full responsibility for the financial performance of the accounts which are a mix of fixed and cost-plus contracts. Business performance was reported at monthly reviews with clients, along with monthly operational and financial reports to the CH&Co Board. Involved in successfully gaining the contracts for MBDA, Renishaw Group, UCAS, Centrica and Steria.

Involvement included sales presentations, site visits and mobilisation of the new contracts. Tasked to project manage numerous refurbishment assignments for various clients which proved very successful. Worked closely with teams to ensure compliance in all aspects of the day to day running of the businesses (H&S, FS, IMS), where their performance was measured by internal and external audits ESB (European Safety Bureau), internal operations audits, compliance audits and mystery shopper visits.

In last 12 months within the role, achieved 100% mystery shopper results across various businesses. Accountable for working with each team, motivating them in their roles, and helping them to be dynamic and passionate in their work and achieving their goals by being innovative and creative in their businesses.

Compliance Manager at CH&Co (2010-11 – 2011-11)

After five very successful years at the National Assembly for Wales, promoted to the role of Company Compliance Manager, supporting the Charlton House and Lusso brands under the CH&Co umbrella. This role covered most of the UK from Scotland through to London, supporting 100+ contracts collaborating with onsite managers helping them to achieve better financial results for the business. The role was diverse and ranged from dealing with finances, H&S, theft, compliance audits for reporting at board level, setting-up of financial reports/accounts and the mobilisation of new contracts and closures.

Also involved in the training programme for Back2Front trainees and monthly presentations to all new management staff on their inductions.

General Manager at Charlton House Catering, National Assembly for Wales (2006-10 – 2010-11)

An internal move to run a new three-year contract managing the catering and hospitality services for the National Assembly for Wales. This included the day to day running of the staff restaurant/hospitality/fine dining/conferences/retail shop/members tea rooms and public cafe. This diverse contract involves running three separate accounts incorporating fixed price and cost-plus budgets with vigorous monitoring to keep the business on budget, especially during the quiet recess periods.

Each of the accounts were reported to the client and external consultant on a monthly basis, along with full operational reports. A very hands-on approach was required with this contract due to the importance of the parliamentary members and overseas dignitaries that attend functions. Managed some very high-profile events, serving royalty and several world leaders.

Responsible for a team of thirty staff ensuring Customer Service standards at all levels were met and delivered by following company policies and procedures. Ensured all staff received training and development which was monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. Developing the business was also a key part to the role, ensuring the F&B offers remained fresh, innovative, and modern.

Able to collaborate with local suppliers, raising their profile within the local community and ensuring that menus always offered "Welsh Provenance." Also involved with three separate refurbishment projects, where tasks included consulting with external contractors before and during the refurbishments. In 2009 nominated for Industry Unit Manager of the Year in the Cost Sector Catering Awards and shortlisted for a Catey Award in the same year.

General Catering Manager at Charlton House Catering (2005-01 – 2006-10)

An internal promotion to run a new fixed price multi-site business. Financial control under a very tight budget required rigid monitoring on a weekly/monthly basis; this was reported to Director level via monthly and weekly financial reports and phased actual accounts. The college is a training centre and most of its business is student based. This has a huge effect on the business as there are quiet periods during the year.

G.C.S.E – Balcarras School, Cheltenham (1984 – 1989)

City & Guild – Gloscat Park Campus, Cheltenham (1989 – 1991)

NVQ Level 3 in Pastry/Larder – Gloscat Park Campus, Cheltenham (1989 – 1991)