Babalo Nyhonyha
Operations Manager/Postgraduate Diploma In Business Administration
Sandton
Summary
Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader with 20 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing a solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, and talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with a strategic approach.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Operations Manager
Pelonngwe Wellness Retreat and Boutique Hotel
03.2021 - Current
- Responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the hotel, spa, wellness, and restaurant.
- Managing the day-to-day functioning of each department, ensuring that all staff members are working efficiently and effectively, and implementing strategies to improve performance and meet business objectives
- Overall,focus is to ensure that all operational processes are aligned with the organizations goals and objectives and that customers received the highest quality service and experience possible
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Empower employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications and missed deadlines.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Implemented quality control systems that boosted overall product consistency and reliability.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects ontime and within financial constraints.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Developed robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity during unforeseen disruptions.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain the best pricing and terms.
- Optimized supply chain operations through strategic vendor partnerships and efficient logistics planning.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Implemented new inventory management system to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring, and training team members.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Schedule employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated a mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage, and drive-off.
Acting Operations Manager (SH&RL)
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
06.2018 - 02.2021
- Managing strategic planning with a specialized focus on catering operations for student residences.
- Responsible for ensuring that all duties were executed according to relevant standards, policies, and regulatory guidelines, thereby fostering a safe working environment.
- Within the annual residence cycle, I was accountable for proficiently planning, coordinating, and monitoring the execution of the catering operation
- Managing catering operation with an annual budget of R102 million rands.
- Responsible for leading a catering forum aimed at student leaders in residence life.
- Played an instrumental role in involving student leaders in pivotal decision-making processes that are vital to the success of our operations
- Collaborated closely with student leaders to identify areas that required attention.
- I then develop effective strategies to address these areas, drawing on my expertise and experience in catering operations to ensure that the forum's activities align with the overarching objectives of our organization
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Implemented quality control systems that boosted overall product consistency and reliability.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects ontime and within financial constraints.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Developed robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity during unforeseen disruptions.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Optimized supply chain operations through strategic vendor partnerships and efficient logistics planning.
- Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated a mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity, and cultural programs, in addition to a robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Senior Coordinator: Residence Catering
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
07.2014 - 06.2018
- Responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and managing the catering services provided to residents.
- Proper monitoring of catering services to ensure effective contract fulfillment in kitchens and dining halls.
- Ensuring that the team or service provider delivers consistently high-quality service to our client's events
- Liaise closely with the relevant stakeholders (e.g., wardens, residence Front officers, Catering managers) to negotiate the provision of a seamless service to our clients (students) Refurbish residence dining halls, including maintenance and replacement of curtains and catering equipment
- Assist with the management of catering projects.
- Enhanced team productivity by conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback.
- Facilitated successful mergers and acquisitions by leading integration efforts between newly combined teams while minimizing operational disruptions.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans that aligned with the organization''s goals and objectives.
- Optimize resource allocation across projects by closely monitoring progress and proactively addressing potential bottlenecks.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project execution, ensuring timely completion of tasks within budget constraints.
- Established key performance indicators for departmental goals, enabling more accurate tracking of progress towards objectives and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes.
Senior Conference & Events Coordinator
Rhodes University, Makana Municipality, Makana City, Eastern Cape
02.2013 - 06.2014
- Coordinating events for both internal and external clients
- Overseeing the entire planning of conferences and Events
- Budget development for conferences and Events
- Coordinating local and international air and ground travel for visitors Keynote Speakers invited to attend conferences and planned events
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders and approved suppliers about the conferences
- Following procurements policies to obtain best suitable Coordinating web design for conferences according to the requirements of our clients
- Adhering to the allocated budget by the client
- Consolidation of the actual budget and expenses after the conference and providing a report for the client in comparison with the projected Budget
- Administrative support
- Coordinating all catering requirements, such as welcome dinners and cocktail functions Provide internal support to departments for venue booking and coordinating their workshops
- Liaise with academics on conference requirements
- Manage the accommodation of delegates for the conference and book them on the Rhodes booking system
- Manage Rhodes University B&B accommodation for visiting academics from national and international institutions.
