Ockert Van Wyk
General Manager
Pretoria
Summary
Driven by a passion for excellence and a knack for operations management, I elevated Caraffa Restaurant's brand recognition and customer base through innovative strategies, boosting sales significantly. My leadership fostered a team capable of exceptional customer relationship management, ensuring long-term client loyalty and a marked improvement in service quality. I specialize in customer relations and sales development. I am confident in my selling ability and can ensure that I can implement strategies that will increase overall turnover.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
General Manager
Caraffa Restaurant/TheWineShop
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Created and managed the shops social media presence.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Initiated sales of various premium products, many of which valued over R10,000
Head Waiter
Caraffa Restaurant
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Greeted new customers, discussed specials, and took drink orders.
- Enhanced customer dining experience by providing exceptional service and anticipating guest needs.
- Increased overall restaurant efficiency by effectively managing and delegating tasks to the wait staff.
- Managed food resources, memorized orders, and coordinated customer service.
- Trained staff members on use of POS system.
- Organized special events and private parties at the restaurant, coordinating menus, staffing, decorations, and entertainment as needed.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery for guest satisfaction.
- Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Utilized knowledge of menu offerings to upsell specials and premium dishes, contributing positively to the restaurant''s overall revenue.
Restaurant Waiter
Taras Bulba Restaurant
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas for optimal guest experience.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Maintained professional demeanor under pressure while managing challenging situations involving dissatisfied customers.
Restaurant Waiter (part Time)
Modern Italian Kitchen
12.2018 - 02.2019
- Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas for optimal guest experience.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 03.2019 - 04.2022
High School Diploma -
Pretoria Boys High School
Pretoria, South Africa 01.2014 - 12.2018
Skills
Operations Management
Customer Relationship Management
Team Leadership
Project Management
Staff Supervision
Performance Improvement
Customer Retention
Quality Management
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
General Manager
Caraffa Restaurant/TheWineShop
05.2023 - 08.2024
Head Waiter
Caraffa Restaurant
03.2022 - 05.2023
Restaurant Waiter
Taras Bulba Restaurant
04.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of Pretoria
03.2019 - 04.2022
Restaurant Waiter (part Time)
Modern Italian Kitchen
12.2018 - 02.2019
High School Diploma -
Pretoria Boys High School
01.2014 - 12.2018
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