Shaun Brown
Hobart
Summary
Highly driven and customer-oriented General Manager with over 10 years of experience within the Applejack Hospitality group in Sydney, across various venue types. Adaptive, ambitious, and deadline-oriented, with a strong capacity to plan and execute multiple projects within high-stress environments.
Passionate and meticulous leader with a drive to empower others to succeed.
Firmly believes that a successful venue requires an exciting product, a refined atmosphere, and a harmonious team culture. Years of experience in operations and financial controls have provided a comprehensive understanding of how to optimise these elements, allowing venues to stand out from the competition.
Currently studying (Counselling Diploma) part-time with the hope of translating these skills across to the hospitality industry, aiming to create a better work environment for both employees and guests ongoing.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
RAFI
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Coordinated launch of new flagship restaurant for Applejack Hospitality, resulting in the acquiring of a Good Food Guide 'Chef Hat Award' within first two weeks of opening. Award was retained after the first year of trade.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
General Manager/ Licensee
Forrester's Hotel
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Coordinated the takeover and relaunch of iconic Surry Hills pub in between the two Covid lockdowns
- Daily financial controls & budgetary management, leading to a healthy venue performance.
- Responsible for the execution of daily operations.
- Planning & executing of marketing opportunities & promotional events to enhance venue reputation.
- Lead the development & training of junior colleagues, allowing a clear route to management progression.
- Implemented annual sales increases, despite negative influence of restrictions & lockdowns.
General Manager/ Licensee
SoCal Sydney
01.2018 - 09.2020
- Established clear performance goals & metrics for revenue, P&L, customer service & customer retention.
- Designed sales & service strategies to improve revenue and repeat business.
- Consistently achieved monthly budget targets, across sales, labour & gross profit % across departments.
- Recruited applicants for vacancies to fill open positions with qualified staff.
- Managed daily operations within the Restaurant, along with processes for reservations, budgeting & forecasting.
- Achieved multiple venue records for both daily & weekly revenue figures.
General Manager/ Licensee
Della Hyde
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Transformed an under-performing cocktail bar into a wildly popular late-night venue.
- Consistently complied with company policies, government regulations & licensing procedures within a 'high-risk' venue.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems & procedures.
- Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage & labour costs daily, whilst also shrinking expenses.
- Oversaw & led recruitment processes across all departments.
Bar Manager
The Botanist
09.2014 - 01.2016
- Consistently achieved gross profit targets for the Beverage department; through detailed stock-takes & improved ordering processes.
- Menu development and creation, across Beers, Wines & Cocktails.
- Led bar training programs and development of staff.
- Increased revenue by promoting additional products and beverage specials.
- Pursued training opportunities to advance mixology knowledge and refine understanding of beer, wine and liquor.
General Manager
Arc Inspirations
01.2012 - 07.2013
- First experience within senior management position in Hospitality.
- Introduction to the intricacies of financial controls, stock management & expense optimization.
Education
Diploma - Counselling
Institute of Applied Psychology
Online05-2026
Cert IV Leadership & Management -
Australian College of Higher Studies
02.2022
WSET Level 2 -
WSET
10.2012
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Psychology
Leeds University
06.2010
Skills
- Profit & loss accountability
- Budgeting & cost control strategies
- Communication skills
- Customer experiences
- Staff training & development
- Compliance & Legislation
- Proficient in computer skills
- Leadership and team building
Timeline
General Manager
RAFI
08.2022 - 05.2024
General Manager/ Licensee
Forrester's Hotel
09.2020 - 08.2022
General Manager/ Licensee
SoCal Sydney
01.2018 - 09.2020
General Manager/ Licensee
Della Hyde
01.2016 - 01.2018
Bar Manager
The Botanist
09.2014 - 01.2016
General Manager
Arc Inspirations
01.2012 - 07.2013
WSET Level 2 -
WSET
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Psychology
Leeds University
Diploma - Counselling
Institute of Applied Psychology
Cert IV Leadership & Management -
Australian College of Higher Studies
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