Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Walker

Newtown,NSW

Summary

With nearly nine years of experience in supply chain planning and operations, including six years in a managerial role, I've led teams across freight, logistics, and customer service, driving performance and managing operations. I've worked with a wide range of stakeholders-3PL providers, contractors, engineers, and international shipping lines-giving me a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain process. Customer service has always been at the core of my approach, ensuring client needs are met efficiently while maintaining high service standards. My leadership style focuses on empowering teams by providing the tools, guidance, and trust they need to succeed, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. I also adapt quickly to new systems, processes, and regulations, driving continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Since relocating to Sydney, I've managed the floor of two restaurants. I thrive in the fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoy the social, people-focused aspect of the role. I believe this experience has further enhanced my ability to connect with people, a skill I can transfer across many industries and roles.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Restaurant Floor Manager

Vasco
02.2024 - 12.2024
  • Overseeing floor staff and providing ongoing training and support
  • Administrative duties including staff rostering, stock ordering and end-of-day financial reporting
  • Managing bookings and private functions
  • Ensuring customer dining experience exceeds expectations, including catering to dietary restrictions and special requests
  • Food standard quality control, adhering to RSA regulations
  • Fostered teamwork among staff members through clear communication of goals, expectations, and responsibilities.
  • Fostering a cohesive floor staff and kitchen staff relationship
  • Assisted in revenue growth by contributing innovative ideas for menu development, promotions, and special events.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, leading to repeat business and positive reviews.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient floor management strategies and maintaining a clean, inviting dining environment.

Restaurant floor Manager

L'uva
09.2022 - 12.2023
  • Managing floor staff and training new team members to meet our service standards
  • Ensuring staff are confident in their wine and menu knowledge, dietary requirements, weekly specials, and the responsible sale of alcohol
  • Manage bookings and booking enquiries, as well as planning and hosting functions
  • Always providing an incredible dining experience with impeccable service and attention to detail
  • Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of high-quality meals during peak periods.
  • Maintained strong relationships with guests by addressing their needs in a timely and personalized manner, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.

Operations Manager/Freight Planner

KiwiRail
06.2016 - 04.2022
  • Company Overview: A major rail and logistics operator in New Zealand
  • Logistical forecasting and precise scheduling to meet strict KPI's, adhering to a multitude of processes with accurate record keeping including internal standard operating procedures to legally enforced regulations
  • In-depth knowledge of MPI regulations and procedures, risk management, dangerous goods, rail and road transport as well as maritime operations
  • Responsible for the planning, unloading, and reloading of KiwiRail, MetroPort and Ports of Auckland freight trains
  • Transporting the vast majority of Fonterra export products Internationally
  • Liaising with the world's largest shipping lines daily to deliver the most profitable results and time-effective delivery for their stakeholders
  • In charge of the operational management of New Zealand's largest inland port where I was directly responsible for the safety of all staff, contractors, and the general public
  • This required constant attention to detail in the working environment, monitoring human capabilities, and resources at all times
  • Managing the in-office gate team with over 25 rotating staff which included observing development and facilitating training
  • Overseeing yard staff and machine operators, allocating tasks and utilising human resources
  • Resolving disputes with first contact resolution
  • 24/7 rotating team rostering, payroll approval and leave requests, fatigue management and overtime budgeting
  • Implication of the E-Gate container booking system in conjunction with Container Chain
  • A major rail operator in New Zealand
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
  • Increased profit by streamlining operations.

Gate-in Officer, Planning and Coordination

KiwiRail
06.2013 - 09.2016
  • Company Overview: A major rail and logistics operator in New Zealand
  • Managing the gate-in/gate-out process of import and export containers via truck and rail
  • Processing customs, dangerous goods, and meeting government regulations
  • Extensive dangerous goods knowledge and handling
  • Allocating jobs to container terminal operators
  • Responsible for all refrigerated containers under KiwiRail and MetroPort care
  • Physically plugging in/unplugging refrigerated containers and monitoring to ensure they are running correctly
  • Noticing faults and calling out technicians whilst maintaining records for MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries)
  • Setting up large generators and establishing safe work areas
  • Maintaining and developing my understanding of yard operations and road transport regulations
  • One-on-one training of recent graduates and new team members
  • Reporting directly to the Operations Team leader
  • Hazard prevention, reporting and resolving as part of the HASAT team
  • Unparalleled communication skills via phone, email, and radio communications were a key part of my role (also as ops manager)
  • A major rail operator in New Zealand

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Operational efficiency
  • Multi-tasking strength
  • Employee relations and conflict resolution
  • Planning and implementation
  • Staff training
  • Staff management
  • Policies and procedures implementation
  • Client relationships
  • Work flow planning
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Logistics management
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Sales maximizing

Certification

  • Risk Management (RMP)
  • Excel - Level 1 & 2
  • Extensive experience with all Microsoft applications
  • Back to Basics Leadership - Levels 1, 2 & 3
  • S.T.A.R Communication Skills Training
  • Just and Fair Culture Training
  • Appointed Women's Delegate for the Rail Maritime Union NZ
  • Proficient in CTMS, AMICUS, SPARCS, N4 and IRIS.
  • Dangerous Goods handling and processing Certificate
  • Health and Safety Action Tools member (HASAT)
  • Full NSW Drivers License

Timeline

Restaurant Floor Manager

Vasco
02.2024 - 12.2024

Restaurant floor Manager

L'uva
09.2022 - 12.2023

Operations Manager/Freight Planner

KiwiRail
06.2016 - 04.2022

Gate-in Officer, Planning and Coordination

KiwiRail
06.2013 - 09.2016
  • Risk Management (RMP)
  • Excel - Level 1 & 2
  • Extensive experience with all Microsoft applications
  • Back to Basics Leadership - Levels 1, 2 & 3
  • S.T.A.R Communication Skills Training
  • Just and Fair Culture Training
  • Appointed Women's Delegate for the Rail Maritime Union NZ
  • Proficient in CTMS, AMICUS, SPARCS, N4 and IRIS.
  • Dangerous Goods handling and processing Certificate
  • Health and Safety Action Tools member (HASAT)
  • Full NSW Drivers License
Rachel Walker