Chola Vendan
Dubai
Summary
Dedicated General Manager with over 18 years of hospitality expertise providing the best level of hospitality and customer service to guests by ensuring that facilities meet and exceed expectations. Strong leader with a strong work ethic and ethics who is always committed to fulfilling budgets and thoroughly recording financials. Manages by guiding and demonstrating to employees the benefits of exceeding their own standards in order to give the finest job possible.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cluster Director of Operations
Knight Hotels Group
Dubai
01.2025 - Current
- Managed operations for both a four-star and five-star hotel, overseeing a total of 340 rooms and ensuring seamless service delivery across all departments.
- Led the day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and adherence to brand standards in both properties.
- Drove business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for revenue growth, market expansion, and strategic partnerships.
- Supervised and mentored hotel management teams, focusing on performance improvement, guest satisfaction, and staff development.
- Managed budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost control efforts to optimize profitability for both hotels.
- Implemented sales and marketing strategies to maximize occupancy rates, enhance brand visibility, and boost overall revenue.
- Monitored KPIs and guest feedback, using insights to improve service quality and operational performance.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and legal regulations across both properties.
- Delivered regular performance reports to senior leadership, outlining business performance and opportunities for improvement.
Cluster Director of Operations
Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Dubai
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Led and managed the daily operations of multiple hotels within a cluster, ensuring efficient service delivery and high operational standards.
- Developed and implemented strategies to drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and profitability across all properties.
- Supervised and mentored a team of department heads to ensure alignment with organizational goals and continuous improvement.
- Oversaw financial performance by managing budgets, forecasting, and optimizing costs, while maximizing revenue generation.
- Ensured adherence to brand standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements, including health and safety compliance.
- Regularly reviewed and analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs), making data-driven decisions to improve operational performance.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration between sales, marketing, front office, housekeeping, and F&B, to drive operational success.
- Conducted property inspections and audits to maintain consistency in service quality, cleanliness, and maintenance.
- Implemented and monitored guest feedback programs to continually enhance the guest experience and resolve issues proactively.
- Managed the recruitment, training, and development of hotel leadership teams, focusing on building high-performing and motivated teams.
- Collaborated with the regional management team to align operational strategies with corporate objectives and growth targets.
- Delivered regular performance reports and presentations to senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Hotel General Manager
Claridge Hotel LLC.
Dubai
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Managed daily hotel operations, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of all departments, including front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance.
- Supervised and trained hotel staff, promoting a high standard of customer service and team performance.
- Maintained and enhanced guest satisfaction by addressing complaints, resolving issues promptly, and ensuring exceptional service delivery.
- Developed and managed hotel budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to ensure profitability while controlling costs.
- Ensured adherence to all health, safety, and legal regulations, maintaining a safe and compliant environment for guests and staff.
- Implemented marketing and sales strategies to drive occupancy, revenue growth, and brand visibility.
- Analyzed guest feedback and reviews, using insights to improve guest experience and service quality.
- Managed inventory, purchasing, and supply chain operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
- Conducted regular property inspections to ensure high standards of cleanliness, maintenance, and overall presentation.
- Collaborated with other hotel managers and corporate teams to develop and execute long-term strategies for hotel growth and improvement.
- Organized and coordinated events and conferences, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
- Managed relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and contractors to ensure quality service delivery, and cost control.
- Handled administrative tasks, such as staffing schedules, payroll, and performance reviews.
General Manager (Restaurants & Catering Operations)
Inasal Group of Restaurants and Catering
Dubai
05.2020 - 12.2022
- Controls day-to-day operations of multi units (13) and Central Kitchen by scheduling, ordering, and developing the restaurant managers and team members
- Controls profit & loss, by following cash control/security procedures, maintaining inventory, managing labor, reviewing financial reports, and taking appropriate actions
- Recruits, interviews, and hires team members, conducts performance appraisals, takes disciplinary action, motivates and trains
- Has authority to hire and terminate (or participate in those decisions) with approval/partnership from Human Resources
- Ensures that the Occupational Safety and Health Act, local health and safety codes, as well as the company safety and security policies are being adhered to
- Ensures that the restaurant is in compliance with the preventative maintenance program with regards to facility, equipment, and grounds maintenance
- Ensures a safe working and customer experience environment by facilitating safe work behaviors of the team
- Maintains fast, accurate service, positive guest relations, and ensures products are consistent with company quality standards
- Ensures food quality and 100% customer satisfaction
- Ensures complete and timely execution of corporate & local marketing programs
Hotel General Manager
Halo Hotels
Dubai
02.2019 - 05.2020
- Responsible of 120 rooms and day-to-day staff management, purchasing, contract negotiations with vendors, forecasting and yearly business plan, P&L, and budget
- Oversee all aspects of day to day operations of hotel including sales and marketing, guest relations as well as employee relations
- Set annual operational budget, room revenue budget as well as sales and marketing budgets
