Thrive on taking part and training for Deka Fit, functional fitness
Gut health and diet, getting creative with this in mind, in my kitchen
Running and Generally keep moving
Travel new adventures - Norway and South America 2026
Paul Cooke
Kells
Summary
A highly experienced Operator with a successful record in managing staff catering facilities for a range of clients, from small businesses to FTSE 100 companies. Undertaken full responsibility for delivering both client subsidies and employer expectations, to a best-in-class standard. Advocate visual leadership and driving sales through creative sustainable food and innovation. Craft background early career working within hotels at a junior level to Chef de partie. First steps into Chef Management with Compass Group, lead to a steady progression to general manager roles and eventually into group/operations positions. On the personal side, keen participate in DEKA fitness for body fitness, both strength and cardio, Love travel and music ! Visionary operations leader committed to enhancing service delivery and client engagement in the hospitality sector. Spearheaded initiatives that prioritise quality assurance and financial performance. Emphasised teamwork and sustainability, aligning organisational objectives with community values.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Talkington Bates
09.2024 - Current
- Operational team lead for 6 million T/O business, responsible for and working with a likeminded and creative operations and head office team, including food development, nutritionist, safety manager, and compliance consultant.
- Client base made up of B&I workplace Restaurants and Cafes, regional and city of London. Hospitality and fine dining operations also managed within portfolio, delivering great food and service to financial organisations, Law, Pharma, Distribution, and Charitable Foundations.
Operations Director
Talkington Bates
07.2018 - 08.2024
Operations Manager
Elior UK
12.2015 - 06.2018
- Key responsibility for the for a group of contracts within London City, to manage government contracts, along with a diverse mix of business, including Law Firms, Publishing groups, Hotel, Oil and a Satellite global head office.
- High volume B&I operations, fixed price models, commercial cafés and fine dining.
Operations Manager
Catermasters
04.2014 - 10.2015
- Responsible for 24 locations within Central London, managing a cross section of business from fine dining locations to café style operations with turnover of approx. 11million.
Operations Manager
Baxter Storey
07.2010 - 03.2014
- Responsible for 14 locations along the M3 corridor, with a mix of group and single site business.
- Management team of 16 delivering a range of nil subsidy, fixed price and cost-plus models.
- Turnover in the region of 10m with 100% client retention rate in 2013.
- Experienced in mobilising green field sites and undertaking the transfer of new business and managing TUPE.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - City & Guilds
Ealing College
Ealing 01-1988
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Team Player / Moitivator
- Client relationship management and engagement
- Financial acumen
- Food safety /H&S standards
- B Corp champion
- Decision-making authority
- Senior-level collaboration
- Quality assurance (ISO)
- Leadership excellence
Interests
Deka Fit
A unique and memorable fitness challenge for the masses, combining DEKA Zones with 160 meters of running before each zone, totalling 1 mile.
Strength
Endurance
Speed
Time
Timeline
Managing Director
Talkington Bates
09.2024 - Current
Operations Director
Talkington Bates
07.2018 - 08.2024
Operations Manager
Elior UK
12.2015 - 06.2018
Operations Manager
Catermasters
04.2014 - 10.2015
Operations Manager
Baxter Storey
07.2010 - 03.2014
Certificate of Higher Education - City & Guilds
Ealing College