Frances Couper
Dunedin,OTA
Summary
Recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication, following a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology. My academic trajectory has inspired me to help communities by connecting scientific knowledge with cultural practices. In particular, I am invested in community outreach that promotes sustainable preservation of native ecosystems. Additionally have extensive work experience in hospitality and varied administrative experience in marketing and managerial positions.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
All Rounder
Pearl Diver
09.2025
- Mans the bar, serving a variety of food and drink while upholding a welcoming atmosphere wherein customers are attended to with care
- Oversees alcohol sales as a Licensed Duty Manager, promoting responsible service of alcohol, and compliance with license laws
- Assists in kitchen operations when required, on top of balancing front of house duties serving customers
- Maintains both front and back of house to a presentable standard, cleaning surfaces, toilets, and replenishing supplies.
Catering Front of House
Jimmy Garcia Catering
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Served buffet meals for up to 1000 guests per service, all while ensuring a personable and friendly service.
- Promptly replenished stock, cleared tables, and maintained cleanliness to ensure efficiency during busy service times
- Solely set up the catering tent before services, and lead teams of up to 8 staff for close-down services daily
Duty Manager
Velvet Burger
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient workflow, maintaining high standards of customer service, food quality, and hygiene.
- Managed staff schedules and performance, fostering a positive team culture, and training new employees on service standards.
- Oversaw alcohol sales as a licensed Duty Manager, promoting responsible service of alcohol, and compliance with license laws
- Handled cash flow, including daily takings, till balancing, and budget reports.
- Conducted orders and stocktakes across multiple accounts, ensuring sufficient inventory while minimizing waste.
Marketing Assistant
Velvet Burger
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Organised advertising campaigns; utilising a number of online systems to manage budgets, monitor performance metrics, and optimize strategies to maximize brand reach.
- Managed social media accounts; creating engaging content, scheduling posts, designing brand-aligned graphics, and interacting with customers to build brand loyalty.
- Developed and marketed monthly 'Burger of the Month', creating recipes aligned with COGs targets and crafting associated promotional assets
Intern
University of Otago
06.2024 - 11.2024
- Created promotional content for a book release and Inaugural Professorial Lecture, using Adobe Photoshop, Powerpoint, and hand-drawn illustrations
- Co-ordinated with my client and conducted audience surveys to ascertain an appropriate visual language for assets created that carries across multiple audiences and demographics
Mixer/Server
Fishbowl
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Produced consistent, quality salads in a timely manner
- Solely opened and closed the store within designated time frames.
- Conducted stock counts and product orders across various mediums to meet evolving par targets effectively.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of the product inventory, promotions, and special offerings to upsell to customers and meet sales targets
Catering Front of House + Kitchenhand
Precinct Food + Catering
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Served canapes, drinks, and buffet meals to guests, ensuring a positive dining experience, while also maintaining cleanliness throughout the event
- Assisted in the preparation of a variety of food products to a consistently high quality
- Independently managed event set up, kitchen cleaning, and closing procedures within designated timeframes
- Successfully executed food deliveries in a work van, ensuring prompt and professional service to various clientele.
Front of House
LB&Co Espresso
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Served a range of food and drink, all while providing a cheerful customer experience
- Collaborated with the kitchen and barista team to prepare and serve a variety of food and beverage items
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the menu, including allergens and special dietary options
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Ecology, minoring in Media, Film and Communication Studies
University of Otago
Otago, New ZealandPostgraduate Diploma - Science Communication
University of Otago
Otago, New ZealandSkills
- Interpersonal and effective communicator
- Efficient time management
- Experienced collaborator in team environments
- Digitally literate; proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Experience conducting literature reviews
- Safe food handling practices
- Duty Manager’s license
- Full, clean drivers license
Timeline
All Rounder
Pearl Diver
09.2025
Catering Front of House
Jimmy Garcia Catering
06.2025 - 07.2025
Marketing Assistant
Velvet Burger
08.2024 - 03.2025
Intern
University of Otago
06.2024 - 11.2024
Duty Manager
Velvet Burger
02.2024 - 03.2025
Mixer/Server
Fishbowl
07.2023 - 12.2023
Catering Front of House + Kitchenhand
Precinct Food + Catering
03.2022 - 06.2023
Front of House
LB&Co Espresso
11.2021 - 02.2022
Postgraduate Diploma - Science Communication
University of Otago
Bachelor Of Science - Ecology, minoring in Media, Film and Communication Studies
University of Otago