Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Timeline
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Michael Kaminski

Michael Kaminski

Hospitality Professional
Boskruin, Randburg

Summary

I am an experienced and passionate Hospitality Professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry and very much looking forward to the next exciting chapter in my career, wether it be in hotels, the restaurant and bar industry or even the catering and events industry. Having spent most of my career in all facets of the hospitality industry, I do feel I am qualified for any new opportunities that may arise.


I am extremely customer focused, engaging all customers, effectively resolving customer issues and always striving to exceed customer expectations.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Restaurant, Bar & Kitchen Manager

The Sundowner Bar & Eatery
07.2022 - 01.2024
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, both front of house as well as back of house, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
  • Created new recipes for the kitchen to follow and adhere to.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff, as well as working & managing the front of house, to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.

Security Officer

Tesco PLC
03.2020 - 11.2020
  • This position was offered to me during Covid, as I was already in possession of an SIA (Security Industry Authority) security license. This allowed me to work when the Hospitality Industry shut down due to Covid.
  • Decreased instances of theft, vandalism, and trespassing through diligent observation and reporting suspicious activities.
  • Prevented unauthorized access to facilities by enforcing strict entry protocols and verifying identification.
  • Ensuring the safety & security of staff members and visitors.

Front of House Manager

The Crazy Bear Hotel
07.2019 - 11.2019
  • Developed strong relationships with guests, addressing complaints promptly and ensuring a positive dining experience.
  • Improved staff retention by fostering a supportive work environment and providing ongoing training opportunities.
  • Handled reservation system proficiently utilizing guest information in order to enhance their overall dining experience.
  • Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
  • Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
  • Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
  • Training of new staff, in particular at reception, reservations & night staff.
  • Ensuring the safety & security of all staff and guests.
  • Managing of OTA's and all other online correspondence.

Front of House Manager

The Forbury Hotel
03.2016 - 03.2017
  • Monitored the day to day operations of the property, focusing on food & beverage operations, as well as reception, reservations, housekeeping and banqueting & events.
  • Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
  • Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.

Duty Manager

The Royal Park Hotel
09.2015 - 02.2016
  • Streamlined check-in/check-out processes, resulting in reduced wait times and increased guest satisfaction scores.
  • Ensured compliance with all company policies, local regulations, and industry standards related to hotel operations.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, vendors, and business partners to foster a collaborative working environment.
  • Supported marketing efforts through participation in promotional events or initiatives aimed at increasing brand awareness within the local community.

Night Manager

The Royal Park Hotel
04.2015 - 09.2015
  • Oversaw accurate billing procedures for all hotel transactions during the night shift, minimizing discrepancies found during audits.
  • Ensuring the safety and security of all night staff and guests.
  • Created nightly shift task lists to assign duties to each employee.
  • Trained and mentored new and existing staff to achieve best practices.

Guest Services Manager

Blakes Hotel
09.2014 - 11.2014

Interim short term position due staff shortages at the time and my knowledge of the property, the owners and staff from my previous employment at Blakes.

Reservations Manager

Cadogan Hotel
09.2013 - 08.2014
  • Coordinated group bookings for events or conferences, ensuring a seamless process from inquiry to checkout.
  • Assisted front office staff in managing walk-ins or last-minute changes during peak periods, maintaining smooth operations and guest satisfaction levels.
  • Monitored inventory levels across multiple booking channels, preventing overbooking incidents and maximizing room revenue opportunities.
  • Effectively resolved guest issues related to reservations, resulting in satisfied customers and positive reviews.

Reception Manager

Cadogan Hotel
03.2012 - 08.2013
  • Increased revenue through upselling hotel services and amenities, promoting special offers, and encouraging repeat bookings.
  • Implemented effective scheduling strategies, balancing employee preferences with business needs to optimize staff productivity.
  • Assisted in the hiring, training, and mentoring of new staff members, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on excellent customer service.
  • Maintained accurate records of guest information, billing details, and reservation data using hotel management software systems.
  • Developed strong relationships with local businesses and vendors, creating valuable partnerships that benefited both parties.

