Hi, I’m
Michael Mpofu
Assistant Restaurant Manager & Head Sommelier
Dubai
Summary
UAE 2024 Michelin Award-winning sommelier with a proven track record of enhancing guest experiences, increasing beverage sales, and curating exceptional wine lists. Dynamic and passionate hospitality professional with over seven years of experience in fine dining and wine service. Recognized for excellent timekeeping, team leadership, and a deep commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco
Restaurant Manager & Resort Sommelier
04.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Reduced staff turnover rate with effective leadership, open communication, and employee development opportunities.
- Mentored and developed staff members for career advancement opportunities, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction by implementing new service standards and staff training programs.
- Coordinated special events such as winemaker dinners or themed tastings, driving guest engagement beyond regular services.
- Assisted in budget management by monitoring expenditures related to wine purchasing while maintaining quality standards.
Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco
Assistant Manager & Head Sommelier
09.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various projects tasks.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
- Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.
Celebrity Cruise Line (Royal Caribbean Group)
Sommelier
01.2022 - 09.2022
Job overview
- Managed wine programs in high-end specialty restaurants, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Fine Cut Steakhouse
- Conducted wine tastings and developed wine lists, enhancing guest dining experiences
- Oversaw team operations, stock and staff training programs.
- Represented establishment professionally with guests and earned consistent repeat and referral business.
- Coordinated wine selection and restocking for cellar with over 1400 labels
- Promoted special wine menu for holidays to complement chef's dinner specialties.
The Vine Bistro, Glenelly Wine Estate
Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier
01.2018 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Managed daily operations, financial planning, and event strategies
- Enhanced social media presence, leading to increased customer engagement
- Developed special promotions and menu changes, driving revenue growth.
Somm Hospitality Enterprises
Events Wine Steward
01.2017 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Assisted in wine events, working closely with wine makers and brand ambassadors
- Managed event setups and guest interactions.
The Vine Bistro, Glenelly Wine Estate
Head Sommelier
01.2017 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Created and updated wine lists in coordination with chefs
- Managed inventory, wine purchases, and cost control
- Led staff training programs to improve wine knowledge and service standards.
Klein Joostenberg
Events & Conferences
01.2017 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Catered for exclusive functions and private events
- Ensured seamless event execution and guest satisfaction.
Stellenbosch Kitchen
Waiter
01.2015 - 01.2016
Job overview
- Delivered exceptional service and built relationships with regular customers
- Trained new employees and managed dietary requirements for guests.
Hog House Beats and BBQ
Waiter
01.2014 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Provided friendly and efficient service, maintaining high standards of quality.
Education
Hospitality ManagementSouth Africa
from UNISA
03.2023
Skills
Wine List Curation
Wine and Food Pairing
Guest Service Excellence
Staff Training and Development
Event Planning and Execution
Sustainable Wine Practices
Multilingual: English, Ndebele, Shona, Zulu, Xhosa
Customer Engagement
Accomplishments
- Michelin Star Award (Year): Awarded Best Sommelier for exceptional wine knowledge and service.
- Wine Program Development: Revamped beverage operations at Celebrity Cruise Line, focusing on quality over volume, leading to a significant increase in guest satisfaction.
- Customer Engagement: Improved guest satisfaction scores by implementing personalized wine tastings and staff training programs.
- Sustainable Practices: Promoted eco-friendly wine practices, including organic and biodynamic selections.
Affiliations
- Member, Court of Master Sommeliers
- Member, Society of Wine Educators
Educationandcertifications
- WSET Wines & Spirits
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Restaurant Manager & Resort Sommelier
Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco
04.2024 - Current
Assistant Manager & Head Sommelier
Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco
09.2023 - Current
Sommelier
Celebrity Cruise Line (Royal Caribbean Group)
01.2022 - 09.2022
Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier
The Vine Bistro, Glenelly Wine Estate
01.2018 - 01.2021
Events Wine Steward
Somm Hospitality Enterprises
01.2017 - 01.2019
Head Sommelier
The Vine Bistro, Glenelly Wine Estate
01.2017 - 01.2018
Events & Conferences
Klein Joostenberg
01.2017 - 01.2018
Waiter
Stellenbosch Kitchen
01.2015 - 01.2016
Waiter
Hog House Beats and BBQ
01.2014 - 01.2015
Hospitality Management
from UNISA