Open to opportunities

Benjamin Totten

@benjamintotten

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Devoted restaurant manager with a passion for wine and hospitality.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role in a quality-focused environment that values innovation and dedication.

I am a devoted and enthusiastic restaurant manager with a passion for wine and hospitality, currently holding a WSET Level 3 certification. My progressive experience in supervisory and managerial roles at renowned venues in Edinburgh has equipped me with the skills to deliver exceptional guest experiences while leading teams and maintaining operational excellence.

At Moss, I independently manage all aspects of service delivery, ensuring a calm and controlled environment during high-pressure periods. My expertise in wine pairing and menu curation, combined with my strong operational management skills, allows me to create a high-end, detail-oriented atmosphere that focuses on local Scottish produce and sustainability. I am eager to contribute to an upmarket, quality-focused environment that values dedication and innovation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Restaurant Manager

Current

Moss

Mar 2025 - Present (4 months)

Reports directly to the owner, managing all aspects of service delivery and independently creating a calm and controlled environment during high-pressure periods. Handles all stock ordering and inventory management, including setting up direct accounts with UK-based vineyards to support a region-specific wine list.

Operational Management Inventory Management Wine List Curation Customer Experience Negotiation

Restaurant Manager

The Lookout by the Gardener's Cottage

Feb 2024 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Held full General Manager responsibilities, including overseeing kitchen operations, financial management, and strategic reporting. Managed all operational aspects, including staff recruitment, training, and performance reviews, ensuring a cohesive and high-performing team.

General Management Financial Management Recruitment Training Performance Reviews

Supervisor

The Lookout by the Gardener's Cottage

Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 11 months)

Managed and coordinated the Front of House team to ensure seamless daily operations. Conducted staff training sessions to uphold and enhance service standards.

Team Coordination Staff Training Stock Taking End Of Shift Operations Service standards

Supervisor

Bon Vivant

Sep 2022 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Oversaw shift management, coordinating bookings, delegating tasks, and supervising the team while maintaining personal responsibility for a service section. Gained hands-on experience in team leadership, addressing staff needs and resolving guest complaints effectively.

Team Leadership

Waiter & Food Runner

The Ivy Collection

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)

Began as a Food Runner and progressed to a Waiter role, taking on responsibilities for providing exceptional guest experiences. Managed service for assigned sections and addressed customer needs promptly.

Customer Service Food Running Waiter Service Guest Service Section Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Wine & Spirit Education Trust School of London

WSET Level 3 Certification, Wine and Spirit Education

Achieved WSET Level 3 certification in 2023, demonstrating advanced knowledge of wines and spirits. Also obtained WSET Level 2 and Level 1 certifications in 2023 and 2022 respectively, building a strong foundation in wine expertise.

CPD Online College

Certificate, Allergen Awareness

Completed the Allergen Awareness Certificate in March 2024, enhancing knowledge of food safety and allergen management. This certification supports the ability to ensure guest safety and compliance with health regulations.

Edinburgh Napier

Sound Design Degree Course, Sound Design

Attended a three-year Sound Design degree course, gaining foundational knowledge in audio production and design principles. Developed creative and technical skills applicable to various media.

Dunbar Grammar

SQA Advanced Highers, Various Subjects

Achieved SQA Advanced Highers in Graphic Communication, Music Technology, and Music. Also obtained SQA Highers in Maths, English, Chemistry, Graphic Communication, Music Technology, and Music, demonstrating a broad academic foundation.