KATIE THOMAS
CORK,IRELAND
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in management, customer service, and event coordination. Demonstrates proficiency in mixology techniques and food & beverage quality control, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to HACCP Levels 1 & 2. Skilled in problem and conflict resolution, staff training, and maintaining high standards of customer orientated experience. Committed to enhancing team performance and delivering exceptional service, whilst maintaining a business forward mindset.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Manager
Crawford & Co./AYE
Anglesea St, Ballintemple, Cork, Ireland
2024.02 - 2026.07
- Oversaw all daily business operations, ranging from bar/front of house service, kitchen and food service, and general admin duties.
- Piloted change management initiatives successfully improving organisational adaptability.
- Designed and curated signature drink and cocktail menus, balancing both peak customer satisfaction and profit margins, whilst increasing sales.
- Managed all customer and staff needs during peak high volume seasons, with over 1-1.5k customers across two venues every weekend, whilst ensuring smooth service.
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build successful administrative team.
- Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
- Worked closely and developed strong relationships across all departments to optimize workflow and strengthen company moral and communication.
- Organized and coordinated multiple types of events and functions, from brand-sponsored nights to wedding functions.
- Had a hand in social media marketing, creating advertisements, promotional posts and customer focused content.
- Completed both nightly and weekly operational reports, and was the trusted manager to complete cash-up correctly and efficiently nightly.
Duty Manager/Mixologist
Aye
Anglesea St, Ballintemple, Cork, Cork
2024.02 - 2026.06
- Led daily operations as Duty Manager at Aye, optimising staff performance and ensuring exceptional customer service.
- Implemented efficient systems, boosting productivity.
- Head mixologist with experience in crafting signature drinks, implementing weekly specials and training junior staff.
- Dealt directly with customers relating to bookings and parties, setting up venues and ensuring a seamless experience throughout the night.
- Orchestrated strong communication between bar, kitchen, and front-of-house teams, ensuring smooth service flow and enhancing overall guest experience.
- Meticulously managed opening and closing procedures, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation.
- Conducted thorough quality checks on all beverages.
- Managed customer complaints and dealt with them in an orderly manner to ensure a positive result for the guest and team.
Bartender/Mixologist
The Oyster Tavern
Cork City
2023.09 - 2024.01
- Held in depth knowledge of wine, spirits, cocktails and food menu items to optimise customer satisfaction and tailor to their preferences.
- Maintained a well stocked, organised and clean work environment to support other staff and uphold hygiene standards.
- Served coffees and other hot beverages during the morning shifts using a barista grade coffee machine.
- Streamlined drink preparation process, reducing wait times. Implemented upselling techniques, increasing average ticket value. Maintained impeccable cleanliness standards.
- Efficiently crafted cocktails and mixed drinks in a fast paced, high volume environment.
Bartender
Shortens Bar
Ballingeary, Co. Cork
2020.06 - 2023.08
- Created a strong rapport with customers to ensure returning guests.
- Kept up to date with any changes in pricing, inventory and drink promotions to provide the most efficient and favourable service.
- Maintained impeccable cleanliness standards, ensuring compliance with health regulations. Accurately handled cash transactions and credit card payments.
- Handled high volumes of patrons on my own with great efficiency whilst maintaining an upbeat and happy work environment.
Floor Staff
The Mardyke Entertainment Complex
Centre, Cork
2023.03 - 2023.07
- Ensured exceptional guest experiences at The Mardyke Entertainment Complex. Managed diverse responsibilities, from ticket sales to venue upkeep, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Elevated guest satisfaction through attentive service and efficient order management. Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely, high-quality meal delivery.
- Optimised table turnover rates, resulting in increased revenue. Implemented upselling techniques, boosting average order value while maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Meticulously maintained cleanliness standards, ensuring a pristine dining environment. Accurately processed payments and managed cash transactions with precision.
- Fostered positive team dynamics, supporting colleagues during peak hours. Coordinated with management to resolve customer concerns promptly and effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Irish, English, Politics, Sociology
University College Cork
Cork 09/2022 - 05/2023
QQI Level 5 - Creative Digital Media
St. John's College of Further Education
Cork 09/2023 - 05/2024
Skills
- Management
- Customer Service
- Mixology Techniques
- Quality Control
- Event Coordination
- Problem & Conflict Resolution
- Staff Training
- Operational Efficiency
- H&S Compliance
LANGUAGES
English (Native)
Irish (Native)
Spanish (Novice)
Certification
- HACCP Levels 1 & 2
- Manual Handling
- Fire Safety Training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager
Crawford & Co./AYE
2024.02 - 2026.07
Duty Manager/Mixologist
Aye
2024.02 - 2026.06
Bartender/Mixologist
The Oyster Tavern
2023.09 - 2024.01
Floor Staff
The Mardyke Entertainment Complex
2023.03 - 2023.07
Bartender
Shortens Bar
2020.06 - 2023.08
Bachelor of Arts - Irish, English, Politics, Sociology
University College Cork
09/2022 - 05/2023
QQI Level 5 - Creative Digital Media
St. John's College of Further Education
09/2023 - 05/2024