Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop & Premier
HARDUS SAAYMAN
Business Manager
Otjiwarongo,OD
Summary
Dedicated hospitality professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Intelligent and professional with exceptional knowledge of venues, tourist attractions, dining and entertainment offerings. Extensive background in hotel management positions for high-end resorts.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Duty Manager
C'est Si Bon & Casa Forno Hotel Group
06.2022 - Current
- Trained employees in essential job functions. This includes but is not limited to basic sales skill's, serving etiquette, customer relations and how to efficiently handle groups, functions and events.
- Initiated plans to improve customer relations, quality standards, and service efficiency through previous experience and research of local and international service expectations.
- Responded to customer concerns by providing friendly, knowledgeable support, and maintaining composure and professionalism at all times.
- Handled employee-related issues to improve performance, professional conduct, and attendance reliability.
- Personally Developed and implemented new procedures and policies to improve operational productivity.
- Assisted in development of marketing materials and campaigns to use for promotions and advertising. This includes content creation using platforms like photoshop and adobe premier.
- Coordinated with suppliers and vendors to determine availability of required materials, negotiate better rates and arrange for event sponsorships.
- Performed weekly event coordination for larger parties and gatherings. These include weddings and conferences of 250 people and more.
- Managed event planning, preparation, logistics and operations.
- Evaluated and selected service providers and vendors according to customer requirements.
- Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Insured that all maintenance issues were resolved in timely and professional manner by either personally repairing the issue or by outsourcing where appropriate.
Venue Manager
The Lighthouse Group
10.2021 - 05.2022
- Maintained accurate notes of changes and requests for each event and ascertained allocation.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Implemented and enforced safety policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps.
- Maximized cost-effectiveness by complying with budget, labor and revenue benchmarks.
- Assisted with public relations by participating in community events, which helped to draw in new business and patrons.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Determined and performed appropriate adjustments of authorized stock levels.
- Evaluated incoming shipments for quality issues and processed unacceptable materials for return.
- Supported operations management, sales, and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
- Completed filings and upheld strict compliance with regulatory agencies and supervisors.
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Assisted and consulted on opening of a sister venue. From inceptions through to operation. This includes but is not limited to initial construction and furnishing all they way through staff procedures and policy.
- Successfully managed 28 staff members and a venue with seating for over 110 patrons.
Sole Proprietor
Owl Express Namibia
02.2020 - 05.2022
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
- Directed market expansions to propel business forward, meet changing customer needs.
- Analyzed and tracked business metrics and made appropriate adjustments to meet supply and demand needs.
- Negotiated terms of business acquisitions to increase business base and solidify market presence.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Responded to customs, customer and internal requests and notices about classification, duty rates and documentation requirements to support import regulations.
- Oversaw timely and accurate Namibian Customs filings and related documents to facilitate communications flow.
- Created and transmitted accurate documentation to governmental agencies for import activities.
- Established, supervised and continuously improved import process flows in conformance with rules, procedures and company policy.
- Served as expert point-of-contact for internal and external questions and issues dealing with import and export operations to drive consistent communication.
- Confirmed accurate freight duties and bills of lading for shipments by collaborating with customs brokers.
- Assisted compliance department in performing internal audits of processes and systems to facilitate importation of products.
- Obtained quotes from several shipping companies and selected new organization, resulting in cost savings of 12.1%.
- Coordinated and negotiated contracts to facilitate freight movements.
- Coordinated company product shipments and international transactions to eliminate freight delays.
- Tracked shipments processing through customs and other agencies and obtained clearances.
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Created company brand messaging, collateral materials, customer events, promotional strategies, and product commercialization.
- Utilized market trends and target audience statistics to effectively and appropriately market products.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
- Completed payroll for employees and maintained detailed records of procedures.
- Reviewed and filed financial documents, coded accounting entries for data processing, and posted daily receipts and payments in accordance with all corporate protocols.
- Reported financial data and updated financial records in ledgers and journals.
- Tracked expenses and income for businesses while organizing and maintaining bank statements for checking accounts.
- Reduced financial discrepancies through transaction monitoring and management.
Sole Proprietor
Wisp Tours
10.2019 - 04.2020
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Provided elite customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities.
- Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
- Entertained tour guests with various props and signs for maximum engagement, fun, and lasting memories.
- Answered questions, pointed out important features and offered further details about special exhibits to educate visitors.
- Guided groups of up to 7 people on scheduled tours.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Provided information on various sites throughout area, relaying little-known stories to provide interest.
- Collected and deposited payments from guests.
- Researched information on South West Africa, Namibia and Swakopmund to provide accurate, detailed tours.
- Maintained vehicles and audio equipment to keep resources working and available for tour use.
- Shared historical and cultural context to keep tour informative and provide more profound understanding of area.
