Gemma Pollard DipWset
Perth
Summary
Over 13 years ago, I embarked on a career in the Hospitality and Service industry, quickly rising through the ranks in renowned, award-winning restaurants, where I became an integral part of the team. My journey then led me into the Super Yacht industry, where I thrived for just under a decade, providing exceptional service to high-profile dignitaries and ultra-private individuals, always maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, confidence, and efficiency. Driven by a deepening passion and growing expertise in the wine industry, I transitioned to Bordeaux, where I took on the role of Tasting Room and Marketing Manager for Château George 7. Alongside this, I pursued the WSET 4 Diploma, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and comprehensive knowledge of every facet of the wine industry
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tasting Room and Marketing Manager
Chateau George 7
04.2024 - 11.2024
- Curated exceptional tasting visits by transforming spaces with delightful food arrangements and captivating wine presentations
- Preparation for visits includes organization of seating, tasting materials (glasses, spittoons, tech sheets etc) some food prep for lunch or aperitif as well as serving in an efficient and discreet manner
- Host Visits in conjunction with Sally, the owner – Welcoming guests to the estate, giving parts of the tour (vines, winery, tasting), serving and describing wines (training provided) in English
- Supporting Wine Tourism in general – Preparing support materials (tasting sheets/technical sheets) in English, organizing, and running events at the tasting room, creating new offerings to promote visits at the winery, post-visit wine sales and follow up
- Marketing – assistance with marketing the property to anglophone audiences ie promoting the tasting room via social media/website in conjunction with the owner
- Taking on more responsibility according to experience
- Managed daily operations of the cellar door, ensuring exceptional customer service and operational procedures
- Collaborated with Château Owner to create promotional materials and campaigns for events and wine releases
- Maintain inventory management and oversee wine storage, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Bottling, harvest, overseeing fermentation, extraction techniques
- Conducted workshops on wine knowledge basics, food pairings and the Bordeaux region
Chief Stewardess
Private Super Yacht
06.2017 - 07.2023
- On board Sommelier, providing a 7* experience whilst serving a vast array of the finest wines of the world and passionately educated the guests, elevating their dining experience.
- Collaborated closely with the Head Chef on a daily basis to craft exceptional degustation menus, thoughtfully paired with fine wines.
- Constructed very large, comprehensive wine orders from around the world, consisting of 400+ bottles, working closely with the renowned Global Wine Solutions and sourcing wines locally.
- Curated and managed an extensive wine list, focusing on regional and global selections.
- Directed the maintenance of guest and crew Interior, working with many contractors throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
- Provided training and mentoring to the Interior team, fostering a positive work environment and promoted professional growth.
- Conducted wine, service and mixology training and assigned individual daily duties.
- Recruited and trained all interior employees.
- Provisioned for Guest and Crew, using global provisioning companies and sourcing locally, gaining knowledge of the best gourmet boutiques and reliable supermarkets around the world.
- Co-ordinated with the Owners on small and large purchasing requests.
- Budgeting, accounting, and forecasting on both a generous and strict budget.
- Meticulous Itinerary planning with the Captain for each guest trip, curating exceptional trip excursions and making reservations at the worlds finest restaurants and the booking of entertainment and bands.
- Catering for and understanding the importance of dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, and particular preferences.
- Organized and executed high-quality events on board, tailoring each experience to meet guest preferences.
- Created elegant and unique table displays and complex flower arrangements daily.
- Served as a key liaison between guests, management teams ashore and owner representatives involved in vessel operations.
- Gained fantastic knowledge of the best restaurants and must-see areas throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
- Managed inventory control for all interior supplies, ensuring seamless operations throughout the yacht.
- Conducted regular inspections of all areas onboard to maintain cleanliness standards at all times.
- Implemented effective communication strategies among departments to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Provided personalized concierge services to guests during their stay, arranging transportation, excursions, and reservations as needed.
- Maintained immaculate presentation of the yacht''s interior spaces, contributing to an upscale ambiance for guests.
Chalet Host
Consensio
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Implemented laundry and housekeeping schedules, ensuring the highest of standards of cleanliness and service were met at all times.
- Organized daily activities and excursions for guests, ensuring memorable experiences during their stay.
- Handled administrative tasks such as managing reservations, processing payments, and updating guest records.
