Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Dean Pretorius

South Africa ,Edgemead
Dean  Pretorius

Summary

Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive experience at MSC Cruises, excelling in guest relations management and complaint handling. Proven ability to enhance dining experiences through exceptional service and menu presentation. Skilled in training staff and coordinating with kitchen teams, fostering a collaborative environment that boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Experienced with managing upscale dining services, ensuring seamless operations and guest satisfaction. Utilizes keen attention to detail and strong communication skills to coordinate staff and service flow effectively. Track record of maintaining high standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and guest relations.

Enthusiastic and reliable professional takes pride in providing excellent customer service and creating memorable dining experiences for restaurant customers. Skilled in anticipating customer needs, addressing complaints and resolving issues in timely manner. Maintains focus and positive attitude in stressful situations and high-volume environments.

Overview

9
years of professional experience

Work History

MSC Cruises

Head Waiter
02.2023 - 02.2024

Job overview

  • Provided excellent customer service by promptly addressing guest needs and inquiries.
  • Assisted in setting up dining area to ensure an inviting atmosphere for guests.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to facilitate smooth food service and timely order delivery.
  • Learned menu items and daily specials to effectively inform guests and enhance dining experience.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining space, ensuring compliance with health standards.
  • Supported team during peak hours by efficiently managing multiple tables and guest requests.
  • Participated in training sessions to develop skills in service techniques and restaurant policies.
  • Adapted quickly to changing environments, demonstrating flexibility in high-pressure situations.
  • Developed strong rapport with returning guests, leading to increased customer loyalty and positive reviews.
  • Used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
  • Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
  • Supervised server staff and simultaneously served personal section of tables.
  • Quickly reset and cleaned up tables after customers left to enable speedy turnaround and guest flow.
  • 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.

MSC

Buffet Attendant
04.2022 - 10.2022

Job overview

  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of buffet stations to enhance guest experience.
  • Assisted guests in navigating buffet offerings, ensuring satisfaction with food selections.
  • Monitored food presentation and freshness, promptly addressing any issues to maintain quality.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to replenish food items efficiently during peak service times.
  • Implemented proper food handling and safety protocols to ensure compliance with health standards.
  • Adapted quickly to changing demands during busy hours, maintaining service efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by responding to guest inquiries and requests courteously.
  • Fostered strong working relationships with colleagues through effective communication and teamwork during shifts.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, accurately tracking stock levels of buffet items and notifying supervisors of shortages promptly.
  • Safeguarded guest health by consistently checking food temperature levels and promptly reporting any discrepancies to management.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining a clean and well-stocked buffet area.
  • Assisted in training new hires on best practices for buffet attendance, contributing to an overall improvement in team performance.
  • Boosted overall restaurant cleanliness, routinely clearing tables, and disposing of used plates and utensils.
  • Kept kitchen, counter and dining areas cleaned and sanitized.
  • Accurately operated cash register to process customer payments.
  • Documented customer orders and conveyed special requests to kitchen staff.
  • Filled out daily shift log to record amount of food prepared, used and leftover.

Sondela Nature Reserve and Resort

Team Leader
06.2018 - 07.2021

Job overview

  • Supervised daily operations in nature reserve, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and environmental standards.
  • Trained and mentored team members on best practices in customer service and wildlife management.
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance guest experiences at the resort.
  • Coordinated events and activities, collaborating with local vendors to maximize guest engagement.
  • Gain exposure in guest relations and reservations
  • General front office procedures
  • Sell and Market activities and services
  • Guest account procedure check
  • Assist with telephone service on the switchboard
  • Daily cash ups
  • Professionally handling complaints
  • Supervise functions checking and reporting
  • Laundry and Linen Services
  • Chemical stores and Stock Control

TWISP

Sales Consultant
02.2018 - 06.2018

Job overview

  • Developed comprehensive product knowledge to enhance customer engagement and drive sales conversions.
  • Provided tailored solutions by assessing client needs, improving satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Managed sales presentations effectively, showcasing product benefits and features to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
  • Monitor sales numbers and marketing metrics
  • Calculate business trends, like monthly sales rates
  • Analyze market Trends
  • Monitor competition and follow current development
  • Find Prospective customers and new target segments
  • Meet weekly and monthly sales targets

Woolworths

Replenisher
12.2016 - 02.2018

Job overview

  • Monitored inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize shortages.
  • Collaborated with suppliers to coordinate timely replenishment of merchandise.
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency in stock management procedures.
  • Trained new team members on replenishment procedures and best practices.
  • Ensured accurate pricing and labeling of products, minimizing errors and ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.
  • Participated in regular department meetings to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for improving overall performance metrics related to replenishment tasks.
  • Implemented process improvements that resulted in reduced waste, lower costs, and improved sustainability practices within the replenishment operations area.
  • Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to safety guidelines during all replenishment activities.
  • Supported storewide sales events and promotions by ensuring adequate stock levels of promotional items and timely replenishment of sold-out products.
  • Reduced out-of-stock occurrences by closely monitoring sales trends and adjusting inventory levels accordingly.
  • Assisted in training new team members on replenishment procedures, contributing to a well-equipped workforce.

