Michael-Jon Van Niekerk
General Manager
Pretoria,GP
Summary
Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Reflecto Signs
03.2023 - 11.2023
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams on various projects/initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational performanceresults.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
General Manager
The Social Grill
08.2019 - 03.2023
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams on various projects/initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational performance results.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to create competitive advantages.
- Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
Manager
Ginger Apple
04.2018 - 07.2019
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements by implementing comprehensive policies and training programs for staff members.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Established robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential operational challenges or disruptions.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively addressing these challenges through appropriate solutions implementation.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
Restaurant Waiter
Pomodoro Restaurant
06.2013 - 12.2015
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Addressed guest concerns promptly and professionally, fostering a positive dining atmosphere.
- Supported fellow waitstaff through teamwork during busy times, sharing responsibilities as needed.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas for optimal guest experience.
- Adhered to company guidelines and safety protocols for proper food handling and presentation.
- Effectively communicated dietary restrictions and allergies to kitchen staff, ensuring accurate meal preparation for guests.
- Maintained professional demeanor under pressure while managing challenging situations involving dissatisfied customers.
- Managed multiple tables simultaneously while maintaining high levels of accuracy on order placement and delivery.
- Contributed positively to the overall workplace culture through proactive communication, problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Promoted restaurant specials and upsold menu items, increasing overall sales revenue.
- Contributed to efficient restaurant operations by assisting in bussing tables during peak hours.
- Processed cash and credit card transactions accurately, maintaining accountability for all sales revenue generated during shifts.
- Balanced excellent customer service with efficient task completion by multitasking effectively throughout each shift.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in positive feedback from guests.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers, encouraging repeat visits and loyalty to the establishment.
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively during busy shifts, ensuring prompt attention to all guests'' needs.
- Participated in routine inventory checks, minimizing discrepancies in stock levels for smooth operational flow.
- Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
- Demonstrated knowledge of diverse menu offerings, guiding guests towards optimal meal choices based on preferences or dietary requirements.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Arranged and prepared tables for customers to offer memorable experiences to guests and foster repeat business.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
- Bussed tables during busy periods to assist staff and quickly turn over tables.
- Followed health and safety regulations relevant to hospitality industry to minimize accidents, incidents and liability to restaurant.
- Met with chef to review daily specials and menu changes.
- Checked customers' IDs to verify age in compliance with minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
Education
Cybersecurity
Coursera
09.2024
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
02.2015
Skills
- Expense Control
- Staff Supervision
- Supply Chain Management
- Business Administration
- Advertising and marketing
- Labor Cost Controls
- Team Player
- Staff Motivation
- Sales expertise
- Effective leader
- Exceptional interpersonal communication
- Troubleshooting expertise
- Training and Development
- Inventory Control
- Data review
- Product Development
- Problem Resolution
- Purchasing and planning
- Total Quality Management
- Cost analysis and savings
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Upper intermediate (B2)
Hobbies
Working out, cooking, reading, gaming, investment and photography.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Timeline
General Manager
Reflecto Signs
03.2023 - 11.2023
General Manager
The Social Grill
08.2019 - 03.2023
Manager
Ginger Apple
04.2018 - 07.2019
Restaurant Waiter
Pomodoro Restaurant
06.2013 - 12.2015
Cybersecurity
Coursera
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
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