Duty Manager

Blakes Hotel
09.2008 - 03.2012
  • Served as the primary point of contact for VIP guests, ensuring personalized service and exceptional experiences throughout their stay.
  • Maintained a safe and secure environment for guests and employees through regular facility inspections and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Handled escalated customer issues with diplomacy, ensuring satisfactory resolution while preserving long-term client relationships.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving guest concerns and complaints.

Night Manager

Blakes Hotel
03.2005 - 09.2008
  • Conducted end-of-shift reviews to identify opportunities for improvement in nightly operations moving forward.
  • Ensured safety of guests through thorough monitoring of property, conducting security checks, and addressing potential risks.
  • Collaborated with other departments to coordinate seamless transitions between shifts, ensuring consistent service delivery for guests throughout their stay.
  • Streamlined night audit processes for increased accuracy and timely financial reporting.
  • Handled emergency situations calmly and professionally, coordinating with necessary personnel to ensure guest safety and minimal disruption to their stay.

Front Office Manager & Duty Manager

Mount Grace Country House & Spa
02.2003 - 11.2004
  • Managed daily room inventory to maximize occupancy rates and revenue generation.
  • Conducted regular staff evaluations, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by efficiently managing front office operations and addressing customer concerns promptly.
  • Established strong relationships with local tourism partners, generating leads on potential visitors requiring accommodations.
  • Updated guests'' profiles systematically incorporating preferences and feedback for providing personalized experiences during future visits.

Guest Liaison

The Grace In Rosebank
01.2002 - 01.2003
  • Junior management receptionist position, dealing with check ins & check outs as per standards set by the hotel.
  • Managed guest complaints professionally, implementing solutions that exceeded expectations.
  • Trained new Guest Liaison team members on best practices in customer service and effective communication techniques.
  • Liaised with transportation providers to arrange airport transfers or local transportation options as needed.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues effectively.

Food & Beverage Management Trainee

The Westgate Hotel
03.2000 - 09.2001

Fine dining service, room service & banqueting

Hotel School Management Trainee

The Sandton Hilton
01.1998 - 12.1998

As part of my syllabus & training through the International Hotel School, training and gathering first hand experience in various departments throughout the hotel.

Hotel School Management Trainee

The Carlton Hotel
01.1997 - 12.1997

A part of my syllabus & training through the International Hotel School, training and gathering first hand experience in various departments throughout the hotel.

Education

Bachelors Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt - Hospitality Administration And Management

Glion Institute of Higher Education
Switzerland
04.2001 -

Diploma in Hospitality Management - Hospitality Administration And Management

The International Hotel School
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

St Stithians College
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

    Customer Focused

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Software

Micros Fidelio/ Opera

Roommaster

Easipos

PC Literate

Timeline

Restaurant, Bar & Kitchen Manager

The Sundowner Bar & Eatery
07.2022 - 01.2024

Security Officer

Tesco PLC
03.2020 - 11.2020

Front of House Manager

The Crazy Bear Hotel
07.2019 - 11.2019

Front of House Manager

The Forbury Hotel
03.2016 - 03.2017

Duty Manager

The Royal Park Hotel
09.2015 - 02.2016

Night Manager

The Royal Park Hotel
04.2015 - 09.2015

Guest Services Manager

Blakes Hotel
09.2014 - 11.2014

Reservations Manager

Cadogan Hotel
09.2013 - 08.2014

Reception Manager

Cadogan Hotel
03.2012 - 08.2013

Duty Manager

Blakes Hotel
09.2008 - 03.2012

Night Manager

Blakes Hotel
03.2005 - 09.2008

Front Office Manager & Duty Manager

Mount Grace Country House & Spa
02.2003 - 11.2004

Guest Liaison

The Grace In Rosebank
01.2002 - 01.2003

Bachelors Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt - Hospitality Administration And Management

Glion Institute of Higher Education
04.2001 -

Diploma in Hospitality Management - Hospitality Administration And Management

The International Hotel School
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

St Stithians College
04.2001 -

Food & Beverage Management Trainee

The Westgate Hotel
03.2000 - 09.2001

Hotel School Management Trainee

The Sandton Hilton
01.1998 - 12.1998

Hotel School Management Trainee

The Carlton Hotel
01.1997 - 12.1997
Michael KaminskiHospitality Professional