Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

AMANDA COX-PAULSON

DARLINGTON,WA

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Food and Beverage Manager with 20 years of experience in front-of-house and kitchen operations, event coordination, and team leadership. Proven track record in driving operational efficiency, optimizing guest experiences, and delivering seamless service for high-profile events. Skilled in fostering a positive work environment through effective team building, mentoring, and ongoing training initiatives for junior management staff.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Multi-Unit Restaurant Manager/Multi-Site Manager

SSP Australia & New Zealand
Perth, Western Australia
12.2023 - Current
  • Complied with health, sanitation and liquor regulations by clearly communicating and reinforcing standards and procedures to employees.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
  • Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to ensure smooth operations of multiple sites.
  • Monitored staff performance, identified areas for improvement and provided feedback.
  • Managed and trained staff of over 50 employees while overseeing daily operations.
  • Ensured compliance with all local health department regulations and safety standards.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner to maintain positive relationships with guests.
  • Analyzed monthly P&L statements to identify opportunities for increasing profits or reducing losses.
  • Developed operational processes designed to improve efficiency across all units.
  • Coached team members on food safety and sanitation processes, customer service, menu education and up-selling techniques to drive revenue.
  • Enforced sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness and maintenance of dining and kitchen areas.
  • Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
  • Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
  • Managed emergency procedures with composure and expertise.
  • Fostered strong relationships with PAPL, Australian Federal Police, and Western Australian Police.

Restaurant Manager

Amaroo Spa & Retreat
Perth, Western Australia
05.2023 - 11.2023
  • Implemented effective marketing campaigns to increase revenue and improve brand awareness.
  • Analyzed financial statements to identify areas of improvement or cost savings opportunities.
  • Maintained detailed records of sales transactions and daily shift reports.
  • Performed regular maintenance checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Ordered supplies from vendors as needed while staying within budget guidelines.
  • Adhered to all health department regulations regarding food storage and preparation.
  • Inspected dining room area regularly for cleanliness and adherence to safety standards.
  • Collaborated with local businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Prepared employee schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels during peak periods.
  • Coached team members on food safety and sanitation processes, customer service, menu education and up-selling techniques to drive revenue.
  • Directed and coordinated restaurant activities to obtain optimum customer service and strong employee development.
  • Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
  • Updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.

Night Duty Manager

SSP Australia & New Zealand
Perth, Western Australia
12.2022 - 05.2023
  • Trained and supervised a team exceeding 50 employees.
  • Tracked different aspects of financial performance focusing on sales and cost control.
  • Promptly managed complaints, enhancing overall guest experience.
  • Instructed staff on food preparation procedures.
  • Maintained high standards for dining and kitchen upkeep.
  • Maintained superior cleanliness standards for food and beverage items.
  • Ensured high-quality service by working closely with the team.
  • Assigned tasks to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Monitored safety procedures and equipment to promote safe working conditions.
  • Optimized communication techniques for positive customer interactions.
  • Guaranteed staff adherence to night shift roles.
  • Navigated critical incidents with speed and precision.
  • Performed frequent inspections to identify potential hazards.
  • Ensured compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.

Assistant General Manager/Executive Kitchen Manager

Chidlow Tavern
Chidlow, Western Australia
04.2019 - 12.2022
  • Handled multiple roles efficiently at the bar and restaurant.
  • Complete shift-end financial reconciliations.
  • Oversaw coordination between FOH and kitchen teams.
  • Effectively managed inventory for all areas including bar, restaurant, and kitchen.
  • Handled responsibilities in the absence of Venue Manager and Head Chef.
  • Collaborated on updates for seasonal menus and daily specials list.
  • Planned large-scale events accommodating 800 participants.
  • Managed bar staff, trained new hires, and implemented disciplinary procedures when necessary.
  • Analyzed financial data such as costs associated with labor efficiency, waste reduction and cost control initiatives.
  • Managed day-to-day operations including opening and closing duties, scheduling shifts for employees, cash handling procedures and payroll processing.
  • Controlled labor costs by adjusting schedules and workflows to align with anticipated customer demands.

Senior Prison Officer/ Movements Officer

Department of Corrective Services
Perth, 6000
09.2011 - 09.2018
  • Ensure safety by supervising inmates in maximum security.
  • Coordinated and worked closely with Western Australia Police, Australian Federal Police, Department of Immigration, Department of Child Protection, Federal and State High Courts, and various mental health providers.
  • Transported detainees to courts, hospitals, medical appointments and approved compassion visits in Western Australia.
  • Directed external Section 95 prisoners while in community working within the mining, farming, and construction industries.
  • Fulfilled multiple roles within the prison, which increased my knowledge of prison operations and enhanced my professional understanding of rehabilitation and pre-release networks.
  • Maintained and organized offender records and documentation in compliance with department and legal standards.
  • Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
  • Created guidelines for effective prisoner safety management.
  • Managed documentation of prisoner movements.
  • Handled emergencies with professionalism.
  • Implemented strategies to manage prisoners' difficult conduct effectively.
  • Participated in court hearings related to individual cases when requested by senior management.
  • Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
  • Provided first response medical care in emergency situations until professional medical staff could take over.
  • Participated in the development and implementation of escape prevention plans and emergency evacuation procedures.

