Liam Jukes
General Manager - Hospitality
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Innovative bar professional specializing in refined cocktails and elevated guest experiences. Employing technical precision and storytelling to craft memorable moments, balancing elegance and flavor. Committed to the philosophy of unreasonable hospitality, blending creativity and genuine connection behind the bar. Experienced in developing both classic and experimental cocktails that resonate with guests.
Overview
3
3
Languages
2
2
Certifications
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Fable
08.2024 - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, scheduling, and contract negotiations to ensure operational efficiency.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Acquired essential inventory items to ensure consistent service and quality in dining.
- Identified problems, conducted troubleshooting and sought repair or maintenance support to keep restaurant equipment operational.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of high-quality food and service.
- Coordinated special events bookings, working closely with clients to ensure their expectations were met or exceeded from start to finish.
- Conducted regular financial analyses of sales data in order to identify trends that informed future marketing efforts.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring a clean, safe, and inviting atmosphere for patrons.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- Analyzed variances and implemented corrective actions to increase average meal checks and customer visits.
- Cultivated relationships with local businesses and organizations to create catering opportunities, enhancing revenue streams.
- Collaborated with culinary team members to develop seasonal menus that catered to diverse tastes while maximizing profit margins.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure the best pricing on quality ingredients and supplies while maintaining cost control measures.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
Bar / FOH Manager
VUE Shortmarket
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
- Fostered positive team environment through encouragement of teamwork and respect aligned with company mission.
- Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and business partners, enhancing trust and collaboration.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
- Developed and maintained relationships with vendors and other business partners to establish trust and build rapport.
- Coordinated with suppliers to establish timely delivery of food and beverage items.
- Reviewed customer feedback and implemented targeted strategies to enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Head Bartender
Tapas
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Maintained store and bar service standards, communicated issues to management during shifts, prioritized customer satisfaction, and demonstrated leadership through mentorship, guidance, training, and quality control.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, preserving the establishment''s reputation for excellent service.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
Bartender
Tapas
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Provided bar service and maintained cleanliness throughout the establishment.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Bartender
Beeryard
01.2019 - 02.2022
- Managed front of house operations, including cashup, closing operations, voids, and error corrections.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Bartender
Beeryard
09.2017 - 12.2018
- Delivered bar service, maintained cleanliness, and ensured equipment readiness.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Waitron / Bartender
BEERSHACK & WHITE TIGER
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Performed general bar service and maintained cleanliness and organization.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Academic Research Project
NMMU
07.2017 - 10.2017
- Conducted a lean principles and incorporation into an agile manufacturing production system project on a simulated factory line producing Table Frames in the SWEAT LAB at NMMU, by analyzing work processes and altering the methods and layout and functions within the processes and evaluating them on certain key performance indicators such as Std Time and TAKT time , capacity, flow of work and defects performance improvements values and information on the benefits of Lean in a production system and the important role it has to play on any system of processes. (80%)
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Senior Shop Assistant
Postnet Moffett on Main
05.2015 - 12.2016
- Assisted customers with invoicing and payment processing.
- Maintained a clean, well-organized sales floor to create an inviting atmosphere for customers.
- Facilitated smooth operations during peak hours by swiftly addressing any issues that arose on the sales floor or at the register area.
- Conducted regular inventory audits, minimizing discrepancies and preventing loss through accurate recordkeeping.
Independent Store Operator
Postnet Sunridge
05.2015 - 10.2015
- Executed opening, operational, and closing procedures for the store on Sundays without supervision.
- Managed daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and employee scheduling.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment to enhance the overall shopping experience.
- Conducted regular staff training sessions to ensure consistent high-quality customer service from all team members.
Shop Assistant
Postnet Moffett on Main
02.2013 - 04.2015
- Provided customer service and managed cash handling and register operations. Developed and understood customer-specific design requirements while performing administrative tasks such as database entries and invoicing. Executed cash-up and opening procedures, ensured workplace hygiene and safety, and conducted stock taking. Handled materials receiving and management procedures. Trained new staff and coordinated workflows and breaks based on daily demands.
- Remained calm and composed in tense situations involving angry or upset customers.
- Completed daily tasks accurately and on-time to support shop needs.
- Assisted customers in locating items, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
Academic Research Project
MW Wheels
04.2014 - 07.2014
- Executed an integrated workstudy assessment project for a university module focused on the Door Production Area of MW Wheels Port Elizabeth Factory in 2014. Worked with a team of four to enhance productivity and output by 33%, utilizing various work study techniques to ease staff responsibilities.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Academic Research Project
Mondelez
04.2013 - 07.2013
- Conducted an integrated workstudy assessment project for a university module on the Olympus Wash Bay Area of Mondelez Port Elizabeth factory in 2013, cleaning and prepping chocolate molds for re-use in the production process.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Grey High School
Port Elizabeth12-2012
Ndip - Industrial Engineering
Nelson Mandela University
Port ElizabethYellow Belt Six Sigma - ASQ Certified 65316044 - Lean Six Sigma -
Council For Six Sigma Certification - OPEX
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
600/1507/X - Level 2 Award in Spritis - Level 2 Spirits - 98% (distinction)
WSET
London 04.2001 -
Skills
Operations management
Project management
Budget analysis
Performance improvement
Quality management
Client relations
Team leadership
Strategic planning
Business development
Client management
Account oversight
Client relations
Revenue Optimization
Sales Forecasting
Market Positioning
Workflow planning
Scheduling
Operations oversight
Problem Solving
Communication
Training and development
Relationship management
Relationship building
Client management
Market Positioning
Revenue Optimization
Sales Forecasting
Accomplishments
- Patron Perfections Entrant - 2021
- Patron Perfections Entrant - 2022
- Worldclass national finalist 2022 - Placed 8th
- Worldclass national finalist 2023 - Placed 7th & Bartenders Choice
- Patron Perfectionist national finalist 2023 - Best Paloma
- Cointreau national finalist 2024 - Placed unknown
- World Class national finalist 2024 - Placed 2nd & Bartenders Choice
- World Class national finalist 2025 - Placed 2nd
Certification
Apr 2019 - Dec 2019 Diageo Bar Academy Diageo Bar Academy Beer Essentials
Interests
Hiking, Photography, Socials, Computer Gaming, Reading, Art and anything to do food and drinks
Timeline
General Manager
Fable
08.2024 - Current
Bar / FOH Manager
VUE Shortmarket
02.2024 - 08.2024
Head Bartender
Tapas
08.2022 - 02.2024
Bartender
Tapas
03.2022 - 07.2022
Bartender
Beeryard
01.2019 - 02.2022
Bartender
Beeryard
09.2017 - 12.2018
Academic Research Project
NMMU
07.2017 - 10.2017
Waitron / Bartender
BEERSHACK & WHITE TIGER
02.2017 - 02.2018
Senior Shop Assistant
Postnet Moffett on Main
05.2015 - 12.2016
Independent Store Operator
Postnet Sunridge
05.2015 - 10.2015
Academic Research Project
MW Wheels
04.2014 - 07.2014
Academic Research Project
Mondelez
04.2013 - 07.2013
Shop Assistant
Postnet Moffett on Main
02.2013 - 04.2015
Yellow Belt Six Sigma - ASQ Certified 65316044 - Lean Six Sigma -
Council For Six Sigma Certification - OPEX
04.2001 -
600/1507/X - Level 2 Award in Spritis - Level 2 Spirits - 98% (distinction)
WSET
04.2001 -
Ndip - Industrial Engineering
Nelson Mandela University
High School Diploma -
Grey High School