Kevin J. Cooling
Contact details
+971-******** or +971*********.
Palacio Tower,
Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Skype kevin955
Email: *************@*****.***
An experienced Site Operations Professional with a proven track record of success in handling complex and demanding operations within the United Kingdom, US and Middle East, for a wide range of clients in both large and small commercial enterprises. At ease both running large-scale operations or fine dining operations. Gaining the necessary skills for successful operating various commercial openings Key strengths include: co-ordinating complex cross-functional operations under demanding conditions; financial planning and resource management, developing and delivering highly motivated operational teams, providing creative solutions to difficult challenges using root cause analysis and best working practices. Able to effectively delegate authority while retaining responsibility. Ultimately sustaining positive outcomes in an environment of dynamic change. Optimizing revenue growth through business efficiencies and solid project management.
Solid multi-outlet experience management
Career History:
20th April 2017 to Present.
After the renovation of a property in the UK, l successfully returned to full-time high-end catering working at various locations in the UK. Also returned to cooking, and kitchen management. This included hygiene and personal staff/customer management, cost awareness.
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SKA International. Mogadishu. Facilities (Camp) Manager Somalia. September 2015 to 1st February 2017.
Principal Site Manager and Facilities lead, overseeing a dynamic $22M Camp in the Mogadishu International Airport.
Leading life support services for 250 clients from various cultures and organizations, while continually improving the customer experience through facilities upgrades, increased the quality of services and training of service providers across all base operating functions. These upgrades included new living accommodations, an overhaul of existing facilities, extensive conference facilities and catering and events oversight.
Implementation of HSE Programmes and Fire Training
Coordination of staffing & accommodations availability to ensure sustained installation services and a high-quality turn-key programme.
Managed the constant flow of dignitaries aboard the installation, to include guests from the diplomatic, industry, NGO and governmental organizations who attended daily functions and gatherings, totaling over 7,500 personnel over the period of my tenure.
Key SKA interface with the British Embassy Mogadishu client. Site Manager, Crescent Petroleum; Erbil, Kurdistan August 2014 to September 2015
Responsible for all logistics and operating procedures for 181 site residents to include all aspects of site management. Responsible for the life support of 181 men of various ranks and positions plus local hires.
Supervising a total of 49 staff including 6 ex-patriots to include catering and maintenance staff, electricians, generator technicians, hospitality and cleaning staff.
Responsible for all aspects of accommodation, food and water supply, generation of electricity, fuel supply, menu planning and costing, maintenance and servicing of generators and appliances, costing, ordering and transport of supplies, placing of personnel.
Ambatovy Consortium Project, Madagascar, Site Consultant June 2012 to 2014.
In charge of all aspects of site management.
Working for the new incumbent supply and life support company, managing a stand-alone mine and construction site with multiple nationality workforce
Responsible for maintenance, life support and various bar, catering and laundry operations
Accountability for a fleet of vehicles and wastewater disposal.
Managed 116 staff both TCNs and LNs.
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SKA International. BIAP Baghdad & Site Operations Manager Basra January 2011toJune 2012
Had ownership of all aircraft parts and spares for 2 Fokker 70 jets and Bell Helicopters, these were kept under tight safety controlled ICA regulations.
Had oversight and control of security weapons and APT equipment plus equip a set up an operations room that monitored both Aircraft and APT movements.
Overseeing of site maintenance and procurement of Materials.
Total responsibility for BAIP & Basra LSA’s and all procurement for both locations.
Duties include the transition of sub-contractor to in-house catering and food provision, plus all logistical needs for new vendors etc.
Total services of 240 personnel plus frequent visitations from Iraqi Government and British Dignitaries attending Baghdad & Basra locations. We have hosted the Iraqi IBBC headed by the Countess of Winterbourne, and various senior Iraqi Oil Ministers and British Cabinet Officials & MP’s.
Renaissance RSOG – (Transferred from RS-Baghdad-Iraq). Afghanistan. Site Manager. FOB Dwyer.