Food and Beverage Manager

M on the Point
Mandurah, Western Australia
02.2011 - 12.2011
  • Supervised and managed the daily operations of the food and beverage department, including staff scheduling, inventory control, cost management, menu planning and customer service.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for all restaurant operations to ensure compliance with health regulations and quality standards.
  • Created monthly financial reports to analyze sales trends, labor costs and other expenses related to the food and beverage department.
  • Implemented cost-effective strategies for recipe development.
  • Resolved customer complaints regarding meal quality or service issues in a timely manner while ensuring satisfaction is achieved.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers in order to secure discounts on bulk orders of food items or beverages.
  • Maintained excellent communication between front-of-house staff and back-of-house staff in order to provide efficient service throughout the entire dining experience.
  • Managed payroll records for employees working within the food and beverage department.
  • Drafted annual budgets which accurately reflected projected expenses for upcoming fiscal year.
  • Oversaw food and beverage operations, delivered day-to-day consistency and set and maintained highest food quality and service standards.
  • Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
  • Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.

Operations Manager

Bayside Bar and Bistro
Melbourne, VICTORIA
06.2008 - 10.2010
  • Developed key performance indicators to measure effectiveness of operational processes.
  • Led cross-functional teams in problem-solving activities related to process improvements or new product launches.
  • Implemented innovative strategies that reduced operating costs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Managed staffing needs through recruitment, selection, onboarding and training, disciplinary action as necessary.
  • Supervised day-to-day workflow of employees in order to maximize productivity and maintain quality standards.
  • Assessed employee development needs and provided feedback on their progress towards meeting goals.
  • Directed day-to-day operations by spearheading implementation of short-term and long-term strategies to achieve business plan and profitability goals.
  • Managed scheduling, training and inventory control.
  • Built strong operational teams to meet process and production demands.
  • Oversaw financial management, budget management, accounting and payroll activities.
  • Enforced federal, state, local and company rules for safety and operations.
  • Aided senior leadership during executive decision-making process by generating daily reports to recommend corrective actions and improvements.
  • Produced SOPs to document workplace procedures and optimize productivity through standardization.

Gaming Supervisor/Assistant Bar Manager/Restaurant

Baxter Tavern
Melbourne, VICTORIA
02.2006 - 06.2008
  • Monitored gaming activities and ensured compliance with established rules and regulations.
  • Supervised staff, provided training and handled employee relations issues as needed.
  • Maintained accurate records of all transactions, including daily reports on revenue generated by the gaming area.
  • Investigated discrepancies between actual cash amounts on hand versus computer-generated reports of expected cash levels on a daily basis.
  • Enforced safety protocols at all times within the gaming area such as no smoking policies or age restrictions for certain games and machines.
  • Promoted positive guest relations by resolving disputes quickly and offering complimentary services.
  • Organized and managed bar staff, ensuring all employees were properly trained in safety protocols, customer service and product knowledge.
  • Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food sanitation practices and alcohol serving laws.
  • Coordinated special events taking place at the bar such as live music or trivia nights.
  • Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment, and sanitation standards.
  • Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.

Food and Beverage Attendant

Baxter Tavern
Melbourne, VICTORIA
09.2002 - 02.2006
  • Provided exceptional customer service to guests, ensuring their satisfaction with food and beverages.
  • Maintained cleanliness of the dining area and kitchen equipment in accordance with health department standards.
  • Greeted customers promptly and courteously, took orders accurately, and served food and drinks efficiently.
  • Assisted in stocking supplies such as napkins, utensils, condiments. prior to meal services.
  • Assisted other staff members in setting up banquet events according to customer requests.
  • Adhered to all safety protocols when preparing meals for customers with allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer orders.
  • Performed opening, closing duties such as setting up tables, chairs, checking equipment operation, counting money in register drawers.
  • Provided exceptional service that reflected restaurant standards and core values.
  • Compiled daily sales reports and provided insights on customer preferences and sales patterns.
  • Processed payments and handled cash, credit, and debit transactions with accuracy.
  • Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss operational improvements and customer service strategies.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely, including coffee machines and dishwashers.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.

Education

VCAL Year 12 completion -

Karingal Park Secondary College

Certificate II in Hospitality - Kitchen Operations

Chisholm Institute
Melbourne

Certificate III in Corrective Services -

Department of Corrective Services

WA Approved Managers Card -

Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor

Skills

  • Operational Efficiency Oversight
  • Employee Scheduling Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Food Service Management
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
  • Strong Organizational Abilities
  • Effective Shift Coordination
  • Restaurant Operations Expertise
  • Performance Evaluation Expertise
  • Standards Compliance Management
  • POS Operations Proficiency
  • Food Industry Expertise

References

NATALIE SAKICH 

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER 

PERTH OPERATIONS 

SSP AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 

0438998453

natalie.sakich@ssp-au.com

GLENN WATKINS 

MULTI-UNIT MANAGER 

PERTH OPERATIONS

SSP AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

0422886047

glenn.watkins@ssp-au.com

FRAN BERRY 

OWNER/OPERATOR

CHIDLOW TAVERN 

0895724154

Timeline

Multi-Unit Restaurant Manager/Multi-Site Manager

SSP Australia & New Zealand
12.2023 - Current

Restaurant Manager

Amaroo Spa & Retreat
05.2023 - 11.2023

Night Duty Manager

SSP Australia & New Zealand
12.2022 - 05.2023

Assistant General Manager/Executive Kitchen Manager

Chidlow Tavern
04.2019 - 12.2022

Senior Prison Officer/ Movements Officer

Department of Corrective Services
09.2011 - 09.2018

Food and Beverage Manager

M on the Point
02.2011 - 12.2011

Operations Manager

Bayside Bar and Bistro
06.2008 - 10.2010

Gaming Supervisor/Assistant Bar Manager/Restaurant

Baxter Tavern
02.2006 - 06.2008

Food and Beverage Attendant

Baxter Tavern
09.2002 - 02.2006

VCAL Year 12 completion -

Karingal Park Secondary College

Certificate II in Hospitality - Kitchen Operations

Chisholm Institute

Certificate III in Corrective Services -

Department of Corrective Services

WA Approved Managers Card -

Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor
AMANDA COX-PAULSON