Joshua Nugent
Parramatta
Summary
I am an enthusiastic, driven and dynamic leader that loves creating teams and creating a great culture. I have not only elevated the dining experience at Pumphouse Sydney but has also set new standards across the entire hotel’s food and beverage operations. Over the past few years, my leadership has been defined by a focus on driving loyalty, enhancing guest experience, and fostering team development.
A standout aspect of my leadership continues to be my commitment to my team. Over the last 12 months, I have successfully retained ALL team members, a true feat in the hospitality industry, and has ensured that upper-level staff receive ongoing training and promotions. This commitment to development has created a motivated and high-performing team, driving service excellence.
I have an innovative mindset that is also focused on forging meaningful partnerships and hosting impactful events. In 2024 this included the Gin Tasting Dinner held during Vivid Sydney in partnership with Manly Spirits, as well as being Brand USA House for SXSW for the second year in a row. I excel on helping develop events and activation moments that strengthen Pumphouse’s & Novotel’s reputation as a dynamic venue that goes beyond just dining, but positions it as a destination. Professional food and beverage leader with comprehensive background in operational efficiency and service excellence. Known for fostering collaborative environments and consistently achieving high standards. Recognized ability to adapt to dynamic needs and drive team success through effective communication and problem-solving.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Food & Beverage Manager
Novotel Sydney Darling Square
12.2023 - Current
- The Management of all food and beverage outlets within the hotel consisting of restaurant, in room dining, mini bar, club lounge and the hotel bar
- This involves all facets of associate management, revenue driving and maximizing profitability
- Manage, coach, develop and provide guidance to supervisors and team leaders
- Driving the food and beverage team to deliver a high quality and professional customer service to both internal and external customers
- The recruitment of supervisors, casual and fulltime associates
- Performance management of associates including, coaching and counseling, formal warnings and termination
- Provide support and advise to the Food & Beverage Manager
- Managing our Point of sale system Simphony (MICROS)
- HACCP - implementation and maintenance of the food safety system to meet audit criteria
- This involves maintenance of documentation and training of staff
- Looking after high profile guests such as the Australian Rugby Union Team, Socceroos, NSW State of Origin Team, AFL and NRL teams
- This requires a sound understanding of their needs, high level of professionalism and ensuring this is instilled throughout the whole team
- Making sure that WH&S is adhered to throughout the Food & Beverage team
- Contribute to operational and strategic planning particularly in regards to the review, development and improvement of policies, processes and procedures related to food and beverage outlets
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Organized successful special events that contributed to increased sales figures.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of serving employees.
- Coordinated with vendors to secure competitive pricing on ingredients, supplies, and equipment.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
- Assisted in financial management tasks such as budget planning, forecasting revenue projections, and monitoring expenses closely.
- Collaborated with chefs and kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food preparation and timely delivery to customers.
Venue Manager
Pumphouse Sydney (Novotel Sydney Darling Square)
09.2022 - 12.2023
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and timely resolution of issues.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times.
- Evaluated customer feedback on a regular basis to identify areas for improvement within venue operations and implemented necessary changes accordingly.
- Supervised events from start to finish using effective crowd control methods.
- Implemented and enforced safety policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps.
- Implemented inventory control measures for venue supplies and equipment to reduce waste and improve cost management.
- Maintained updated knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and market demands to inform strategic decisions about future event offerings at the venue.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Increased event bookings by developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and vendors.
- Increased repeat business by consistently providing exceptional customer service to clients throughout the planning process, event execution, and post-event followup.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality products and services for events.
- Collaborated with marketing team to promote the venue through social media campaigns, resulting in increased brand awareness.
- Streamlined venue operations for better efficiency and cost reduction by implementing new management systems.
Assistant Venue Manager
Pumphouse Sydney (Novotel Sydney Darling Square)
11.2021 - 09.2022
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Pumphouse Sydney (Novotel Sydney Darling Square)
11.2020 - 11.2021
Restaurant & Bar Manager
PARKROYAL Parramatta
05.2005 - 11.2020
- Senior Food & Beverage Supervisor
- Food & Beverage Supervisor
- Notable Achievements:
- Employee of the year 2015
- Finalist AHA awards for Best Bar 2011
- Finalist HM Awards Food & Beverage associate 2014
- Successful restructuring of the food and beverage department to one team and driving to achieve new key goals
- Secondment to Crowne Plaza Torquay to assist their Food and Beverage Team
- Part of the re-branding team for PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport
- Requested by PARKROYAL Darling Harbour to restructure their MICROS systems
- Successful re-organising of all outlets after the renovation project at PARKROYAL Parramatta
- Creating and maintaining a guest focused culture
- Being the 'ideas person' for improving our outlets through procedures and capex projects
Pumphouse Bar and Restaurant Manager
Pumphouse Novotel Rockford
12.2004 - 05.2005
- Reporting to Food & Beverage Manager
Assistant Manager
Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour
07.2004 - 12.2004
- Reporting to Executive Operations Manager
Banquet Operations Manager
Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour
03.2002 - 07.2004
Bar & Gaming Lounge Supervisor
Landmark PARKROYAL
07.1996 - 12.2001
- Food & Beverage Team Leader
- Cocktail Bar Attendant
- Food & Beverage Attendant
Skills
- Food and beverage operations
- Cost control
- Wine pairing
- Menu development
Accreditations
- Advanced Licensee Certificate from 2025
- Train the trainer
- Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate
- Responsible Conduct of Gaming Certificate
- SPHC Supervisory One on One Training
- BASS Leadership Development Program
- Hunter Valley Wine appreciation Course
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Improving Performance Through Management
- Injury Management
- Cocktail Preparation and Service with Suntory
- Constructing the Operational Building Blocks of Successful Compliance Seminar
- Leadership development program
Timeline
Food & Beverage Manager
Novotel Sydney Darling Square
12.2023 - Current
Venue Manager
Pumphouse Sydney (Novotel Sydney Darling Square)
09.2022 - 12.2023
Assistant Venue Manager
Pumphouse Sydney (Novotel Sydney Darling Square)
11.2021 - 09.2022
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Pumphouse Sydney (Novotel Sydney Darling Square)
11.2020 - 11.2021
Restaurant & Bar Manager
PARKROYAL Parramatta
05.2005 - 11.2020
Pumphouse Bar and Restaurant Manager
Pumphouse Novotel Rockford
12.2004 - 05.2005
Assistant Manager
Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour
07.2004 - 12.2004
Banquet Operations Manager
Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour
03.2002 - 07.2004
Bar & Gaming Lounge Supervisor
Landmark PARKROYAL
07.1996 - 12.2001
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