Parliamentary Protocol Office
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape
09.2007 - 01.2013
- Providing protocol attendance to dignitaries outside venues hosted by Parliament Presiding officers
- Protocol attendance to visiting dignitaries Administrative support Coordinating protocol logistics and Ceremonial functions
- Coordinate Protocol logistics on courtesy calls for Presiding officers
- Coordinate official Banquets hosted by presiding officers
- Liaise with the Hotels on all the logistics of the official dinner or events, order of proceedings for the banquet Liaise with dignitaries' office on dietary requirements of visiting dignitaries
- Advance team to the venue to check all planning logistics
- Overseeing and briefing the staff on the logistics of the event.
- Ensured protocol compliance during official events, maintaining a professional atmosphere conducive to successful discussions.
- Organized state dinners, receptions, and other ceremonies that showcased the host country''s culture and values in a positive light.
- Established strong relationships with foreign mission counterparts, fostering trust and facilitating open lines of communication.
- Prepared comprehensive briefing materials for senior leaders, enabling informed decision-making in meetings with foreign counterparts.
- Facilitated smooth interactions between high-ranking officials by providing language interpretation services when necessary.
Senior Catering Manager
Compass Group
06.2004 - 08.2007
- Managing a dining hall and 20-apartment Apartment Complex Managing staff complement of 6 Kitchen Staff, 4 waiters, 6 Housekeeping staff, and 3 Porters
- Managing a budget of 1.2 Million annually
- Manage the front of the house and the back of the White Hall Court retirement village
- Reporting to the director of the establishment and the project manager of Health care services, a division of the Compass Group
- Menu Planning with the Chef, for a 6-week cycle
- Responsible for the set-up of hygiene standards regulated by Afrocon Hygiene Audit
- Maintain a high level of cleanliness by adhering to the company policies
- Successful hygiene audits with a high standard of 90% for the duration that I was at the unit
- Ensure effective and efficient operation of all applicable equipment and systems
- Comply with all relevant accounting and financial procedures & reporting thereof
- Adhere to the company's employment code and comply with all relevant Policies
- Fostering teamwork, discipline and responsibility enhances communication skills.
- Coordinated staff training programs, enhancing service skills and strengthening teamwork among employees.
- Championed eco-friendly initiatives within the company by implementing waste reduction strategies during events, such as recycling efforts or donation programs for leftover food items.
- Spearheaded initiatives for utilizing local, organic ingredients in menu offerings, promoting sustainability practices within the organization.
- Stayed current with industry trends and emerging technology, incorporating new ideas into the company''s service offerings for continuous improvement and innovation.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Midrand, South Africa 01.2022 - 05.2022
Degree in Baccalaureus Technologies: Hospitality Management - Hospitality Administration And Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South Africa 01.2017 - 05.2018
National Diploma: Food and Beverage Management - Hospitality
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South Africa 01.2002 - 05.2004
Diploma: International Hotel Management - Hotel Management
Varsity College
Cape Town 01.1999 - 01.1999
Skills
Operations leadership
Accomplished manager
Operations troubleshooting
Daily operations oversight
Customer relationship building
Troubleshooting abilities
Daily property operations
Building guest relationships
Strategic partnerships
Problem-Solving
Performance monitoring
Staff Management
References
- Ms. Phelokazi Mbebe, University of Cape Town, Vacation Office Manager, 021-650-1052, 071-606-7369, Phelokazi.mbebe@uct.ac.za
- Mr. Sifiso Tshuma, University of Cape Town, Senior Coordinator: Facility, 021-650-1064, 083-524-8792, Sifiso.Tshuma@uct.ac.za
- Ms. Zarena Kroese, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Manager: Protocol Administrator, 021-403-3681, zkroese@parliament.gov.za
Timeline
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration - Business Administration And Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
01.2022 - 05.2022
Operations Manager
Pelonngwe Wellness Retreat and Boutique Hotel
03.2021 - Current
Acting Operations Manager (SH&RL)
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
06.2018 - 02.2021
Degree in Baccalaureus Technologies: Hospitality Management - Hospitality Administration And Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
01.2017 - 05.2018
Senior Coordinator: Residence Catering
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
07.2014 - 06.2018
Senior Conference & Events Coordinator
Rhodes University, Makana Municipality, Makana City, Eastern Cape
02.2013 - 06.2014
Parliamentary Protocol Office
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape
09.2007 - 01.2013
Senior Catering Manager
Compass Group
06.2004 - 08.2007
National Diploma: Food and Beverage Management - Hospitality
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
01.2002 - 05.2004
Diploma: International Hotel Management - Hotel Management
Varsity College
01.1999 - 01.1999
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