Cliona Byrne
Bray,County Wicklow
Summary
Results-driven operations and hospitality professional with extensive experience in managing programs, teams, and customer-facing services. Skilled at planning, logistics, and delivering exceptional guest and client experiences. Proven ability to lead and train staff, optimize operational efficiency, and implement process improvements. Recognized for strong communication, problem-solving, and the ability to foster positive, inclusive environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work history
Operations Executive
The School Tour Company
Dublin, Ireland
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and managed customized educational itineraries for domestic and international school groups, aligning trips with curriculum objectives and student interests.
- Coordinated logistics including transportation, accommodation, and meals to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective travel.
- Collaborated with teachers, school administrators, and parents to address student needs and maintain curriculum-linked learning experiences.
- Negotiated with vendors and service providers to secure competitive rates and meet group requirements.
- Worked cross-departmentally to resolve operational challenges and streamline processes.
- Managed bookings, payments, and documentation to ensure compliance with travel regulations and insurance requirements.
- Provided pre-departure briefings to students and parents on safety protocols, travel etiquette, and expectations.
- Identified and resolved operational issues proactively, improving efficiency and client satisfaction.
Senior Barista
Dockyard No.8
Bray, Ireland
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Prepared and served high-volume beverages with speed, consistency, and attention to quality in a fast-paced café environment.
- Managed peak service hours efficiently, ensuring prompt delivery of drinks and smooth workflow.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, building rapport through personalized interactions and remembering regular orders.
- Fulfilled specialized orders, including dietary-specific requests, with accuracy and care.
- Trained and mentored new team members using positive reinforcement to encourage skill development.
- Performed opening and closing duties, maintaining cleanliness, equipment hygiene, and operational readiness.
Activity Leader
ATC Language School
Dublin, Ireland
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Planned and coordinated programs for groups of 130+ students aged 9–14, maintaining a master calendar of events and volunteer schedules.
- Organized engaging activities and created welcoming, supportive environments to maximize student participation.
- Prepared all activity-related documentation, including supply lists, behavioural reports, and arrival/departure schedules, ensuring smooth program delivery.
- Supervised volunteers and supported team collaboration to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Bar Manager
Maison Moli
Bray, Ireland
07.2021 - 05.2022
- Managed cash and card transactions with precision, ensuring accurate till balancing, correct change handling, and fair distribution of tips among staff.
- Ordered and maintained beverage and equipment stock, analyzing sales trends and customer preferences to optimize inventory levels and reduce waste.
- Supervised all bar operations, including maintaining cleanliness of the bar, organizing the stockroom, and ensuring smooth service during peak hours.
- Monitored team performance, providing coaching and feedback, addressing underperformance, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and service standards.
- Delivered full barista service, preparing a wide range of beverages to consistently high standards while maintaining speed and quality.
- Assisted in training new staff, fostering a positive team culture, and ensuring that all team members were knowledgeable about menu offerings and service protocols.
- Collaborated with management to implement promotions, improve customer experience, and enhance overall bar efficiency.
Hospitality Supervisor
Joe’s Chicken
Bray, Ireland
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Developed and implemented a stock-taking system, optimizing ordering and reducing costs.
- Supervised front- and back-of-house operations to maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and comfort for guests and staff.
- Consistently met financial targets by ensuring accurate charging of all food and beverage items.
- Collected and acted on customer feedback, implementing process improvements to enhance service quality.
- Promoted facilities and services proactively, fostering positive guest experiences and repeat business.
Waitress
The Harbour Bar
Bray, Ireland
01.2019 - 02.2021
- Delivered high-quality service, serving meals and beverages with professionalism and attention to presentation.
- Maintained clean and organized guest areas, bar, and food storage, ensuring exceptional hygiene standards.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth front-of-house operations.
- Advised guests on menu items, accommodated dietary requests, and suggested additional items to support upselling.
- Prepared beverages, including tea, coffee, wine, beer, and mixed drinks, efficiently and within service timeframes.
- Greeted guests warmly, creating a welcoming atmosphere and positive dining experience.
- Enforced responsible service of alcohol, refusing service to guests without appropriate proof of age.
- Performed closing duties, including cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking to maintain operational readiness.
Waitress
Box Burger
Bray, Ireland
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Part time work throughout school.
Barista
Leonidas
Bray, Ireland
11.2016 - 12.2017
- First part time job.
Education
QQI Level 6 - Business Tourism and Event Management
Bray Institute of Further Education
Bray 09.2022 - 05.2023
Skills
- Exceptional customer service and hospitality expertise
- Strong communication, rapport-building, and team leadership skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and efficiency
- Skilled in activity planning, program coordination, and operational management
- Accurate cash handling, budgeting, and financial record-keeping
- Cooperative, inclusive, and motivating team player
- Experienced in training and mentoring staff
- Culturally aware and sensitive in diverse environments
- Proficient in Microsoft Office systems
Timeline
Operations Executive
The School Tour Company
01.2024 - Current
Senior Barista
Dockyard No.8
10.2022 - 01.2024
QQI Level 6 - Business Tourism and Event Management
Bray Institute of Further Education
09.2022 - 05.2023
Activity Leader
ATC Language School
06.2022 - 08.2022
Bar Manager
Maison Moli
07.2021 - 05.2022
Hospitality Supervisor
Joe’s Chicken
02.2021 - 06.2021
Waitress
The Harbour Bar
01.2019 - 02.2021
Waitress
Box Burger
03.2018 - 12.2018
Barista
Leonidas
11.2016 - 12.2017