Jan 09 to December 2010
Appointed to manage all aspects of Site management for new Project and key member of the Transition and Mobilization team
Principal for Training and all aspects of the General Management of the six Dining Facilities (DFACs) aboard Camp Dwyer.
Principal Food Service interface with the US Military Client (US Marine Corps) for the provision of LOGCAP services.
Oversaw a staff of a 521 man multicultural Staff
Feeding on 15000 to 20000 Soldiers and Sub-contractors. Renaissance RSOG – Iraq, (Various Locations) - SITE MANAGER. May 06 to December 08
Responsible for the feeding of anything from 10000 to 25000 soldiers and various dignitaries, and sub-contract personal.
Appointed to manage all aspects of Site management.
Plus, health and hygiene, Staff M.W.R. & LSA Requirements.
Training and all aspects of the general running of the facility.
Handled customer liaison as a subcontractor to Kellogg Brown & Root and the American Military.
Company HSE. Representative on Site.
Continuous staff training & staff development.
ES-KO International – Baghdad International Airport. The British Embassies in Basra & Baghdad - PROJECT MANAGER Nov 2004
to April 2006.
.Responsible for all logistics and operating procedures for a 680-person security operation including unit mobilization with a personal budget of £120,000 per month generating a turnover of £420,000 per month. Responsible for the life support of 687 men of various ranks and positions
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Supervising a total of 49 staff including 6 ex-patriots to include catering and maintenance staff, electricians, generator technicians, hospitality and cleaning staff.
Responsible for all aspects of accommodation, food and water supply, generation of electricity, fuel supply, menu planning and costing, maintenance and servicing of generators and appliances, costing, ordering and transport of supplies, placing of personnel.
Reporting to Section Manager based in Monaco and handling client liaison requirements.
Renaissance Catering – Iraq; SITE MANAGER
Oct 2003 to Nov 2004
Responsible for unit mobilization & monitoring of standards for a forward operating base for US military, managing from 44 to 98 members of staff & 9 catering sites
Appointed to manage all aspects of meal production catering for 33,000 meals per day
& private functions for US state department & Embassy functions
Liaised with chief of protocol for very senior military staff
Project managed and set up all aspects of 2 units within short timescales, producing meals during set up period
Handled customer liaison as subcontractor to Kellogg Brown & Root PREMIERE SOUS CHEF; P&O Cruise Lines
2001 -2003
- Food Production, Hygiene, Staff Management and Client Interface EXECUTIVE CHEF; P&O Cruise Lines
Apr 1999 to Dec 2001
- Principal Food Service Operations and Management Lead for Hot Kitchen Production
Early Career Includes:
1996 to 1999: Premier Sous Chef, Louis Cruise Lines, Caribbean & US Waters
1992 to 1996: Regional Executive Chef, Executive Head Chef, Project Manager, Food Service Manager, Chef Supervisor, Arabian Food Supplies, various locations within the Middle East
1991: Consultant Executive Chef, Barnsdale Country Club Hotel
1979 to 1991: Progressive Career with Forte Hotels, culminating as Head Chef Professional Skills
Team leadership and motivation techniques
Menu Design and Planning
Customer Relationship Management – Customer Focused
Broad knowledge of food from many countries and cultures
Stock Management, Supplier Management
Invoice and Budgetary Control
MS Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook and Explorer skills Page 5 of 5
Training and Qualifications:
City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 – Hotel and Catering Certification
Staff Training Certificate TS1 & TS2 – Trust House Forty - Staff Training Certificates in Food Service and Hygiene
Health & Hygiene including USPH requirements
Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
Personal Survival Techniques
Elementary First Aid
Fire Fighting – 1 & 3 days
Individual & Group Training
Personal Information:
Nationality: English
Status: Married
Children: One
Driving Licence: Full, Clean UK Licence. International Driving & European Permit. Personal Interests: Keeping fit, motorcycle racing, cooking & entertaining