Gerald Ndungu Njihia
Dubai,DUBAI
Summary
Dynamic professional with expertise in bartending and mixology, complemented by strong leadership and team development skills. Demonstrates a customer-centric approach, ensuring exceptional service delivery through innovative methods. Proven track record in event planning and execution, enhancing operational efficiency while adapting to changing environments. Committed to driving success through resilience and adaptability, with a focus on continuous improvement in service delivery.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Bartender Team leader
Melia Dessert Palm Member of Melia Collection
Dubai, United Arab Emirate
01.2025 - Current
- Implemented new cocktail recipes by researching current trends in industry.
- Maintained clean and organized bar, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated knowledge of drink recipes for improved customer experience.
- Collaborated with team members to provide seamless service during busy periods.
- Recommended drinks to customers, increasing overall sales.
- Handled cash transactions securely minimizing risk of theft or fraud.
- Managed stock levels efficiently, preventing shortage during peak hours.
- Communicated clearly with kitchen staff for seamless coordination of food orders.
Bartender Team Leader
Atmosphere Restaurant
Dubai, Dubai
12.2022 - 03.2025
- Greet and engage with customers, take drink orders, provide recommendations, and ensure positive and enjoyable experience for all patrons
- Mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes or customer preferences, maintaining consistent quality and presentation
- Monitor and manage bar's inventory, including ordering supplies, tracking usage, and ensuring that stock levels are maintained to meet demand
- Ensure bar area is clean and organized, adhere to health and safety regulations, and handle spills and other hazards promptly to maintain safe environment
- Train new bartenders and staff on proper techniques, service standards, and bar procedures to ensure consistency and quality in service
- Create and update drink menus, including seasonal or specialty cocktails, to keep offerings fresh and appealing to customers
- Address and resolve customer complaints or conflicts in calm and professional manner, ensuring satisfactory resolution and maintaining positive atmosphere
- Assist with planning and executing bar-related events, such as private parties or themed nights, coordinating with other staff to ensure successful and smooth operations
- Implemented new cocktail recipes by researching current trends in industry.
- Demonstrated knowledge of drink recipes for improved customer experience.
- Processed payments accurately reducing discrepancies at end of shift tallying.
- Assisted in menu planning offering innovative ideas based on popular preferences.
Food Beverage and Bartender
Five Hotels and Resorts
Dubai, Dubai
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Greeted customers warmly, engaged in friendly conversation, accurately took drink and snack orders, and ensured timely and efficient service to create welcoming atmosphere
- Evaluated customer preferences and needs based on their inquiries or previous orders, provided personalized drink and snack recommendations, and suggested new or popular menu items to enhance their experience
- Skillfully combined and mixed various ingredients to craft wide range of cocktails, ensuring that each drink was prepared according to established recipes or customer preferences, and maintained high standards of presentation and quality
- Designed and curated bar menu, incorporating seasonal or specialty cocktails, and ensured it was visually appealing and well-organized
- Presented menu to customers, highlighting unique or featured items to attract and engage patrons
- Regularly checked stock levels of beverages, garnishes, and bar supplies, placed orders for replenishment, and kept detailed records of inventory usage to ensure adequate supply and minimize waste
- Efficiently processed customer payments, managed cash and credit card transactions, and kept accurate records of sales and tips to ensure financial accuracy and accountability
- Built rapport with regular patrons by remembering their preferences and providing personalized service, fostering sense of loyalty and encouraging repeat business
- Handled customer complaints or conflicts with calm and professional demeanor, sought to resolve issues promptly and to satisfaction of customer, while maintaining positive atmosphere in bar
- Maintained clean and organized bar, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Checked identification of customers to ensure legal drinking age compliance.
- Assisted in menu planning offering innovative ideas based on popular preferences.
- Developed rapport with regular patrons fostering loyal customer base.
- Maintained clean and organized bar, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Developed rapport with regular patrons fostering loyal customer base.
- Maintained clean and organized bar, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Developed rapport with regular patrons fostering loyal customer base.
- Developed rapport with regular patrons fostering loyal customer base.
- Maintained clean and organised bar, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Developed rapport with regular patrons fostering a loyal customer base.