- Conducted weekly staff meetings with all departments to ensure proper communication to staff
- Works closely with Sales and Marketing team to develop revenue generating strategies for property
- Holds property leadership team accountable for successful delivery of business plans
- Prepared the budget plan for the first operating year as per the Hotel standard
- Supervised all official inspections from Civil defense / Fire System, Dubai municipality / HACCP, SIRA and DTCM
- Monitoring & controlling the hotel expenses
Cluster Hotel Manager
Raintree Group of Hotels
Dubai
09.2016 - 02.2019
- Handling the entire operations in the following Hotels; Raintree Hotel - Deira City Centre (4 Stars), Raintree Rolla Hotel - Bur Dubai (4 Stars)
- Lead a team of 220 colleagues in 2 properties
- Responsible for all aspects of operations at both Hotels in Dubai including the day-to-day staffing management and guest's satisfaction
- Ensured full compliance to Raintree Hotel's operating controls, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and verifies service standards through appropriate administration of daily training and briefings
- Achieve budgeted revenues & expenses and maximize profitability related to the food & beverage department
- Accountable for the overall Room Division, F&B and culinary results, profitability, food cost, and quality
- Created and implemented continuous process improvements to ensure optimal efficiency and productivity throughout the property
- Generated new revenue sources by increasing the number of special events such as banquets, outdoor weddings, corporate events/team building, and swimming & yoga classes
- Closely working relationship with all the HODs
Operations Manager (Food and Beverage)
Compass Group Singapore (Resorts World at Sentosa)
Singapore
04.2013 - 07.2016
- Manage all F&B and day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines and to the highest standards
- Preserve excellent levels of internal and external customer service
- Design exceptional menus, purchase goods and continuously make necessary improvements
- Identify customers needs and respond proactively to all of their concerns
- Lead F&B team by attracting, recruiting, training and appraising talented personnel
- Establish targets, KPI's, schedules, policies and procedures
- Provide a two way communication and nurture an ownership environment with emphasis in motivation and teamwork
- Comply with all health and safety regulations
- Report on management regarding sales results and productivity
Operations Manager (Food and Beverage Operations)
Riverview Hotel
Singapore
09.2011 - 04.2013
- Monitor guest feedback in relation to service, products and promotions and review according with the Director of Food & Beverage / Food & Beverage Manager
- Oversee all the training activities of the Food & Beverage Department in conjunction with the Employee Development Department
- Review and control the weekly payroll and overtime sheets for all the Food & Beverage outlets and monitor according to the budgets established
- Consult all outlet managers on operating requirements and quality standards
- Be proactive during service peak times maintaining a highly visible profile in outlets
- Confer with the Director of Food & Beverage / Food & Beverage Manager on reports, forecasts, budget, marketing plan, festivals and special promotions
- Keep abreast of competitive trends, new products and the legislation requirements
Guest Relations Manager
Swissotel The Stamford
Singapore
01.2008 - 09.2011
Guest Relations Executive
Swissotel The Stamford
Singapore
01.2007 - 01.2008
Commis Chef
Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts
Bengaluru
07.2005 - 03.2006
Commis Chef
Quality Inn Presidency
Cochin
10.2003 - 07.2005
Education
Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality and Tourism Management
University of Sunderland
Singapore01.2006
Diploma - Hotel and Restaurant Management
SHATEC Institutes
Singapore01.2007
Diploma - Culinary Skills
SIHMCT College
Trichy, India01.2003
Skills
- Hotel Operations Management Expertise
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Frond Desk Operations
- Hotel Administration
- Hotel Pre Opening Expert
- Budget & cost controls
- Brand Development
- Organizational Skills
- Human Resources Management
- Multi-tasking with ability to work under pressure
- Customer Relations & Satisfaction
- P&L and Revenue Management
Certification
- Certified Hotel General Manager
- Food Hygiene Audit Certification (Singapore)
- PIC Level 3 Certification (Dubai)
- Cultural Awareness Program Certificate (Dubai)
- Basic First Aid (Dubai)
- Basic Food Hygiene Certification (Singapore & Dubai)
- Halal Team Leader Certification (Singapore)
- HACCP Awareness (Singapore & Dubai)
- Valid Driving License (UAE)
Uae Visa Status
Residence
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 05/03/86
- Nationality: Indian
- Driving License: Valid UAE Driving License (Category 3)
- Marital Status: Married
Language Ability
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Malayalam
- Basic Arabic
- Chinese
Professional Competencies
- Hotel Operations Management Expertise
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Front Desk Operations
- Hotel Administration
- Hotel Pre Opening Expert
- Budget & cost controls
- Brand Development
- Organizational Skills
- Human Resources Management
- Multi-tasking with ability to work under pressure
- Customer Relations & Satisfaction
- P&L and Revenue Management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Cluster Director of Operations
Knight Hotels Group
01.2025 - Current
Cluster Director of Operations
Millennium Hotels and Resorts
10.2023 - 12.2024
Hotel General Manager
Claridge Hotel LLC.
01.2023 - 10.2023
General Manager (Restaurants & Catering Operations)
Inasal Group of Restaurants and Catering
05.2020 - 12.2022
Hotel General Manager
Halo Hotels
02.2019 - 05.2020
Cluster Hotel Manager
Raintree Group of Hotels
09.2016 - 02.2019
Operations Manager (Food and Beverage)
Compass Group Singapore (Resorts World at Sentosa)
04.2013 - 07.2016
Operations Manager (Food and Beverage Operations)
Riverview Hotel
09.2011 - 04.2013
Guest Relations Manager
Swissotel The Stamford
01.2008 - 09.2011
Guest Relations Executive
Swissotel The Stamford
01.2007 - 01.2008
Commis Chef
Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts
07.2005 - 03.2006
Commis Chef
Quality Inn Presidency
10.2003 - 07.2005
- Certified Hotel General Manager
- Food Hygiene Audit Certification (Singapore)
- PIC Level 3 Certification (Dubai)
- Cultural Awareness Program Certificate (Dubai)
- Basic First Aid (Dubai)
- Basic Food Hygiene Certification (Singapore & Dubai)
- Halal Team Leader Certification (Singapore)
- HACCP Awareness (Singapore & Dubai)
- Valid Driving License (UAE)
Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality and Tourism Management
University of Sunderland
Diploma - Hotel and Restaurant Management
SHATEC Institutes
Diploma - Culinary Skills
SIHMCT College
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