Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Bernadette Gee

Bernadette Gee

Red Beach,Auckland

Summary

I owned and operated Magnolia Kitchen for 12 years building the brand and Cafe from operation in my home kitchen as the single “employee” to operating in a 350sqm premises with 11 employees. Magnolia Kitchen has been closed now for approx. 2 years and I am looking to use my skills operating a successful international brand and local cafe to move forward in a hands on management based role.

I am a driven leader who isn't afraid to muck in with my team fostering a "one team, one dream" mentality and a pleasant, supportive work environment.

Previous to my growing and running my business I was working in the Payroll/Finance and HR sector for corporate companies. This experience helped me when I ran my own business with staff rosters, legislation knowledge, budgeting, balancing month/year ends, costing, etc.

I also spent nearly 8 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy where I gained London City and Guilds in Hospitality Food Service. My time in the Navy was invaluable to who I am today and is almost solely responsible for my strong sense of team work, need for processes and systems in a work place. When you live and work with approx 170 people for months on end you learn fast that you are nothing without each other.

During my time in the Navy I was also a single mum trying to make ends meet and worked for a couple of years as a breakfast cook every weekend in a busy North Shore Cafe.

I am obsessed with coffee and food.

I love working as part of a cohesive team and interacting with customers to create a fun environment where both staff and customers feel welcomed and part of the Cafe’s story and journey.

With my extensive experience I will be an asset to this team.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Cafe Assistant

Metlife Care - Gulf Rise
07.2024 - Current
  • Displayed calm and friendly demeanor when addressing and resolving customer issues and complaints.
  • Exceeded customer expectations by providing welcoming environment and prompt and friendly service to people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Adhered to company standards and procedures.
  • Supported daily operations by performing POS responsibilities accurately and efficiently.
  • Assisted management in all areas to a high standard
  • Displayed excellent team work and encouraged other staff to do so
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Developed cross-functional relationships with other departments, ensuring smooth operations and timely completion of tasks during special events or peak business hours.
  • Implemented efficient production techniques, reducing waste and improving overall pastry quality.
  • Developed new pastry recipes for seasonal menus, resulting in increased sales and positive feedback.
  • Produced allergy-friendly gluten-, dairy- and egg-free variations of classic recipes.
  • Consistently met tight deadlines for special orders, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by designing custom dessert menus tailored to specific client preferences.

Business Owner

Magnolia Kitchen
11.2011 - 10.2022

- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.

- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.

- Quality marketing strategies through social media and content creating

- Served customers quickly and efficiently to a high standard while making them feel welcome and valued.
- Encourage healthy work environment and provided support with the team to ensure smooth functioning of the cafe and kitchen.
- Maintained accurate inventory counts to meet customer demands and sustain smooth operation in the kitchen and cafe..
- Improved overall product quality through regular training, equipment maintenance, and presentation standards.
- Maintained high standards of food safety by enforcing strict adherence to company policies and local health regulations.
- Resolved customer concerns promptly and professionally.
- Developed coffee beverage menu, recipes, specialty coffee drinks, and appropriate menu pricing to account for budgeting and maintaining market rates.
- Managed payroll, scheduling, ordering and other back-of-house tasks to drive operations and maximize sales and profitability.

- Managed financial operations to ensure financial responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Skills

  • Customer Service
  • Cleanliness and Organization
  • Cooking
  • Food production
  • Patisserie
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Staff Training and Development
  • POS Systems
  • Barista
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Payroll
  • Administration
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Stock Management
  • Staff Management
  • Business Management
  • Kitchen and Cafe Management
  • Supplier and Stockist relations
  • Event Organization
  • Menu planning and execution
  • Marketing
  • Content Creating
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Food Service

Timeline

Cafe Assistant

Metlife Care - Gulf Rise
07.2024 - Current

Business Owner

Magnolia Kitchen
11.2011 - 10.2022
Bernadette Gee