Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Kavanagh

Enniscorthy Wexford,Wexford

Summary

Quick-thinking Catering Manager with 35 years of experience in leadership roles. Dynamic motivator with success at streamlining day to day operations with eyes on larger profit goals. Outstanding eye for detail and high standards of organisation.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Hospital Catering Manager

HSE East
Wexford, County Wexford
05.1988 - 05.2023
  • Managed all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow.
  • Enhanced team efficiency with consistent training programmes.
  • Implemented effective waste management strategies, reducing overall costs.
  • Upheld hygiene and safety regulations through regular checks and audits.
  • Collaborated closely with chefs to create innovative menu items, enhancing client satisfaction rates.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings for improved communication within the team.
  • Assessed equipment requirements periodically, ensuring optimal functionality at all times.
  • Hired and managed catering staff to perform best practices and quality standards.
  • Supervised food preparation for events, assessing for quality, proper plating and portioning.
  • Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
  • Handled day-to-day scheduling, ordering food and planning events to support catering logistics.
  • Recorded ingredients and quantity of catering supplies to maintain accurate inventory.
  • Maintained outstanding hygiene levels for optimised customer safety and continued regulatory compliance.
  • Resolved complaints calmly and professionally to achieve positive customer outcomes.
  • Led by example in providing customers with attentive, professional restaurant service.
  • Prepared rotas to achieve stable coverage while minimising payroll costs.

Catering supervisor

UCD Dublin
Dublin, Dublin
03.1982 - 07.1985
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing excellent food and service.
  • Maintained cleanliness in all catering areas for a safe and hygienic work environment.
  • Streamlined workflow with efficient planning, resulting in smooth operations.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of food orders.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly, ensuring their satisfaction.
  • Trained new staff members in company procedures to maintain service standards.
  • Implemented health and safety regulations diligently for a secure working environment.
  • Led team meetings effectively, fostering good communication amongst staff members.
  • Managed staffing schedules efficiently to avoid any service disruptions.
  • Developed relationships with clients through professional and courteous behaviour.
  • Supervised performance of catering team closely for consistent service quality.
  • Ensured compliance with local food safety laws at all times.
  • Resolved conflicts within the team swiftly, promoting a harmonious work atmosphere.

Education

Certificate of Higher Education - Catering Management

Catering Management Cathal Brugha FET College.
Dublin Ireland
01.1994 - 01.1996

Certificate in Health and Safety in the Workplace - Health and Safety

Waterford Inistute
Waterford
09.1996 - 09.1997

Certificates - HSELAND Training

HSELAND
Wexford, County Wexford
05.2024 - 11.2024

Skills

  • Staff rostering
  • HACCP certification
  • Recipe modification
  • Quality control orientation
  • Menu development creativity
  • Food presentation aptitude
  • resourceful problem-solving
  • Knowledge of dietary restrictions
  • Customer Service
  • Calm under pressure
  • Client liason
  • Food allergy and special diet meals
  • Food preparations
  • Menu planning
  • Food Hygiene trained
  • Food safety awareness
  • Portion/quality control
  • Nutrition planning
  • Nutritional advice
  • Waste reduction techniques
  • Staff management
  • Food stock control
  • Catering staff planning
  • Staff supervision
  • Team building
  • Staff training
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Food safety compliance
  • Safe food handling

Affiliations

  • Gardening,Swimming,Walking and Reading.

Certification

Certificates in:

Interviewing Skills,

GDPR,

Manual Handling,

Cyber Security,

Childrens First,

HACCP Management,

Food Hygeine,

Fire Training,




Timeline

Certificates - HSELAND Training

HSELAND
05.2024 - 11.2024

Certificate in Health and Safety in the Workplace - Health and Safety

Waterford Inistute
09.1996 - 09.1997

Certificate of Higher Education - Catering Management

Catering Management Cathal Brugha FET College.
01.1994 - 01.1996

Hospital Catering Manager

HSE East
05.1988 - 05.2023

Catering supervisor

UCD Dublin
03.1982 - 07.1985

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Brenda Kavanagh