Derek Andrew Jones
Oakmere,Cheshire
Summary
A successful manager with a wealth of skills in business development, hospitality and leisure, communication, attention to detail, teamwork, management and community relations. A dynamic and experienced hands-on manager, a natural leader overseeing the daily operations of an organisation with proven leadership skills and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Seeking a dynamic role to bring extensive expertise and an innovative mindset to contribute to the continued success and growth of an organisation, to leverage skills and knowledge in a position that can benefit the team. Eager to bring my leadership skills to an enviroment that is busy, varied and enjoyable. I do my utmost to achieve goals I set for myself and are confident and assertive in my decisions. I am meticulous and can multitask. I am independent and organised and are thorough in my work and have an enthusiatic approach. I have a combination of key skills with excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle customer inquiries and complaints effectively turning negatives into positives, and cultivating a healthy lifestyle to foster a more positive mindset. I am able to find solutions to possible challenges, to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently, work under pressure and have a keen eye for detail to ensure high standards. I adhere to policy and procedures, health and safety protocols. I enjoy working with teams that bring a blend of experience, perseverance and strategic insight.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dubai Olympic Gymnastics Club
Director/ Operations Manager
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
09.2012 - 12.2024
- Lead the operations, customer journey, team and business of club facility.
- Experience in managing diverse recreational facilities.
- Knowledge of sports/activity programming and programme management.
- Recruited the clubs teaching and operating team.
- Ability to enhance team performance and customer satisfaction. Refined leadership skills, ensuring that each team member is empowered to bring their unique style and personality to their role creating harmonious efficient and work environment.
- Organisational, business development skills.
- Proven ability to lead operations efficiently, plan, execute comprehensive programs upholding exemplary standards of service.
- Developed, implemented a facilities maintenance plan, management of health and safety at work.
- Adeptness at networking, establishing and nurturing successful partnerships within communities, enhancing clubs visibility and engagement.
- Inspired, trained, developed and led team to provide the highest level of service and customer experience.
- Passion for sport , physical activity and health.
Director of Operations/Operations Manager
Dubai Model Management
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
08.1995 - 01.2015
- Proudly led Dubai Model Management as event management specialists in beauty and fashion, infusing innovative concepts into high-profile events in realms of beauty, fashion and product launches.
- Led a team of professionals to achieve operational excellence Whether it be a runway fashion show, a fashion cocktail party, a champagne brunch, or a black tie affair or anything that involves promoting a product, ensuring that each event surpasses expectations with unmatched elegance and creativity, thereby meeting clients diverse needs providing bespoke solutions.
- Responsible for the recruitment and dedicated to sourcing and discovering freelance professionals, models, event personnel, choreography, stage, lighting, music and sound technicians, venues, menu planning, and design set builds and decoration.
- Facilitated special celebrity and model bookings, with a keen eye for detail in the selection of talent that perfectly aligns with the unique visions and client requirements resulting from significantly enhancing the allure and impact of events, and ensuring memorable experiences for guests and clientele.
- Excelled in casting services and productions for our clientele in the advertising industry including beauty and fashion account managers, International and Regional designers, brand managers, Jeweller's, and automotive launches.
- Ensured each assignment or event was executed with utmost precision, maintaining balance between artistic integrity and the specific goals of our clients.
Opening Team
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
07.1992 - 07.1994
- Manager of fine dining a la carte restaurant outlet within the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel opening team.
- Orchestrated seamless collaboration between culinary artistry and exceptional service to deliver unparalleled customer-service dining experience.
- Trained new employees to maintain high standards of service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff for timely order completion.
- Managed special events bookings, providing customised experiences for guests.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
- Responsibilities encompassed broad spectrum of managerial duties including the management of 60 covers for high occupancy hotel.
- Effectively carried out supervisory tasks working closely with both staff and management teams as duty manager focusing on the day-to-day operations, making sure guests have a great experience and the team is motivated and well-coordinated.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance operational efficiency and improve service quality with the opening team of the hotel quoting "We will make it happen" in our decision making!
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspired manage a diverse team effectively achieve their best performance while fostering a positive work environment.
- Managed inventory levels, placing requisition orders as necessary, replenishing stocks to ensure smooth operations.
- Implemented the hotels training programs that enhanced staff competence and confidence.
