Burton John Simon
Salt Rock,KZN
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven food industry professional with expertise in bakery operations , customer service, team leadership and product quality management . Skilled in overseeing daily production , ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and creating high-quality, appealing products that meet customer expectations. Proven ability to streamline operations and train staff to deliver exceptional service. Passionate about maintaining high standards , fostering a positive team culture , and driving business growth through innovation and attention to detail .
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Waiter / Wine Steward
Turffontein Race Course
06.1992 - 12.1992
- Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper accounting and minimizing discrepancies at the end of shifts.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Assisted in training new waitstaff, sharing best practices and improving overall team performance.
- Ensured food safety compliance by adhering to proper handling procedures when serving dishes.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
Waiter
Poorboys Diner
03.1993 - 09.1993
- Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless guest experiences and resolve any issues promptly.
- Reduced order errors by double-checking tickets before sending them to the kitchen staff for preparation.
- Promoted specials or upsold items to increase average check amount.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure special requests or dietary restrictions were accurately communicated and accommodated for guests.
- Complied with all company policies regarding uniform standards, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Communicated with kitchen staff to enable accurate food preparation.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
In - Service Training
Clinic Fedics
06.1993 - 07.1993
- Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
- Maintained health and food safety standards at all stages, from storage through delivery.
- Ordered new supplies and food to maintain service levels.
- Enhanced overall dining experience by attentively addressing customer concerns or complaints, taking appropriate actions to rectify issues and prevent future occurrences.
- Maintained high-quality standards for food preparation, presentation, and taste across all menu offerings.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
- Stayed current with industry trends and innovations to boost competitiveness and customer appeal.
Receptionist
Crocodile Country Inn
02.1995 - 11.1997
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Maintained a well-organized reception area with updated materials, contributing to a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities while managing numerous tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Improved appointment scheduling system, reducing wait times and increasing client satisfaction.
- Cultivated positive relationships with clients through professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Handled assignments independently with good judgement and critical thinking skills.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and providing accurate information.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Strengthened restaurant reputation with launch of innovative marketing campaigns.
- Managed cash register transactions accurately, ensuring balanced tills at the end of each shift.
- Continuously improved personal bartending skills through experimentation with new recipes, techniques, and flavor combinations.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Implemented creative solutions for venue challenges, optimizing space usage and enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Maintained detailed records of past events to improve future planning strategies and streamline processes.
- Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery of exceptional event services.
- Provided exceptional on-site support during events, addressing any issues promptly and professionally.
- Supervised staff during events and maintained efficient performance.
- Coordinated efficient set-up and clean-up for each event for quick facilities turnarounds.
Manager
Una Pizza
1998 - 1999
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment safely to protect team members from harm and equipment from damage.
- Wiped down counters and food prep stations using bleach and clean cloths.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by crafting high-quality pizzas and maintaining consistency in taste and presentation.
- Created specialty pizzas to diversify menu and promote restaurant.
- Streamlined the pizza assembly process, increasing productivity without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Manager
Steers
01.1998 - 03.2002
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Implemented regular maintenance schedules for equipment to reduce downtime and improve overall operational efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations, maintaining high standards of sanitation throughout the establishment.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by organizing workflows more effectively, resulting in reduced wait times for customer orders.
- Created and implemented policies to achieve customer satisfaction and maintain food service standards.
- Managed inventory levels for optimal cost control and minimized waste by regularly reviewing stock and making appropriate adjustments.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient service strategies and maintaining a clean, organized restaurant environment.
- Collaborated with management team members to develop initiatives aimed at increasing overall restaurant profitability.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Director
Taybeen Foods cc
02.2003 - 07.2025
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Revolutionized customer service protocols, significantly improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Boosted operational efficiency by optimizing supply chain processes.
- Secured lucrative partnerships to expand market reach, negotiating favorable terms.
- Fostered culture of innovation, encouraging development of cutting-edge solutions.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Expertly coordinated logistics for functions both within and outside of organization.
- Developed comprehensive logistics plans to support business growth and expansion initiatives.
- Facilitated annual performance review process for all staff members, providing constructive feedback and setting tangible goals for professional growth.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between employees through mediation techniques, promoting a harmonious working environment.
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
- Enhanced inventory accuracy by conducting thorough stock audits and addressing discrepancies promptly.
- Maintained detailed records of all stock movements, providing valuable data for decision-making purposes.
- Performed root cause analysis on inventory discrepancies, implementing corrective actions for long-term resolution.
- Developed optimal replenishment strategies based on historical sales trends and anticipated demand fluctuations due to seasonal factors or promotional activities.
- Handled stock return claims from customers promptly and professionally, maintaining positive relationships while minimizing financial impact on the company.
- Managed the implementation of a new inventory management system, resulting in more accurate tracking and forecasting capabilities.
- Budget preparation and forecasting activities involve providing accurate inventory data and analysis of past trends.
- Optimized warehouse organization for improved accessibility and faster order fulfillment times.
- Streamlined stock management processes for increased efficiency and reduced waste.
- Coordination to ensure timely delivery of products and adequate stock levels.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure advantageous pricing arrangements, reducing overall inventory carrying costs.
- Controlled revenue growth by identifying potential upselling opportunities during routine invoice reviews, and collaborating with the sales team to execute strategies.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Expanded market share by identifying and penetrating untapped markets.
- Achieved significant cost reductions by negotiating better terms with suppliers and vendors.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and implementing best practices in sales operations.
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Boosted sales performance through the creation of engaging promotional materials and targeted advertising strategies.
- Managed budgets, allocating funds strategically towards high-impact initiatives that supported overall business goals.
- Increased brand awareness by developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns.
- Optimized cash flow management strategies, ensuring sufficient funds were available for daily operations while maximizing returns on idle cash balances.
- Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, aiding in effective decision-making processes regarding growth opportunities and resource allocation.
- Analyzed budgets, financial reports, and projections for accurate reporting of financial standing.
- Increased financial efficiency by streamlining budget processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Created and implemented effective accounting systems, best practices, and policies.
- Generated revenue and reduced costs by implementing innovative alternatives.
Education
National Senior Certificate - Food Service Supervision
Parktown College
01.1997
National Intermediate Certificate - Food Service Supervision
Parktown College
01.1995
Skills
Service excellence
Attention to detail in order processing
Client relationship oversight
Inventory management
Strong multitasking
Time management
Decision-making
Quality control
Team collaboration
Service prioritization
Relationship management
Regulatory compliance
Reliability and punctuality
Effective verbal communication
Curriculum Vitae
- Surname: Simon
- Other Names: Burton John
- Date of Birth: 1976-07-27
- Identity Number: 7607275036080
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 1
- Residential Address: C4 The Saxony, Dunkirk Estate, Salt Rock
- Cell: 082 967 1355
- State of Health: Excellent
- Religion: Catholic Roman
Timeline
Director
Taybeen Foods cc
02.2003 - 07.2025
Manager
Steers
01.1998 - 03.2002
Receptionist
Crocodile Country Inn
02.1995 - 11.1997
In - Service Training
Clinic Fedics
06.1993 - 07.1993
Waiter
Poorboys Diner
03.1993 - 09.1993
Waiter / Wine Steward
Turffontein Race Course
06.1992 - 12.1992
Manager
Una Pizza
1998 - 1999
National Senior Certificate - Food Service Supervision
Parktown College
National Intermediate Certificate - Food Service Supervision
Parktown College