Simphiwe Ndumiso Mthiyane
Durban
Summary
High-energy professional skilled at welcoming guests, maintaining entrances and balancing server loads to optimize operations. Collaborative, hardworking and efficient at prioritizing and handling simultaneous tasks to promote positive dining experiences.
Experienced Food Service Manager with a proven ability to manage all facets of food service operations. Proficient in staff supervision, inventory management, and budget control to optimize efficiency and profitability. Skilled in upholding stringent standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Adept leader capable of inspiring and guiding teams to hit goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Assistant Maitre D
Seabourn Cruise Line
Seattle
12.2022 - Current
- Greeting customers warmly upon arrival, ensuring a welcoming and pleasant dining experience
- Resolving customer concerns efficiently to maintain long-term guest loyalty and satisfaction.
- Anticipating service needs and taking proactive steps to ensure successful operations
- Training and supervising new team members, ensuring adherence to service standards and company policies
- Collaborated with bartenders to create cocktails that complemented menu items, increasing beverage sales.
- Developed Par Stock Inventory file and performed detailed in-use counts to enhance resource management.
- Promote up selling of premium wine events and whiskey sales
- Guide coach the team on and off the spot
- Inchage of apraisal, team members performance
- Collaborated with culinary team to ensure menu accuracy and presentation.
- Handled guest inquiries and resolved dining-related issues promptly. Guest dietary requirements and allergies
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in all dining areas.
- Supported special events by organizing themed dinners and private functions.
- Reviewed customer feedback surveys to identify areas needing improvement in terms of services offered.
- Prepared weekly staffing schedules to meet the needs of the business while controlling labor costs.
Senior Waiter
Seabourn Cruise Line
Seattle
12.2016 - 12.2022
- Delivered exceptional dining service to guests aboard luxury cruise ships.
- Managed table settings and ensured cleanliness in dining areas.
- Assisted in training junior waitstaff on service standards and procedures.
- Handled guest inquiries and resolved issues with professionalism and care.
- Maintained knowledge of menu items and wine selections for guest recommendations.
- Monitored stock levels of menus, condiments, utensils, linens, glassware, and other supplies necessary for providing exceptional service.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
Country club server
Boca West Country Club
Florida
12.2013 - 05.2015
- Delivered exceptional guest service, ensuring all customers received personalized attention.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth restaurant operations during service.
- Took customer orders and maintained an orderly environment in high-pressure situations
- Managed food and drink orders efficiently during peak hours.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery.
- Assisted in training new servers on menu and service standards.
- Recommended menu items based on guest preferences and dietary needs.
Assistant Waiter
Nowigian Cruise line
Miami
01.2013 - 10.2013
- Assisted waiters in taking orders and delivering food to tables.
- Assisted servers with food and beverage delivery to guests.
- Helped guests with special requests to enhance their dining experience.
- Engaged with guests to provide information about menu items and specials.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas and service stations.
- Followed health and safety protocols while handling food and beverages.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mnyameni Secondary School
Botha's Hill 01.2004 - 12.2008
Skills
- Reservations Management
- Dining Experience Enhancement
- Customer Service Excellence
- Guest relations
- Service Quality Improvement
- Upselling
- Customer upselling
- Staff training
- Training staff
- Team Leadership & Supervision
- Strong leadership
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Stock Control
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Spanish
Elementary
A2
Afrikaans
Intermediate
B1
Certificate
- Certificate of Proficiency
- Crowd manangment and passenger service safety training
- STCW basic training (Shipboard)
- Responsible service of alcohol ( Shipboard)
Timeline
Assistant Maitre D
Seabourn Cruise Line
12.2022 - Current
Senior Waiter
Seabourn Cruise Line
12.2016 - 12.2022
Country club server
Boca West Country Club
12.2013 - 05.2015
Assistant Waiter
Nowigian Cruise line
01.2013 - 10.2013
High School Diploma -
Mnyameni Secondary School
01.2004 - 12.2008