Caterer and Hotel Keeper interviewed our Junior F&B Manager Daniela Mandt to talk about working at the Victory Services Club

Interview date 4 December 2009

 

Who is Daniela Mandt ?

I am half German and half Brazilian.  I came to the UK five years ago and got this job after four weeks.  I started as a housekeeper and moved on to being F&B assistant and then I was promoted to F&B supervisor.  I did nine months training in the restaurant and events departments and became junior F&B manager three months ago.

 

Tell us about the Victory Services Club

The Club is a hotel, restaurant and bar for retired and serving members of all three of the Armed Forces.  There are 10 chefs, 20 in the F&B team and I work in the restaurant and bar as well as in the conference and events function rooms.

 

What about your responsibilities?

I work 40 hours a week and have responsibility for 50-70 people.  If there are 250 guests I am supervised by the senior manager.

 

Sound as if the company has raised your potential.

Yes, this company provides a lot of training and I've learned a lot.  Incentives include a staff buddy scheme for new employees, lots of staff social events and awards to recognise excellent customer service.

 

And will you contine training?

Next year, I plan to go to the University of Westminster or Thamed Valley University to study hospitality.  If possible, I would like to continue working here.

 

Whats your goal?

I enjoy working in contract catering.  A lot of our regular members are older and I feel im serving friends.  However I hope to work as an F&B manager in a big hotel one day.

 

So there is lots of scope for you.

Absolutely.  This industry has so much variety.  You can work anywhere in the world: in a hotel, in a club, on a cruise ship, anywhere.

 

What qualities do you need?

To do well in this business I think you need to be communicative and able to anticipate what the guest wants and how they want to be treated.  You need to have a smile and be willing to exceed expectations.

 

Caterer and Hotelkeeper 4 December 2009