- Adapted to unexpected schedule changes by being flexible and adjusting itineraries to keep tours moving smoothly.
- Planned and organized tours by determining routes, selecting sights and landmarks to visit, and coordinating transportation and accommodations.
- Provided suggestions and recommendations for activities, restaurants and accommodations to keep customers entertained after tour hours.
- Continued learning and updating knowledge about tour areas, culture and history to provide accurate, timely and exciting information to tour groups.
- Managed workflow between staff, coordinating documents, planning, and creative material distribution.
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Created company brand messaging, collateral materials, customer events, promotional strategies, and product commercialization.
- Utilized market trends and target audience statistics to effectively and appropriately market products.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
- Completed payroll for employees and maintained detailed records of procedures.
- Reviewed and filed financial documents, coded accounting entries for data processing, and posted daily receipts and payments in accordance with all corporate protocols.
- Reported financial data and updated financial records in ledgers and journals.
Venue Manager
Lighthouse Group
01.2019 - 09.2019
- Maintained accurate notes of changes and requests for each event and ascertained allocation.
- Inspected facility daily for overall cleanliness and to check supply quantities for reordering and restocking.
- Implemented and enforced safety policies and procedures to manage risks and prevent accidents and mishaps.
- Maximized cost-effectiveness by complying with budget, labor and revenue benchmarks.
- Coordinate daily Front of House and Back of House restaurant operations.
- Deliver superior service and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Respond efficiently and accurately to customer complaints
- Respond efficiently and accurately to customer complaints • Organize and supervise shifts
- Appraise staff performance and provide feedback to improve productivity.
- Appraise staff performance and provide feedback to improve productivity
- Ensure compliance with sanitation and safety regulations
- Manage restaurant’s good image and suggest ways to improve it
- Control operational costs and identify measures to cut waste
- Create detailed reports on weekly, monthly, and annual revenues and expenses
- Promoted brand awareness in local community through word-of mouth and events
- Recommend ways to reach a broader audience (e.g. discounts and social media ads)
- Train new and current employees on proper customer service practices
- Train new and current employees on proper customer service practices
Lodge Manager
Rossmund Lodge cc
05.2016 - 01.2019
- Negotiated with vendors to obtain favorable rates for goods and services while maintaining good working relationships.
- Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
- Participated in financial activities such as setting room rates, establishing budgets and allocating funds to departments.
- Solicited and reviewed guest feedback and promptly resolved complaints.
- Effectively managing daily operations of hotel.
- Making sure that guests have a good first and last impression of hotel.
- Setting sales targets for staff and monitoring them to ensure that they are met
- Recruiting staff, training them up and then monitoring their performance
- Managing and setting room rates
- In overall charge of a busy food and beverage operation.
- Engaging and motivating staff to do better.
- Constantly focusing on profitability and growth
- Striving to create a relaxing and welcoming ambience for customers.
- Identifying other revenue stream opportunities.
- Organizing conferences, wedding receptions and banquets.
- Overseeing allocation of hotel bedrooms.
- Launching local publicity campaigns and attending networking events.
- Making sure presentation, recipes and services are consistent throughout the hotel.
- Demonstrating visible operational leadership and management to hotel staff.
- Supervising activities of 2 reception staff, 2 bar staff, 6 kitchen staff and 5 laundry staff with a total of 20 rooms.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination
- Worked closely with couples to meet wedding goals, maintain deadlines and resolve complaints or service issues
Human Resources Assistant
Zur Kupfer Phanne
11.2014 - 05.2016
- Organized new employee orientation schedules for new hires.
- Delivered friendly assistance with new hires throughout interviewing and hiring process.
- Screened applicant resumes and coordinated both phone and in-person interviews.
- Filed paperwork, sorted, and delivered mail and maintained office organization.
- Administered compensation, benefits, and performance management systems at direction of supervisor.
- Created and completed personnel action forms for hires, terminations, title changes and terminations.
- Monitored employee attendance and performance to verify punctuality and absences, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Coordinated itineraries and scheduled appointments for human resources staff.
- Applied mediation and collaboration to successfully resolve employee complaints and grievances.
- Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines.
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
Assistant Manager
Brigadoon B&B
07.2013 - 11.2014
- Developed loyal and highly satisfied customer base through proactive management of team customer service strategies.
- Helped with planning schedules and delegating assignments to meet coverage and service demands.
- Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and grounds for cleanliness and appearance.
- Greet and register guests.
- Ensure that company standards for guest services, décor, and housekeeping are met
- Answer questions from guests about hotel policies and services
- Keep track of how much money the hotel or lodging facility is making.
- Interview, hire, train, and sometimes fire staff members
- Monitor staff performance to ensure that guests are happy and that the hotel is well run
- Coordinate office activities of hotels or motels and resolve problems.