- Addressed any guest concerns or issues promptly with professionalism, ensuring satisfaction throughout their stay.
- Led breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner service with a 7* service.
- Arranged parties and events with Chalet Manager and directed the operation of those.
- Daily Mixology and Wine Service with wine and food pairings.
Stewardess
Various Private Superyachts
04.2015 - 11.2016
- Gained a vast amount of knowledge and learnt the ropes of the Super yacht industry through three different Superyachts.
- Provide exceptional service for up to 12 guests on board, ensuring a high level of comfort and satisfaction at all times
- Conducted housekeeping and interior cleaning, ensuring all guest areas are pristine and prepared for each new arrival.
- During shipyard periods, meticulously and carefully maintained fine furnishings and fittings.
- Managed stock control and product inventory.
- Executed the highest level of service from dinner service, wine and mixology to table scaping, housekeeping and laundry.
- Conformed to regular security checks and watchkeeping duties when required.
Restaurant Supervisor
Star at Sancton
02.2012 - 04.2014
- Handled guest complaints professionally, resolving issues to enhance overall satisfaction levels.
- Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring consistent quality of service.
- Coordinated team members with focus on productivity, efficiency and enhancing customer experience.
- Supervised daily cash handling procedures, ensuring accurate accounting records and minimizing discrepancies.
- Monitored health and safety standards to maintain a clean, safe working environment.
- Coordinated with kitchen employees and front of house personnel to consistently drive smooth operations.
- Increased repeat business through excellent customer service, maintaining strong relationships with patrons.
Chef De Rang
1884 Dockstreet Kitchen
02.2014 - 04.2015
- Maintained a clean and organized dining environment, ensuring a positive experience for guests.
- Provided each guest with exemplary service through effective engagement, active listening and tailored wine service.
- Conducted daily inspections of table settings and dining areas to meet high-quality standards.
- Developed rapport with regular customers by remembering preferences and accommodating special requests whenever possible.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in smooth restaurant operations.
Education
WSET 4 Diploma - Wine
WISP
01.2025
Valpolicella Scholar - Wine
Valpolicella Education Program
01.2024
WSET Level 1 - Sake
WSET
12.2022
WSET 2 - Wine and Spirits
Wine Courses Barcelona
10.2018
Level 2 Certificate - Hospitality and Catering
Hull College
Hull, UK09.2012
Level 2 NVQ Diploma - Food and Beverage Service
Hull College
01.2012
Skills
- Wine Production Methods
- Grapevine Cultivation Techniques
- Quality Assurance Management
- Strategic Marketing Techniques
- Financial Accounting
- Logistics Coordination
- Interpersonal Communication Expertise
- Organizational Skills for Interior Layouts
- Project Coordination
- Interior Maintenance Management
- Interior Design Expertise
- Hiring and Employee Training
- Comprehensive Itinerary Management
- Event Management
- Coordinating Guest Activities
- Exceptional Wine Knowledge and Service
- Wine Pairing Expertise
- Service Coordination
- Floral Design Expertise
- Sophisticated Table Arrangements
- Event Design and Execution
- Financial Budgeting
- Sommelier
- Dietary Requirement Catering
- Elegant table displays
- Complex flower arrangements
Certification
- WSET Lvl 4 Diploma in Wine
- WSET Lvl 2 in Wine and Spirits
- WSET Lvl 1 in Sake
- CPD Leadership/ Management Course
- EBS Certificate of Mixology
- TSSY Floristry Course Level 2
Timeline
Tasting Room and Marketing Manager
Chateau George 7
04.2024 - 11.2024
Chief Stewardess
Private Super Yacht
06.2017 - 07.2023
Chalet Host
Consensio
11.2016 - 04.2017
Stewardess
Various Private Superyachts
04.2015 - 11.2016
Chef De Rang
1884 Dockstreet Kitchen
02.2014 - 04.2015
Restaurant Supervisor
Star at Sancton
02.2012 - 04.2014
Valpolicella Scholar - Wine
Valpolicella Education Program
WSET Level 1 - Sake
WSET
WSET 2 - Wine and Spirits
Wine Courses Barcelona
Level 2 Certificate - Hospitality and Catering
Hull College
Level 2 NVQ Diploma - Food and Beverage Service
Hull College
WSET 4 Diploma - Wine
WISP
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