James Connolly

Experience

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  Citywest Hotel

  Jun 2007 - Jul 2008

  Head Function Chef - Sous Chef

  Head Function Chef promoted to Sous Chef. Dealt with all catering aspects of 750 room hotel. Catered functions for up to 1400 seated guests for varying client requirements and budgets. Supervised team of 70 kitchen staff across 4 kitchens, ensuring quality and efficient service throughout.

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  The Lanterns Hotel

  Aug 2008 - May 2011

  Head Chef

  Oversaw all food operations across bar, restaurant and functions including staff, service, quality, maintenance and budget, contributing to overall success and reputation of establishment.

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  Cliff House Hotel

  May 2011 - Oct 2011

  Chef de Partie

  Worked in Michelin Star ‘House Restaurant’ under Head Chef Martijn Kajuiter. Gained experience and knowledge of running a high-end establishment. Learned first-hand the importance of consistency of standard and product in a restaurant. High emphasis on costs and working within margins, to enable innovative high-standard modern Irish cuisine. Expanded knowledge of ingredients and creativity.

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  Microsoft

  Oct 2011 - Nov 2012

  Head Chef

  Led the day-to-day running of all food operations for large venue serving 2500 – 3000 staff. Oversaw team of ex-Michelin staff. Prior experience in Michelin star venue utilised to focus on Irish sourced products, under Director, Patrick Gilbaud. Innovation, creativity and resourcefulness honed by demand for wide selection and rotation of dishes.

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  Restaurant Noma

  Dec 2012 - Dec 2012

  Stagiare
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  ISS Facility Services Ireland

  Jan 2013 - Oct 2016

  Executive Head Chef

  Executive Head Chef at various locations including AIB Bankcentre, Deutsche Bank and Ernst & Young, Catering for staff, corporate clients and events. Successfully led mobilization of new unit from inception to launch and operations, making decisions at high level, negotiating and ensuring positive feedback on set-up, opening and running of operation. Managed all aspects of business including financial, operations, maintenance, client interaction and social media marketing.

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  Self-employed

  Aug 2013 - now

  Consultant

  Consultancy in private and corporate areas of business. Mobilization including, planning, logistics, layout and resources.

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  The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant

  Nov 2016 - Nov 2020

  Operations Manager

  Operations Manager. Incorporated all operational aspects (kitchen and menu planning, waste management, Health and Safety etc) together resulting in the smooth running of a busy, profitable premises and Increased Revenue by 33% in 3 years.

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  Dakbo Holdings

  Dec 2020 - Jan 2022

  Operations Manager

  Running and development of multi-site operations.Responsible for all levels of business planning and execution, including financing, commissioning, design and marketing.