Edmond Demaj

Work History

Clermont Hotel Group

09.2022 - Current

Oversaw all F&B operations across Meetings & Events, Room Service, Reunion cocktail bar, Soak Restaurant, and the Tea Lounge, managing a team of 50 staff.
Consecutive years of growth, increasing revenue, guest satisfaction, and service standards.
Achieved one of the lowest staff turnover rates by driving engagement, recognition, and career development.
Led interviews, appraisals, and training program, developing a high-performing team culture.
Awarded Manager of the Year for exceptional leadership and results.
Ensured full Health & Safety compliance across all outlets, meeting brand and legal requirements.
Owned planning, including holiday calendars and rota scheduling, ensuring optimal coverage across all outlets.

Hilton Waldorf Aldwych

01.2022 - 08.2022

Joined the management team post-COVID, helping re-establish restaurant operations and guest confidence in a luxury hospitality setting.
Supported the Restaurant Manager in overseeing daily operations.
Assisted in rebuilding and training the front-of-house team after the pandemic.
Monitored guest feedback and implemented service delivery, and staff performance in a high-volume setting.
Supported cost control, rota planning, and stock management to the pandemic, ensuring consistency with Hilton brand standards.
Coordinated with kitchen and events teams to deliver seamless improvements, contributing to excellent guest satisfaction scores, service for VIP guests, private dining, and special events.

Il Pirata

06.2019 - 12.2020

Key member of the pre-opening team, directly involved in building operations from the ground up.
Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding the front-of-house team, ensuring the right talent was in place for launch.
Developed and implemented SOPs across service, reservations, and guest relations, setting consistent quality standards.
Coordinated with suppliers, chefs, and senior management on menu design, wine list, and launch promotions.
Oversaw day-to-day service during, ensuring smooth execution and positive guest feedback from the outset.
Supported cost control, scheduling, and compliance, laying the foundation for efficient and profitable operations.
Played a pivotal role in establishing Il Pirata.

Bella Cosa Restaurant

02.2017 - 05.2019

Joined the team after relocating to the UK and quickly adapted to a new hospitality environment.
Supervised daily restaurant operations in a busy fine dining setting, ensuring smooth service for up to 60 covers per shift.
Trained, coached, and motivated a team of front-of-house staff to deliver consistently high standards of service.
Supported management in staff scheduling, stock control, and health & safety compliance.
Built strong guest relationships, handling feedback professionally and ensuring repeat business.
Assisted with wine and menu recommendations, helping to drive upselling and revenue growth.
Recognized for reliability and leadership, contributing to an engaged and efficient team.

DoubleTree by Hilton

10.2014 - 09.2016

Promoted from apprenticeship to management, demonstrating rapid career progression and strong performance.
Successfully managed restaurant and conference operations, serving up to 400 guests per event while maintaining high service standards.
Led and developed a team of 20+ staff, improving training, scheduling, and motivation to boost productivity and morale. Increased guest satisfaction scores by 16% through improved service delivery, upselling techniques, and staff engagement.
Coordinated and delivered seamless conferences, banquets, and corporate events, ensuring client expectations were consistently exceeded.
Introduced cost-control measures that reduced waste and improved departmental profitability.
Recognized by senior management for outstanding leadership and commitment to Hilton brand standards.