Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Derek Rowlinson

Queanbeyan,Australia

Summary

General Services Manager with extensive experience in operational management and client relations at Medirest. Proven expertise in financial management, leading a team of 122 to exceed service standards and foster growth. Acknowledged for promoting collaboration and continuous improvement in high-pressure settings.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

General Services Manager – North Canberra Hospital

Medirest
Canberra, Australia
09.2017 - Current
  • Accountable for leading the Hospital Operational Teams to drive the desired Compass Group culture for the purpose of successfully achieving financial results and managing the relationships with clients and staff.
  • To translate strategic priorities into operational reality and oversee activities to ensure that the standards of quality, cost, safety, and performance are consistently observed and achieved, and that the business is managed commercially in line with net growth and retention targets.
  • Develop operational and leadership capability within the Hospitals Team to provide exceptional service to the client and to drive efficiency and growth.
  • Cultivate productive working relationships at all levels, which support the nurturing of internal and external relationships; facilitate cooperation, trust, and respect; values differences and diversity; and guide, mentor and focus on development of people.
  • Responsible a team of 122 catering and cleaning service staff across both North Canberra Hospital and Clare Holland House.
  • To proactively review operational plans for the Hospital in line with the client expectations and agreed deliverables.
  • Major stakeholder in Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations and renegotiations for both Food and Cleaning Services.
  • Provided direction pertaining to reports on monitoring and close out of actions arising from all internal and external audits and reviews.
  • To create an environment which facilitated the sharing and effective utilisation of professional knowledge and skills, including obtaining and utilising relevant input of professional advice from others.

Unit Manager - Thomas Embling Forensic Hospital

Medirest
Melbourne, Australia
04.2015 - 09.2017
  • The primary focus of this role was to work cooperatively with clinical services for the effective assessment, treatment, and management of forensic patients to ensure and maintain a safe working environment of a 116-bed high security facility.
  • To manage key stakeholder relationships to maintain an open and constructive relationship with clients.
  • Facilitate open communication and collaborative problem solving through regular contact with all stakeholders; acting as a conduit to ensure individual, team and organisational goal achievement and continuous improvement.
  • To ensure appropriate actions were taken to implement quality, health, safety, food safety and environment policies, associated procedures, and legislative requirements.
  • High level stakeholder client negotiation and relationship building to strive for best outcomes for the hospital and patients.
  • Staff mentoring and development with the focus on continual improvement.
  • Change Management focusing on the four principles of understanding, planning, implementation, and communication.

Site Manager – Calvary Public and Private Hospital and Clare Holland House

Medirest
ACT/NSW, Australia
03.2010 - 03.2015
  • Responsible for all facets of the daily running operation of the business.
  • Execute effective initiatives and programs to deliver standardised, optimised, and effective financial and service growth performance.
  • Cook-chill production kitchen to service 750 public and private patients per day.
  • Key responsibilities included profit and loss reporting, management, and training and development of over 90 staff members in Customer Service, Food Safety, OH&S, and Special Diets.
  • Area support in training and compliance as part of multi – Aged Care Site mobilisation roll out across Central West NSW and ACT; from March 2010 to September 2010.
  • Implementation of Steamplicity meal service system as part of an eight-month project at Balmain Hospital.

Catering Manager Calvary Retirement Community

Medirest
ACT, Australia
01.2009 - 03.2010
  • Managed catering for 100 residents, ensuring quality service in low care, high care, and extra services sectors.
  • Focused on client liaison, financial performance, and staff training in compliance with Aged Care legislation.
  • Promoted quality of life through Resident/Family meetings and special events..

Training/ Patient Services Manager at Calvary Hospital

Medirest
ACT, Australia
02.2008 - 01.2009
  • Ensured high patient satisfaction through effective customer service and compliance documentation.
  • Trained staff on food handling regulations and in-house ordering systems.

Key Account Manager

Medirest
NSW, Australia
11.2007 - 02.2008
  • Managed client relationships across 7 sites, implementing policies to enhance service delivery.
  • Restructured food service teams to align with strategic goals, focusing on performance improvement.

Relief Site Manager

Medirest
NSW, Australia
10.2005 - 11.2007
  • Facilitated client liaison, reporting, and operational duties during Site Managers' absences.
  • Adapted rapidly to diverse environments while upholding company policies and procedures.

Executive Head Chef

Pennant Hills Bowling Club
NSW, Australia
02.2005 - 10.2005
  • Bistro and Function food development and production.
  • Hands-on cooking position in a very fast-paced working environment.
  • Position tested all aspects of catering, including, production, menu costing and pricing, stock control, purchasing, promotions, special functions and theme days.

Chef de Partie (Casual)

Radissons Hotels and Suites
, Australia
05.2002 - 02.2005
  • Progressed from kitchen-hand to Head Chef, overseeing a la carte and function kitchens.
  • Developed menus for high-profile events, including David Jones Flower Shows and seasonal celebrations.

Head Chef

Park Terrace Restaurant – David Jones
Sydney, Australia
05.1997 - 02.2005
  • Achieved Head Chef title after eight years of dedicated service in culinary roles.
  • Managed a la carte and function kitchens, providing catering for department store clients.
  • Developed unique menus for high-profile events including David Jones Flower Shows and fashion parades.
  • Executed catering services for special occasions such as carols by candlelight and the Christmas Cave.

Skills

Operational and financial management

Problem-solving and compliance oversight

Risk and change management

People management and conflict resolution

Business development and project management

Recruitment and team building

Quality assurance and health safety compliance

Client relationship and stakeholder engagement

Business reporting

Accomplishments

  • WINNER NSW/ACT Star Awards, 2024, GROWTH AWARD
  • WINNER Victorian Star Awards, 2017, SITE/ UNIT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

References

  • Eric Gadsden, Medirest General Manager Healthcare, Retired, 0407 091 900
  • David Bourke, Medirest General Manager Hospitals, Resigned, 0436 644 694
  • Kate Murray, North Canberra Hospital Corporate Administration Services Manager, 02 6201 6692, 0410 017 835
  • Ray Chandler, Compass-Group (Australia) Pty Ltd Mobilisation Manager - Hospitals, 0408 671 451
  • Richard Katt, Medirest General Manager Hospitals, Resigned, 0436 820 177

Timeline

General Services Manager – North Canberra Hospital

Medirest
09.2017 - Current

Unit Manager - Thomas Embling Forensic Hospital

Medirest
04.2015 - 09.2017

Site Manager – Calvary Public and Private Hospital and Clare Holland House

Medirest
03.2010 - 03.2015

Catering Manager Calvary Retirement Community

Medirest
01.2009 - 03.2010

Training/ Patient Services Manager at Calvary Hospital

Medirest
02.2008 - 01.2009

Key Account Manager

Medirest
11.2007 - 02.2008

Relief Site Manager

Medirest
10.2005 - 11.2007

Executive Head Chef

Pennant Hills Bowling Club
02.2005 - 10.2005

Chef de Partie (Casual)

Radissons Hotels and Suites
05.2002 - 02.2005

Head Chef

Park Terrace Restaurant – David Jones
05.1997 - 02.2005

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Derek Rowlinson