Mihaela Duta
Lecce
Summary
With over a decade of experience in hospitality management, catering, and customer service, I have built a career around leadership, adaptability, and a genuine passion for connecting with people. My journey recently took an exciting turn as I pursued a qualification in TESOL and, most recently, embarked on a new academic challenge in Risk and Security Management at the University of Portsmouth. Driven by curiosity and a deep-seated interest in the industry, I am eager to apply my operational expertise and leadership skills in new and dynamic environments.
I thrive in fast-paced settings where organisation, problem-solving, and people management are key. Whether leading teams, optimising operations, or fostering meaningful relationships, I bring a hands-on, people-first approach to everything I do.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Esal Agency
01.2022 - Current
- Created an agency providing educational guidance and private English lessons to non-native speakers
- Design and implement tailored English language curriculums, emphasizing practical usage and cultural immersion
General Manager
113 The Art Coffee House Language Specialist International IH
04.2019 - 03.2023
- Company Overview: Portsmouth, UK
- Managed all facets of restaurant operations, ensuring excellence in customer service and compliance with UK regulations
- Led recruitment, training, and development initiatives, significantly enhancing team performance and customer satisfaction
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and control expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organisational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards o objectives accurately.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
Cluster Site General Manager
Tesco Family Dining
01.2017 - 04.2019
- Oversaw operations across 6 cafes, driving service excellence and team engagement to achieve positive KPIs and financial targets
- Implemented strategies for stock, payroll, and P&L management, enhancing overall site performance
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and control expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organisational growth.
- Maximised efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Pioneered corporate social responsibility program, building community engagement and enhancing brand reputation.
General Manager
The Corner Cafe
04.2012 - 12.2016
- Founded and developed the cafe from concept to reality, establishing a successful business model that significantly increased revenue
- Cultivated a culture of excellence in customer service and operational efficiency, fostering a loyal customer base
Supervisor
Le Cafe Parisien
11.2010 - 03.2012
- Provided superior customer service and support to the management team, contributing to the cafe's reputation for quality
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Risk and Security Management
University of Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH UK09.2028
Trinity CertTESOL V2 -
Trinity College
London12.2023
British Council - UK Agent and Counsellor Training -
BRITISH COUNCIL
London01.2023
Pearson Edexcel Level 2 NVQ Diploma (QFC) - Food and Beverage Service
PEARSON
LONDON04.2015
Edexcel BTEC - Level 4 Diploma - Business and Management (QFC)
Highbury College
Portsmouth07.2012
Skills
- Multilingual
- Hospitality Management
- Leadership
- Team Development
- Customer Service
- Strategic thinking
- Problem resolution
- Goal oriented
- Customer service
- Entrepreneurial and innovative
Hobbies and Interests
- Passionate about travel, with a particular affinity for Italy and exploring new cultures.
- Dedicated to maintaining an organized lifestyle and a keen attention to detail in both personal and professional realms.
Timeline
Founder
Esal Agency
01.2022 - Current
General Manager
113 The Art Coffee House Language Specialist International IH
04.2019 - 03.2023
Cluster Site General Manager
Tesco Family Dining
01.2017 - 04.2019
General Manager
The Corner Cafe
04.2012 - 12.2016
Supervisor
Le Cafe Parisien
11.2010 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Science - Risk and Security Management
University of Portsmouth
Trinity CertTESOL V2 -
Trinity College
British Council - UK Agent and Counsellor Training -
BRITISH COUNCIL
Pearson Edexcel Level 2 NVQ Diploma (QFC) - Food and Beverage Service
PEARSON
Edexcel BTEC - Level 4 Diploma - Business and Management (QFC)
Highbury College
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