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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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