Heinrich Van Blommestein
Pretoria
Summary
Dedicated professional pursuing a successful career in the industry, focused on continuous development and advancement. Committed to leveraging skills and experience for the organization's growth. Eager to tackle challenging projects for knowledge expansion. Dedicated to long-term success and impactful contributions within the sector.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Lodge Manager
Marataba Game Lodges
03.2023 - Current
- Oversaw property maintenance activities to ensure timely repairs, preventative upkeep measures, and visually appealing surroundings for guests.
- Managed budgets, inventory control, and purchasing to optimize financial performance while maintaining quality standards.
- Improved guest satisfaction by implementing personalized services and addressing customer feedback.
- Cultivated a positive workplace atmosphere that boosted employee morale and resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
- Enhanced staff performance through ongoing training, clear communication, and regular evaluations.
- Optimized staffing levels according to seasonal fluctuations, ensuring efficient resource allocation throughout the year.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, maintaining a secure environment for guests and staff.
- Spearheaded sustainability initiatives, reducing the lodge''s environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices among staff and guests alike.
- Fostered open communication between departments for seamless collaboration in delivering outstanding guest experiences across all touchpoints of their stay at the lodge.
- Built strong relationships with community members and local businesses to promote the lodge''s reputation and offerings.
- Established a culture of exceptional service within the team by modeling desired behaviors and setting high expectations for performance.
- Coordinated special events, delivering memorable experiences for guests while maximizing revenue opportunities.
- Managed lodge operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes, and reducing costs.
- Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
- Participated in financial activities such as setting room rates, establishing budgets and allocating funds to departments.
- Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
- Solicited and reviewed guest feedback and promptly resolved complaints.
- Managed day-to-day operations of lodging facility, scheduling staff and overseeing budgets.
- Created and managed accurate occupancy forecasts and budgets.
- Fostered safe lodging environment with reliable and effective security services.
General Manager
Taste Waterfall
04.2021 - 02.2023
- Oversaw start and end-of-day activities to ensure smooth business operations.
- Handled everyday administrative duties.
- Executed routine cash register audits to maintain financial accuracy.
- Handled sales system operations.
- Scheduled client events.
- Streamlined stock tracking to support efficient ordering operations.
- Evaluated and developed staff through structured training programs.
- Optimized service delivery for better client experience.
- Maintained compliance with Food Safety Act.
- Managed supplier relationships to control overheads.
- Implemented creative advertising initiatives to drive engagement.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
F. O. H. Manager /Head Chef
The Art Farm Restaurant
05.2016 - 10.2020
- Maintained high standards of food quality by reviewing shipments, overseeing preparation and monitoring food safety.
- Protected business, team members and customers by monitoring alcohol consumption and keeping operation in line with legal service requirements.
- Prepared restaurant business plan by reviewing demands, analyzing competitors and developing projections for sales and finances.
- Inspected preparation and storage equipment regularly to assess and maintain performance for cost-effective, safe operations.
- Reviewed pricing and ordered food ingredients, kitchen appliances and supplies.
- Organized and oversaw food service training to educate employees on various tasks, including resetting tables, relaying orders to cooks and upselling food and beverages.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and increase efficiency in different areas.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
Senior Plant Operator
Eskom Grootvlei Power Station
02.2010 - 11.2014
- Ensured optimal functioning of turbine and boiler equipment.
- Managed plant operations to ensure optimal handling of ash, dust, and coal.
- Operated fuel oil and compressed air systems efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to effectively manage fire incidents.
- Completed training in Level 2 first aid procedures.
- Conducted regular audits to maintain SHEQ compliance.
- Performed regular checks and recorded data every hour.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall operational efficiency while minimizing costs wherever possible.
Administration Manager
Ellerines Furniture
06.2007 - 12.2009
- Learned and applied preferred systems for scheduling purchasing and problem-solving.
- Collaborated with leaders from other departments to achieve consistent processes and maximize efficiency of resources.
- Oversaw office inventory, including ordering and requisitions, stocking and shipment receiving.
- Maintained accurate, current and compliant financial records by monitoring and addressing variances.
- Kept physical files and digitized records organized for easy updating and retrieval by authorized team members.
- Managed budgets and financial reporting, enabling effective allocation of resources and timely identification of potential cost savings.
- Developed effective filing systems that streamlined document retrieval, increasing efficiency within the workplace.
F. O. H. Manager
Hoffeldts Restaurant
01.2005 - 05.2007
- Managed daily business operations, including opening and closing procedures.
- Executed successful event planning.
- Delivered exceptional support to clients.
- Conducted daily cash reconciliations.
- Maintained uninterrupted service flow.
- Handled customer complaints effectively, resolving issues promptly to maintain brand reputation and garner positive reviews.
Education
City and Guilds level 2 - undefined
FBI chef school
07.2019
Diploma - Fossil Fuel Power Production
NVE enterprises
07.2011
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Time management
- Inventory control
- Client relations
- Employee development
Languages
Afrikaans
English
References
- Khetiwe Mahlangu, HR manager, Khethiwe@maratabagamelodges.co.za, 0782832979, Marataba Game Lodges
- Trevor, General Manager, 0799555078, taste Copperleaf
- Lizet, van Wyk, HR Manager, lizet@the-artfarm.co.za, 0716752666, The Art Farm
Timeline
Lodge Manager
Marataba Game Lodges
03.2023 - Current
General Manager
Taste Waterfall
04.2021 - 02.2023
F. O. H. Manager /Head Chef
The Art Farm Restaurant
05.2016 - 10.2020
Senior Plant Operator
Eskom Grootvlei Power Station
02.2010 - 11.2014
Administration Manager
Ellerines Furniture
06.2007 - 12.2009
F. O. H. Manager
Hoffeldts Restaurant
01.2005 - 05.2007
City and Guilds level 2 - undefined
FBI chef school
Diploma - Fossil Fuel Power Production
NVE enterprises