Cara-Rae Curtiss
Sanctuary Point,NSW
Summary
I am currently looking to further my career within the Hospitality industry. As a seasoned Manager and All-rounder in Food and Beverage, I can offer an enthusiasm and energy that is backed by real world skills and experience, having worked in a variety of settings and service levels for 20+ years. I love inspiring my team and have a true passion for the Industry. I consider myself a down to earth, warm and personable leader, I find you get the best out of people when you lead with respect and by example.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Barista
Phoebes' Kitchen
Vincentia, NSW
11.2023 - Current
- Trained new employees on cafe policies, beverage preparation, and customer service standards to maintain a high level of performance.
- Developed a loyal customer base by fostering strong relationships and consistently delivering high-quality beverages.
- Cultivated a positive team atmosphere by setting clear expectations, recognizing achievements, and fostering open communication among staff.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while overseeing all aspects of daily café operations as Head Barista.
Duty Manager
Seafront Group
Kangaroo Island, SA
03.2023 - 10.2023
- Trained employees in essential job functions.
- Responded to customer concerns by providing friendly, knowledgeable support, and maintaining composure and professionalism.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with customers to increase loyalty, trust and satisfaction.
- Inspected stocks to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Developed and implemented new procedures and policies to improve operational productivity.
- Supported Venue Manager in delivering Food, Beverage and Gaming Services across 2 venues.
Bar and Gaming Attendant
St. Georges Basin Country Club
Sanctuary Point, NSW
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Correspondence received by Board of Directors commending my attentiveness and professionalism.
- Monitored tables to proactively anticipate guests needs
- Explained daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Greeted customers and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
- Cocktail, coffee and food service
- Organized stock levels to meet demanding trading periods throughout shift.
- Adhered to alcohol policies and procedures and complied with local and state laws.
- Monitored gaming activities in assigned area for gaming illegal actions or suspicious activities.
Au Pair
Anderson Family
Saint Albert, Canada
04.2018 - 03.2020
- Planned and guided age-appropriate tasks like reading, crafts and outdoor exercise.
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
- Transported children to and from school, medical appointments and extra-curricular activities.
- Kept children's areas neat and clean.
Front of House Supervisor
Angels Bayside Cafe and Restaurant
Huskisson, NSW
02.2017 - 03.2018
- Outstanding Customer Service Award as voted through yearly 2ST Radio competition
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, sales, and meet customer expectations.
- Till reconciliation, POS close out and independently responsible for open and close of business
- Training, hiring and managing 20+ staff
- Finding creative solutions to problems to ensure customers enjoyed seamlessly highs level of service
- Planned events from concept to completion by responding to event inquiries, establishing budgets, and designing customized menus.
- Collaborated with chefs to create seasonal menus and promotional offers.
- Stock control & Stock take, ordering, invoice receiving and payment of suppliers
Bartender
Cooee Hotel
St. Georges Basin, NSW
06.2016 - 02.2017
- Handling multiple responsibilities including but not limited to; Keno and TAB service, bartending and bottle shop service
- 1 month into employment, trusted by management to work unsupervised
- Ensuring venue was in compliance with all current Health and Safety, RSA and RCG legislation
- Effectively using POS systems
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
Restaurant and Functions Manager
St. Albert Inn & Suites
Saint Albert, Canada
01.2012 - 06.2016
- Managed 20+ staff in multiple venue spaces simultaneously, overseeing plated 5 course meals to some 300 guests, whilst achieving set sales targets in separate Restaurant space and supporting bar and other service staff
- Maintaining close community relationships & regular clientele in a much loved family run business
- Liaising with multiple departments to ensure smooth delivery of services
- Keeping high morale amongst staff in fast paced and demanding environments
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Mantra Hotel Groups
Darwin, NT
06.2010 - 11.2011
- Promoted to title of Assistant Manager after 3 months as Barista
- Maintaining Stock Levels, liaising with suppliers and general administration such as rosters, revenue reports etc
- Delivering high standards of service for various upscale functions for up to 400 people
- Monitored restaurant, function spaces operations and adjusted schedules to meet peak customer demand.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss performance and address any issues.
- Mentored team members to promote productivity, accuracy, and commitment to friendly service.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Education
Keno And MyTAB Certification
Online2022
RSA & RCG -
Services NSW
Online2021
Mantra Hotel Group Training Cert in Management & Conflict Resolution -
Mantra Hotel Group
Online 2011
National Barista Training Course (Accredited) -
TAFE Bomaderry
Bomaderry2008
Cocktail Service Training -
TAFE Bomaderry
Bomaderry2006
Higher School Certificate -
Nowra Technology High School
Nowra2003
Skills
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Dynamic, Friendly Hostess
- Full Service Restaurant Background
- Extensive food, wine, coffee and cocktail knowledge
- Multitasking Abilities
- POS System Operations
- Adaptive and Creative Leadership
- Staff training and development
Timeline
Head Barista
Phoebes' Kitchen
11.2023 - Current
Duty Manager
Seafront Group
03.2023 - 10.2023
Bar and Gaming Attendant
St. Georges Basin Country Club
12.2022 - 03.2023
Au Pair
Anderson Family
04.2018 - 03.2020
Front of House Supervisor
Angels Bayside Cafe and Restaurant
02.2017 - 03.2018
Bartender
Cooee Hotel
06.2016 - 02.2017
Restaurant and Functions Manager
St. Albert Inn & Suites
01.2012 - 06.2016
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Mantra Hotel Groups
06.2010 - 11.2011
Keno And MyTAB Certification
RSA & RCG -
Services NSW
Mantra Hotel Group Training Cert in Management & Conflict Resolution -
Mantra Hotel Group
National Barista Training Course (Accredited) -
TAFE Bomaderry
Cocktail Service Training -
TAFE Bomaderry
Higher School Certificate -
Nowra Technology High School