FOH Manager
Desert Creek Spur
03.2012 - 06.2013
- Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines.
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
- Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
- Inspected stocks to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
- Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
- Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
- Emphasized guest satisfaction during departmental meetings and focused on continuous improvement.
- Utilized upselling techniques to maximize revenue and increase customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Assistant Lodge Manager
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
11.2011 - 03.2012
- Evaluated and promptly resolved lodging facility operational issues.
- Planned and executed marketing activities to improve property brand and increase revenue.
- Created and managed accurate occupancy forecasts and budgets.
- Fostered safe lodging environment with reliable and effective security services.
- Solicited and reviewed guest feedback and promptly resolved complaints.
- Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
- Managed day-to-day operations of lodging facility, scheduling staff and overseeing budgets.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of 10-room hotel with staff of 26 employees.
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
- Developed and implemented promotional strategies to increase occupancy.
- Assisted with development and distribution of marketing materials for facility.
- Cleaned kitchen counters, refrigerators, and freezers.
- Signed for deliveries, checked items into inventory and stocked goods into proper locations.
- Read through recipes and set up ingredients for [Type] chef.
- Checked expiration dates, rotated food and removed any items that were no longer usable.
- Observed head chefs and how each prepared different specialties to gain knowledge in cooking techniques.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance, and cleanliness of production and service areas.
Events Manager
Sebastian & The Bull Cc
12.2007 - 10.2015
- Worked part time as a second income.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Interviewed clients to understand event scopes of work and establish budgets.
- Selected and ordered refreshments, décor and event materials.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination.
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to publicize and promote events.
- Searched and negotiated suitable venues per setup requirements and budget constraints.
- Delivered prompt payment for event vendors, venues, staff and transportation providers.
- Maintained and built comprehensive database of industry contacts, vendors and venues.
- Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
- Negotiated with vendors to achieve most favorable terms.
- Generated ideas to enhance and expand current event offerings.
- Maintained quality of garnishes, juices and other perishables by preparing new stock daily.
- Prepared classic, modern and unique cocktails for each customer.
- Input orders into system at point of sale and created guest checks.
- Used variety of kitchen tools and appliances to prepare ingredients and meals.
- Assisted in menu preparation, making suggestions, and researching recipes compatible with existing menu items.
- Managed food preparation activities, such as cutting ingredients to size and preparing sauces and garnishes.
- Floated throughout kitchen to assist in meal preparation and plating, effectively anticipating chef, and waiting staff's needs.
- Prepared and cooked quality meals in high-volume, fast-paced service environments.
Education
Certificate - First Aid Level A
EMED
Swakopmund 03.2020 - 03.2020
Certificate - Internet Marketing
Internet Marketing Academy 101
Swakopmund 01.2014 - 02.2014
BBA -
Namibian Business Institute
Swakopmund 02.2010 - 12.2011
High School Diploma -
Namib Highschool
Swakopmund 01.2005 - 10.2009
Skills
Strategic planning and analysis
Policy and procedure modeling
Marketing & Sales
Public and Media Relations
First Aid/CPR
Guiding
Computer Proficiency
Financial Management
Staff Management
Gastronomy
Mixology
Written Communication
Software
Filmora Video
Microsoft Office & Excel
Canva Pro
POS 3
Spacebiz
Sheep
Hope
Sage Accpac
Innkeeper/CIMSO
MATLAB
CAD
Nightsbridge
Interests
Photography & Videography
Design
Extreme Sports
Business Operations
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Time ripens all things; no man is born wise.
Miguel de Cervantes
Timeline
Duty Manager
C'est Si Bon & Casa Forno Hotel Group
06.2022 - Current
Venue Manager
The Lighthouse Group
10.2021 - 05.2022
Certificate - First Aid Level A
EMED
03.2020 - 03.2020
Sole Proprietor
Owl Express Namibia
02.2020 - 05.2022
Sole Proprietor
Wisp Tours
10.2019 - 04.2020
Venue Manager
Lighthouse Group
01.2019 - 09.2019
Lodge Manager
Rossmund Lodge cc
05.2016 - 01.2019
Human Resources Assistant
Zur Kupfer Phanne
11.2014 - 05.2016
Certificate - Internet Marketing
Internet Marketing Academy 101
01.2014 - 02.2014
Assistant Manager
Brigadoon B&B
07.2013 - 11.2014
FOH Manager
Desert Creek Spur
03.2012 - 06.2013
Assistant Lodge Manager
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
11.2011 - 03.2012
BBA -
Namibian Business Institute
02.2010 - 12.2011
Events Manager
Sebastian & The Bull Cc
12.2007 - 10.2015
High School Diploma -
Namib Highschool
01.2005 - 10.2009