Arend Potgieter
Stellenbosch
Summary
Dynamic Farm Manager with extensive experience at Molenvliet Vineyards, excelling in aesthetic garden design and team leadership. Proven track record in optimizing inventory management and enhancing guest experiences through exceptional service. Adept at problem-solving and fostering a motivated workforce, ensuring high standards in property maintenance and event execution.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Farm Manager & Maintenance Manager
Molenvliet Vineyards
Stellenbosch
09.2022 - Current
- Responsible for the comprehensive management of the estate grounds, with a specialization in the aesthetic upkeep and development of gardens and landscaping.
- Hands-on involvement in all aspects of horticulture, including planting, pruning, irrigation, pest control, and the cultivation of visually appealing landscapes.
- Managed and supervised a team of 6 groundsmen on a daily basis, ensuring efficient and high-quality maintenance of the estate's aesthetic elements.
- Served as the Bar and Beverage Manager, overseeing the daily operations of 3 running bars, including staff management and customer service.
- Implemented and managed stock control for all 3 daily running bars, ensuring optimal inventory levels and minimizing waste.
- Managed stock control and auditing of cash and tab bars for wedding and event functions, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
- Functioned as the Procurement Manager, responsible for sourcing and purchasing necessary supplies and equipment for the estate.
- Served as the Maintenance Manager, overseeing the upkeep and repair of all estate buildings, infrastructure, and equipment.
- Managed the daily operations of 27 rooms on the estate, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, maintenance, and guest comfort.
- Maintained garden equipment and infrastructure, ensuring optimal functionality.
- Demonstrated a strong understanding of plant health, aesthetic design principles, and sustainable gardening practices.
- Contributed to enhancing the visual appeal and overall ambiance of the estate.
General Manager
Diamant Estate Paarl
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed all facets of a multi-faceted estate, including a 24-bedroom guest house, extensive and meticulously maintained gardens, and maintenance operations for 2 years.
- Managed all aspects of a very lucrative and highly sought-after successful Diamond Estate.
- Oversaw and managed all financial aspects, including budgeting, accounts, and reporting.
- Successfully planned and executed numerous events and weddings, ensuring exceptional guest experiences within a beautiful setting.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a diverse team of staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Maintained the beautiful gardens and grounds to an exceptionally high standard, ensuring visual appeal and guest enjoyment.
- Handled all guest inquiries, bookings, and ensured exceptional service delivery.
- Managed all aspects of property maintenance, ensuring the upkeep and functionality of all buildings and infrastructure.
Co-manager
Zanzibar
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Intensely involved with wife's Wedding and Events Company, co-managed for 9 consecutive years in the Elder States and Zanzibar.
- Responsible for the front of house section of the company.
- Involved in procurement of all necessary staff, making of wedding furniture and installation, and production of creative decor & lighting elements.
Site Technician and Project Manager
Polar Power Namibia
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: Telecommunication Construction
- Responsible for all tasks related to tower set ups.
- Telecommunication Construction
Senior Management Position
A4A Studio and workshop - ART4ART
01.2008 - 01.2019
- Responsible for maintaining contact to high end clientele.
- Specialized in Spray Specialist, Marketing and sales, and Brand Developer.
- Chosen as one of the top 5 kitchen designers in South Africa according to Top Billing Magazine (July 2009).
Designer, Spray Specialist and Manager
A4A Studio and workshop - ART4ART
01.2000 - 01.2008
Education
Project Management Diploma - Project Management, Risk Management, Change Management, Leadership and Teamwork
IBMi (International Business Management Institute Berlin Germany)
Skills
- Property maintenance
- Security management
- Contractor management
- Waste management
- Asset management
- Guest relations
- Bookings and payments
- Event management
- Catering coordination
- Staff supervision
- Guest issue resolution
- Bar and beverage management
- F&B Management
- FOH Management
- Horticultural expertise
- Aesthetic garden design and maintenance
- Plant health management
- Irrigation systems
- Pest and disease control
- Landscaping
- Budgeting
- Financial record keeping
- Sales target management
- Reporting
- Cash handling
- Auditing
- Inventory management
- Sourcing and purchasing goods and services
- Overseeing repairs and upkeep of buildings and infrastructure
- Design and space creation
- Building and maintenance experience
- General office duties
- Compliance with regulations
- Team leadership
- Staff recruitment and training
- Performance management
- Managing groundskeeping and bar staff
- Team building
- Motivating
- Professional people skills
- Negotiation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficient knowledge in Articad
- Proficient knowledge in Winner Designing Programs
- Highly organized
- Proactive
- Hard-working
- Attention to detail
- Keen eye for aesthetics
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Creative
- Self-motivated
- Hands-on approach
- Optimistic approach
- Out of the box problem solving skills
- Risk Management
- Change Management
- Leadership
- Teamwork
Timeline
Farm Manager & Maintenance Manager
Molenvliet Vineyards
09.2022 - Current
General Manager
Diamant Estate Paarl
01.2020 - 01.2022
Site Technician and Project Manager
Polar Power Namibia
01.2019 - 01.2020
Co-manager
Zanzibar
01.2012 - 01.2021
Senior Management Position
A4A Studio and workshop - ART4ART
01.2008 - 01.2019
Designer, Spray Specialist and Manager
A4A Studio and workshop - ART4ART
01.2000 - 01.2008
Project Management Diploma - Project Management, Risk Management, Change Management, Leadership and Teamwork
IBMi (International Business Management Institute Berlin Germany)
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