Val Bentley
Wollongong,NSW
Summary
CAREER OBJECTIVE: To forge a purposeful new career in support care using my extensive employment & life skills in an environment that is innovative, people/client focused & keen to build on its strengths. In the field of support care I can apply my current skill base while continuing to learn.
I'd like to work for an organisation where my experience & attributes will be recognised & utilised, where I can contribute to other people's lives in a meaningful way & also contribute to the success of the business objectives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Debutant Dining
12.2022 - 01.2024
- Improved overall customer satisfaction by implementing new service standards and staff training programs.
- Increased restaurant revenue by optimizing table turnover rates and enhancing menu offerings.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Reduced staff turnover rate with effective leadership, open communication, and employee development opportunities.
- Enhanced guest experience by regularly reviewing feedback and implementing necessary improvements.
- Collaborated with the executive chef on menu development, ensuring diverse options that catered to various dietary needs.
- Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
- Coordinated catering services for private events, delivering memorable experiences while maximizing profits.
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
Pavillion Group
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by streamlining food and beverage operations and implementing quality control measures.
- Reduced operational costs through diligent inventory management and vendor negotiations.
- Increased revenue with targeted marketing initiatives and innovative menu development.
- Managed staff scheduling, training, and performance evaluations to maintain a high level of service excellence.
- Coordinated special events and promotions to boost restaurant visibility and attract new patrons.
- Implemented safety protocols for staff and guests, ensuring compliance with local health regulations.
- Collaborated with the executive chef on seasonal menu changes, balancing guest preferences with cost efficiency.
- Optimized dining room layout and seating arrangements to maximize capacity during peak hours.
- Established a positive work environment that fostered teamwork, communication, and employee retention among staff members.
- Spearheaded staff training programs in customer service techniques, increasing guest loyalty rates over time.
- Assisted in the development of private dining options for large parties or corporate events, resulting in increased bookings revenue.
- Monitored social media platforms for feedback from guests to address concerns promptly while promoting positive reviews.
- Fostered an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual support among all departmental staff, contributing to a harmonious and productive work environment.
- Trained food and beverage service personnel, confirming staff to provide recommendations and answer questions.
- Resolved customer complaints involving food or beverage quality and service.
Salon Coordinator (part-time)
The Facialist
02.2019 - 05.2021
- Improved salon efficiency by streamlining appointment scheduling and client management processes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with prompt and courteous service at the front desk.
- Managed inventory levels for salon products, ensuring adequate stock to meet client needs.
- Assisted stylists with client consultations, ensuring a clear understanding of desired services and outcomes.
- Resolved client concerns professionally and promptly, fostering positive relationships and repeat business.
- Ensured cleanliness of the salon by overseeing regular maintenance tasks and adhering to hygienic practices.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between appointments by coordinating stylist availability and managing wait times effectively.
- Provided exceptional support to both stylists and clients alike during high-volume periods such as holidays or special events.
- Greeted patrons upon arrival at salon, offering prompt, courteous service.
- Scheduled appointments by phone, email and in person and recommended additional services.
- Upsold salon products and services to customers through effective communication and successful marketing methods.
Venue Manager
Juniper
10.2018 - 05.2021
- Increased event bookings by developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and vendors.
- Streamlined venue operations for better efficiency and cost reduction by implementing new management systems.
- 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.
- Improved revenue generation by creating unique event packages tailored to the needs of different client segments.
- Established positive working relationships with local authorities such as police departments and licensing boards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Supervised events from start to finish using effective crowd control methods.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Assisted with public relations by participating in community events, which helped to draw in new business and patrons.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Cafe Manager
Barlissimo
01.2017 - 10.2018
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient service procedures and staff training programs.
- Streamlined cafe operations for increased efficiency and reduced waste, with thorough inventory management.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling, task delegation, and performance evaluations.
- Established a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the cafe.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations by implementing strict sanitation protocols and employee training initiatives.