Vallyland Flames Grilled Fishhoek

Front Manager
07.2015 - 11.2016

Job overview

  • Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored staff on operational procedures and best practices.
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency and reduced wait times.
  • Coordinated team schedules to optimize labor resources and meet business demands.
  • Ensure that all customer related tasks ar handled accurately and on time to improve guests experience.
  • Handle customer complaints and special requests.
  • Schedule staff shifts and manage other HR- related tasks
  • Maintain an orderly appearance throughout the reception area
  • Monitor stock and order office supplies, including stationery and information leaflets and take out menu's
  • Prepare monthly management reports on customer feedback, bookings and cancellations.
  • Enforce all cash handling, checking and credit procedures.

Education

SAFMA
Cape Town

No Degree from Hospitality
01-2022

University Overview

SAFMA (2022)
Certificate – Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
SHIPPING & TRANSPORT COLLEGE (PTY) LTD (2022)
Certificate – Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
SHIPPING & TRANSPORT COLLEGE (PTY) LTD (2022)
Certificate – Security Awareness
SHIPPING & TRANSPORT COLLEGE (PTY) LTD (2022)
Certificate – Elementary First Aid
SHIPPING & TRANSPORT COLLEGE (PTY) LTD (2022)
Certificate – Personal survival techniques
ISPS AFRICA (2022)
Certificate – Crowd management & Passenger Safety

Sondela Academy And City Guilds Centre
Limpopo

National Diploma - Food And Beverage Management from Hospitality
07-2021

University Overview

  • IMPAK HOME SCHOOLING (2016)
    Grade 12 / Senior certificate
    SONDELA ACADEMY & CITY & GUILDS CENTRE (2020)
    ILM Level 3 Leadership & Management
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2020)
    National Diploma – Food & Beverage Management (Credits 255)
    ACADEMY OF FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT (2020)
    Basic Skills Programme in Wine Service & Bartending
    DR ALBERT WORT, LEKGOTLA LEADERSHIP & TRAINING (2021)
    Personal and Professional Leadership Development Programme Levels 1 & 2
    SONDELA ACADEMY (2021)
    Entrepreneurial course: Starting my business, managing my business, growing my business, and I am in charge
    SONDELA ACADEMY (2021)
    115753 – Conduct outcomes-based assessment
    117871 – Facilitate learning using a variety of given methodologies
    117877 – Perform one-on-one training on the job
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2021)
    Level 2 Asst Chef skills (Credits 45)
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2021)
    Diploma – Accommodation operations & services (Credits 241)
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2021)
    Advanced Diploma – Accommodation operations & services (Credits 241)
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2021)
    Diploma – Reception Operations & Services (Credits 240)
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2021)
    Level 1 – Food preparation & cooking
    SONDELA ACADEMY / CITY & GUILDS (2021)
    Level 3 – Leadership & Management
    SONDELA ACADEMY (2019)
    Certificate of Achievement (Chef skills)

Skills

  • Menu presentation
  • High volume dining
  • Menu memorization
  • Guest relations management
  • Relationship management
  • Complaint handling
  • Customer service management
  • Guest relations
  • Cash handling
  • Event planning
  • Banquet coordination
  • Conflict management
  • Guest service
  • Basic accounting
  • Kitchen staff coordination
  • Wait staff training

Accomplishments

  • Achieved my National Diploma by completing 2 years of on the job training ans studying with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Achieved respect within the MSC through effectively helping with tasks that others were not capable or willing to do.
  • Supervised team of 20 students for events at Sondela.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Afrikaans
Full Professional

Timeline

Head Waiter

MSC Cruises
02.2023 - 02.2024

Buffet Attendant

MSC
04.2022 - 10.2022

Team Leader

Sondela Nature Reserve and Resort
06.2018 - 07.2021

Sales Consultant

TWISP
02.2018 - 06.2018

Replenisher

Woolworths
12.2016 - 02.2018

Front Manager

Vallyland Flames Grilled Fishhoek
07.2015 - 11.2016

SAFMA

No Degree from Hospitality

Sondela Academy And City Guilds Centre

National Diploma - Food And Beverage Management from Hospitality
Dean Pretorius