- Ensured impeccable maintenance health and safety standards, policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with chefs and the food and beverage management to plan and implement fresh, innovative menus, driving restaurant footfall and sales.
Leisure club assistant
Mere Golf and Country Club
Knutsford, Cheshire
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Greeted customers and provided friendly, professional service to uphold company standards.
- Responsible for general health, safety and hygiene standards for safe, clean facilities.
- Cleaned changing rooms, bathroom facilities and drains to maintain hygiene standards.
- Advised customers of rules and regulations to maintain safe facilities and activities.
- Motivated and enthused participants to reach fitness goals through positive reinforcement.
- Managed reception answering 50+ enquires and welcoming members to Club
- Assisted members with equipment set-up, fostering an inclusive training environment.
Restaurant supervisor
Mount Charlotte Thistle Hotel
Haydock, St. Helens
01.1988 - 01.1990
- As an opening Team employee,, managed the day to day operations within the restaurant for group/function luncheons and fine dining
- Facilitated seamless transition during menu changes, providing excellent a la carte and table d'hôte silver service operations.
- Strong organisational skills, working side by side with colleagues in the food preparation at guest tables examples include carvery - chateaubriand, how to perfectly debone and fillet a dover sole and not forgetting our Banana flambé and the cooking of crepes suzette pancakes.
- Gained valuable experience in the knowledge of French wines.
- Interacted positively with customers, effectively promoting restaurant facilities and services.
- Gained experience in all restaurant activities, including waiting, bar and front of house.
- Coordinated Front of House and Back of House staff ahead of events for smooth execution to maximise guest satisfaction.
- Managed over 100 customer visits through hotel in-house guests and outside guest bookings.
Head Waiter/Assistant Manager
Travellers Rest
Lowton, Cheshire
01.1984 - 12.1987
- Managed fine dining silver service 60 seater restaurant
- Delivered Al la Carte & Flambe service and demonstrated detailed knowlege of dishes and ingredients. Prepared foods for our guests at their tables examples include peppered steaks, scampi provencal, steak mignon and sweet flambés
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Maintained excellent guest satisfaction by providing attentive, proactive and helpful service.
- Guided guests through menus while demonstrating detailed knowledge of dishes and ingredients.
- Listened to guest complaints and worked with kitchen staff or management to promptly resolve issues.
- Wine and Bar experience & prepared speciality coffees and cocktails.
- Excellent time management skills especially during the busy periods with two seatings for a sixty covers restaurant
- Responsible for the reconciliation of cashing credit card transactions
Waiter PM
Queen Anne Restaurant
Golborne , Warrington, Cheshire
08.1982 - 12.1983
- Managed table settings for optimal dining experience. Cloche silver service, table laying etiquette, setting and techniques.
- Experienced in food and beverage service in al la carte and bar service.
- Acquired knowledge of wines, beverages and champagnes and provided recommendation to customers - examples include Grand Cru Chablis for a fish dish or a Beaujolais for a red meat dish or consider a rose wine for a sweet!
- Acquired knowledge of preparing liquor coffees - examples Irish coffee, Gaelic coffee (Whisky) or French (Brandy or Grand Marnier!
- Delivered excellent customer service through friendly and polite interaction.
Education
GCSEs - Maths, English, English Literature, French, German, History, Biology, Sports, Religious Studies
Lowton High School
United Kingdom07.1984
Skills
- Confident
- Organised
- Conscientious
- Natural leader
- Attention to details/ Thorough
- Management
- Community relations
- Achieve goals set
- Marketing
- Team building
Affiliations
- Gardening
- World News
- Horses - Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
- Antiques
Languages
English
Native
Accomplishments
CPR/First Aid
Certification
On request
Custom
On Request
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Dubai Olympic Gymnastics Club
Director/ Operations Manager
09.2012 - 12.2024
Director of Operations/Operations Manager
Dubai Model Management
08.1995 - 01.2015
Opening Team
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
07.1992 - 07.1994
Leisure club assistant
Mere Golf and Country Club
01.1990 - 01.1992
Restaurant supervisor
Mount Charlotte Thistle Hotel
01.1988 - 01.1990
Head Waiter/Assistant Manager
Travellers Rest
01.1984 - 12.1987
Waiter PM
Queen Anne Restaurant
08.1982 - 12.1983
GCSEs - Maths, English, English Literature, French, German, History, Biology, Sports, Religious Studies
Lowton High School
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