Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Availability And Career Goals
Timeline
Generic

Ashlee Watson

Brisbane

Summary

Experienced and adaptable Hospitality Manager with 18 years of cross-functional experience in operational leadership, culinary operations, front-of-house service, event coordination, and compliance. Proven ability to manage complex hospitality environments, lead high-performing teams, optimize operations, and exceed financial KPIs. Recognized for strong interpersonal skills, a hands-on leadership approach, and a deep understanding of food safety and regulatory standards.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Canteen Operations Manager

Cove Catering
01.2023 - Current
  • Managed operations across multiple Queensland government educational sites.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.

Operational Catering Manager

Compass Group
01.2021 - 01.2023

Brisbane Girls Grammar (Chartwells sector)

  • Led day-to-day operations with a focus on compliance, service quality, and team performance.
  • Coached chefs and managers to meet brand standards and optimize presentation and service.
  • Supported financial management including KPIs and P&L performance.
  • Conducted onboarding and advanced food safety/allergen training for all staff.
  • Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
  • Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
  • Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
  • Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
  • Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.

Catering Unit Manager

Compass Group
07.2018 - 01.2021

Werribee Open Range Zoo (Restaurant Associates Sector)

  • Directing operations of five food and beverage outlets, leading a team of over 45 staff to ensure high service standards and operational efficency.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to promote the catering unit''s services effectively across various platforms and networks.
  • Increased revenue by developing new menu options and marketing strategies for the catering unit.
  • Managed numerous successful events of varying sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions, showcasing the catering unit''s versatility and expertise.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing on supplies, reducing overall costs.

Store Manager

FIG (Fresh Is Good)
06.2016 - 07.2018
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.

Kitchen Manager

Jimmy Grants
03.2014 - 06.2016
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.

Assistant Kitchen Supervisor

Hogs Breath Cafe
12.2012 - 03.2014
  • Ensured timely delivery of meals by coordinating between front-of-house staff and the kitchen team for smooth service operations.
  • Managed food costs by accurately portioning ingredients and minimizing waste during meal preparation.
  • Assisted in the recruitment and hiring process for kitchen staff by conducting interviews, reviewing applications, and providing input on candidate selection.
  • Contributed to the establishment''s positive reputation by consistently providing high-quality dishes that met or exceeded guest expectations.
  • Improve workflow efficiency within the kitchen by redesigning workspace layouts or introducing new tools that streamlined tasks.
  • Oversaw equipment maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and maintain a productive working environment.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Management

William Angliss Institute
Melbourne, VIC
01.2010

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC
10-2015

Misc
Various

VCE Year 12 Completion -

Santa Maria College
01.2006

Skills

  • Operational & Staff Management
  • Financial & KPI Accountability
  • Food Safety & Allergen Compliance
  • Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management
  • Event & Function Coordination
  • Staff Recruitment, Training & Retention
  • Business Development & Marketing Strategy
  • Workplace Health & Safety
  • Team leadership
  • Problem-solving

Personal Information

Date of Birth: 03/17/88

Availability And Career Goals

  • Seeking Full-Time Employment
  • Immediate Start | Preferred Mon - Fri work
  • Interested in Leadership Opportunities & Career Progression

Timeline

Canteen Operations Manager

Cove Catering
01.2023 - Current

Operational Catering Manager

Compass Group
01.2021 - 01.2023

Catering Unit Manager

Compass Group
07.2018 - 01.2021

Store Manager

FIG (Fresh Is Good)
06.2016 - 07.2018

Kitchen Manager

Jimmy Grants
03.2014 - 06.2016

Assistant Kitchen Supervisor

Hogs Breath Cafe
12.2012 - 03.2014

VCE Year 12 Completion -

Santa Maria College

Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Management

William Angliss Institute

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Victoria University

Misc
Ashlee Watson