Bartender
Gon Pachi Dubai
Dubai, DU
01.2021 - 11.2021
- Crafted a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for customers in the bar and restaurant, ensuring that each beverage met established recipes or customer preferences and was served with high quality and presentation
- Verified drink orders, prepared beverages promptly, and delivered them to customers efficiently, ensuring that all orders were accurately filled and met customer expectations
- Maintained and operated bar equipment, including blenders, shakers, and dispensing systems, and ensured all supplies were stocked and in good working condition, addressing any maintenance or repair needs as they arose
- Monitored and assessed the quality of beverages and service, conducted taste tests to ensure consistency, and made adjustments as needed to maintain high standards
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service of food and drinks, communicated effectively with other team members to support smooth bar operations, and assisted in any cross-functional tasks as needed
- Created an inviting atmosphere through friendly interaction with customers.
- Adapted quickly to different situations maintaining efficiency even under pressure.
- Trained new staff members effectively, ensuring top-notch service standards were maintained.
- Demonstrated knowledge of drink recipes for improved customer experience.
Banquet Captain and Events Bartender
The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts
Dubai, Dubai
02.2017 - 01.2021
- Interacted with customers in a friendly and courteous manner, ensuring their satisfaction and addressing any inquiries or concerns
- Maintained oversight of numerous elements, including food standards, costs, and safety, ensuring everything met high-quality standards during events
- Led the team effectively during large events, resolving conflicts, motivating staff, and ensuring that all tasks were completed on time and to standard
- Managed various aspects of operations, including controlling costs, setting prices, creating work schedules, and coordinating resources for successful event execution
- Quickly addressed and resolved challenges such as employee conflicts, upset customers, and incorrect orders, ensuring smooth event operations
- Clearly conveyed standards, instructions, and cooking methods to the team, while also communicating with customers in a professional and easy-to-understand manner
- Endured long workdays spent around hot cooking elements, staying on feet for extended periods to ensure seamless service during events
Lobby Lounge Server
The Oberoi Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
11.2015 - 10.2016
- Verified IDs to ensure customers met the legal drinking age requirements, adhering to regulations and preventing underage drinking
- Monitored inventory levels and restocked bar supplies as needed to ensure smooth operations and avoid shortages during service
- Maintained a strong focus on guest satisfaction by providing attentive and personalized service, ensuring a positive and memorable experience for each customer
- Adhered to all legal and safety regulations related to food and beverage service, ensuring compliance with health standards and alcohol laws
Room Dinning Attendant
MEYDAN Hotel
Dubai, Dubai
06.2014 - 09.2015
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring guests felt welcomed and attended to throughout their dining experience
- Guided guests through the menu, offering detailed information and recommendations based on their preferences
- Memorized and understood all items on the beverage list, including ingredients and pairings, to answer guest questions accurately
- Ensured prompt and precise delivery of food and beverages to guests, meeting high service standards
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to retrieve orders promptly, ensuring minimal wait times for guests
- Inspected all outgoing orders for presentation, accuracy, and quality before delivering them to guests
- Acquired comprehensive knowledge of all dishes, including their ingredients, garnishes, and preparation, to provide informed service
- Adhered to the establishment's policies and procedures, consistently meeting the expected service standards
- Complied with safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure the safe handling and service of food and beverages
Waiter
Transgaurd Group
Dubai, Dubai
09.2013 - 05.2014
- Greeted guests warmly and provided guidance on menu options, ensuring they had a pleasant and informed dining experience
- Accurately recorded guests' food and beverage selections, ensuring their preferences were noted and communicated to the kitchen
- Proactively anticipated guests' needs and preferences, offering personalized recommendations and enhancing their overall experience
Education
Certificate - Earthly Machine Operate
Ngong Technical College
Nairobi 03.2011 - 12.2011
Computer Proficiency -
Global Computer College
Nairobi 12.2009 - 03.2010
Skills
- Bartending and Mixology Expertise
- Leadership and Team Development
- Customer-Centric Approach
- Event Planning and Execution
- Operational Efficiency
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Innovation in Service Delivery
Custom
Available Upon Request.
Timeline
Bartender Team leader
Melia Dessert Palm Member of Melia Collection
01.2025 - Current
Bartender Team Leader
Atmosphere Restaurant
12.2022 - 03.2025
Food Beverage and Bartender
Five Hotels and Resorts
12.2021 - 12.2022
Bartender
Gon Pachi Dubai
01.2021 - 11.2021
Banquet Captain and Events Bartender
The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts
02.2017 - 01.2021
Lobby Lounge Server
The Oberoi Dubai
11.2015 - 10.2016
Room Dinning Attendant
MEYDAN Hotel
06.2014 - 09.2015
Waiter
Transgaurd Group
09.2013 - 05.2014
Certificate - Earthly Machine Operate
Ngong Technical College
03.2011 - 12.2011
Computer Proficiency -
Global Computer College
12.2009 - 03.2010
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