- Expanded menu offerings to cater to diverse dietary preferences, enhancing overall customer satisfaction rates.
- Delivered excellent customer service experiences by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Fostered a positive work environment through open communication channels and collaborative problem-solving approaches.
- Increased repeat business by implementing loyalty programs and offering exceptional customer experiences consistently.
- Kept staff motivated with regular feedback sessions, recognition of achievements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Worked closely with kitchen staff to ensure menu items were prepared efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
- Oversaw daily cafe operations to maintain smooth workflow in both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
- Collaborated on special event planning for the café such as themed nights or holiday promotions.
Disability Employment Consultant/Case Manager
Essential Employment & Training
05.2012 - 10.2017
- Enhanced client employability by developing customized job search strategies and providing effective resume writing assistance.
- Collaborated with local employers to create employment opportunities for disabled clients, fostering strong relationships within the community.
- Implemented comprehensive vocational assessments to identify client strengths, skill sets, and career interests, enabling the development of tailored employment plans.
- Provided ongoing support and coaching to clients during their job search process, resulting in successful employment placements.
- Assisted clients in overcoming barriers to employment through individualized coaching sessions that addressed specific challenges and needs.
- Organized workshops and training sessions focusing on essential skills like interviewing techniques, workplace etiquette, and conflict resolution, leading to increased client confidence in navigating the job market.
- Monitored client progress throughout the entire employment process, adapting strategies as needed to maximize success rates in securing sustainable work placements.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all services provided to clients while adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies.
- Provided ongoing support to employed clients through regular check-ins, addressing any workplace issues or concerns as they arose to maintain stable employment.
- Continuously expanded professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and industry events focused on best practices in disability employment services.
- Communicated and exchanged information with assigned case manager and other team members involved with assigned participants.
- Monitored participant's progress and provided encouragement and motivation to succeed.
- Interviewed participants and other supports to determine interests, desires, barriers and skills.
- Conducted assessments, interviews, and job trials with clients to develop person-centered plans for employment and support.
- Led job readiness and career-building workshops to uplift client confidence.
- Advised clients on job searching, interviewing and resume writing techniques to increase employment chances.
- Recognized client employment barriers and devised strategies to resolve.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSWNo Degree - Community Services, Cert IV in Employment Services
Work Savvy Pty Ltd
Sydney, NSWNo Degree - First Aid + CPR
CBD College
Wollongong, NSWSkills
- Staff Management
- Customer Engagement
- Catering Coordination
- Customer loyalty
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Recruitment
- Schedule Coordination
- Point of Sale (POS) system operation
- Team Management
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Organization and prioritization
- Customer-Oriented
- Supervisory skills
Accomplishments
Employment Award
* From Essential Employment & Training
INNOVATION & ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
2015 & 2016
Second Language
Conversational in Greek
Voluntary Work
* Greek Welfare Centre
Weekly (prior to COVID 19)
Referees
Lorraine Mercuri, Owner, The Pavillion Group
0407 780 870
Angus Dawson, Health Infrastructure/Part-owner of Juniper
0418 645 907
Matt Spence, Manager, Essential Employment & Training
0422 643 157
Additional Information
* Own car comprehensively insured
* Current ABN
* Extensive availability
* Keen to expand education/skill set
* Physically fit & enjoy being active
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Debutant Dining
12.2022 - 01.2024
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
Pavillion Group
05.2021 - 12.2022
Salon Coordinator (part-time)
The Facialist
02.2019 - 05.2021
Venue Manager
Juniper
10.2018 - 05.2021
Cafe Manager
Barlissimo
01.2017 - 10.2018
Disability Employment Consultant/Case Manager
Essential Employment & Training
05.2012 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities
University of Wollongong
No Degree - Community Services, Cert IV in Employment Services
Work Savvy Pty Ltd
No Degree - First Aid + CPR
CBD College
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