Eduardo da Silva
+27-83-636-**** adlsvp@r.postjobfree.com www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-da-silva
HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL
Event Manager Venue Manager Project Manager Operations Manager An experienced Hospitality professional with extensive knowledge, expertise and experience across a diverse range of events/functions in multifaceted, fast-paced environments. Strong commitment to profitability, professionalism and service. A passion for executing seamless events, while connecting with clients & building relationships. Well suited for working in a demanding environment, facilitating increased efficiency and effectively managing priorities whilst consistently delivering operational excellence.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Exceptional event management experience with a strong understanding of high-end Hospitality products and service standards
• Innovative and creative leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication and leadership skills
• Ability to increase sales and establishing return business to ensure continued growth
• Multitasking and managing multiple service and function areas
• Consulting with various internal and external clients
• Diverse experience in planning and execution of a variety of events from small celebrations to large scale events
• Strong business acumen with effective time management and ability to prioritise tasks and deadlines
• High standards, strong work ethic and passion for continuous improvement
• Proven ability to manage food & labour costs/percentages and meet relevant KPIs
• Strong administration, organisational and planning skills
• Experience in compliance including OH&S, Covid protocol and safety
• Computer skills: MS Office Micros Fidelio Synergy Fusion QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma: International Hotel Management
Varsity College (South Africa)
Diploma: International Hotel Management
International College of Hotel Management (Australia) MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AS EVENT/PROJECT MANAGER
Stadium Hospitality - Full-service cycle, averaging 1000 – 3000 people Stadium Events - Sponsor Activations, Stadia Entertainment, Mascot Programmes International concerts: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi, Guns n Roses, Katy Perry, Trevor Noah and Rihanna Sports Events - Cricket: Indian Premier League, ICC ODI, T20 World Cup, CLT20, SA T20 Football: African Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confed Cup. Motor Sports: Nitro Circus, Top Gear Festival, Horse Racing: Durban July, Sansui Cup Rugby: Super 14, Tri Nations, Currie Cup, SA Test Rugby.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
General Manager Mar 2020 - Current
Focus Rooms – Conferencing and Events
Operations
• Arranging and coordinating full spectrum of services, such as event facilities, catering, signage, Stationary, audio-visual equipment, accommodation and transport
• Conducting general HR duties including management, training and development of staff
• Managing internal processes and ensuring employees work as a cohesive unit
• Supervise delivery of all events and functions at the venue, providing support to co-ordination team from conception of event/ function to execution.
• Managing the full food and beverage function - procurement and negotiation with suppliers to obtain best product for price, stock taking and correct storing of product
• Ensuring strict adherence to Fire, health and safety regulations Finance
• Strategising, managing and driving profitability and revenue growth
• Assisting with financial forecasts and budgeting
• Coordinating event billing transactions and reconciling with Finance department Marketing/Sales
• Developing sales and marketing strategy to secure new business – promoting conferences, conventions, team buildings, year-end functions, and awards dinners to potential customers
• Liaising with external customers, identifying needs and outlining package options
• Negotiating costs according to budget constraints, developing competitive pricing strategy
• Delivering exceptional customer service to meet and exceed expectations Freelance Event/Project Manager (3-month contract) Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 Market Caterers & Thirst Bar Services
• Key point of contact for both the client and project team ensuring a seamless execution of the event operations. Event setup and strike, Co-ordination of all event vendors and staff supervision. Evaluate personnel and provide post event reports. Events & Operations Manager (6-month contract) Jun 2019 – Nov 2019 Liquid Chefs
• Managing event operations and logistics including stock, equipment, infrastructure, and bar
• Ensuring all stock and equipment items are issued correctly and returned after events, including beverages, infrastructure and equipment
• Liaising with a range of stakeholders, including clients, to ensure seamless events, service excellence, customer satisfaction and delivering a top-quality product
• Controlling and documenting warehouse stock
• Implementing inventory control systems for stock movement, including database management
• Logistics planning and managing vehicles
• Coordinating and managing approximately 90 part time staff – bar managers, bar tenders, support staff, cleaners, admin, drivers and floor managers
• Recruiting and interviewing staff, arranging contracts and compiling detailed status reports
• Executing bar services at corporate, public, and private events ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Increased staff pool by 80% over a six-month period
- Implemented new procurement procedures to reduce costs in the repairs and maintenance departments
- Promoted staff into more senior roles within their respective departments
- Sourced reputable, efficient and cheaper suppliers. Which contributed to profit gains on events Logistics / Warehouse Manager (3-month contract) Mar 2019 – May 2019 By Word-of-Mouth – Frozen for You
• Implementation of warehouse procedures and processes to improve productivity
• Warehousing and Inventory optimization, looking after inbound and outbound logistics Event/Project Manager May 2017 – Feb 2019
SAIL Group Ltd – Hospitality and Stadiums
• Event Planning - Managing and implementing event and hospitality projects across major stadiums and events. Collaborating with Sales team to ensure customer requirements are met
• Financial management - budgets, financial control, forecasting and feasibility, cost analysis and annual suite holder accounts
• Project planning – operational and production scheduling, pre-event briefing and meetings, menu design, supplier operations, site inspections and event management
• Operations – F&B, staffing, accreditations, technical, security and signage
• Event management – coordinating event day close and strike-out process, reporting and liaising with relevant stakeholders
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Managed and successfully executed over 30 events across all SAIL stadiums and hospitality events
- Effectively managed the finances for large events within budgets, resulted in increased profit margins
- Created, implemented, and maintained strict production schedules to ensure timeous and successful completion of all events
- Assisted sales team with acquiring new clients, which resulted in an increase in sales for major events Business Unit Manager: Event Equipment & Hiring Apr 2015 – Apr 2017 By Word-of-Mouth Catering and Events
• Overseeing full warehouse operations including receiving, distribution, maintenance, fleet management and logistics
• Stock management – stock control and reconciling with data storage systems, production, implementation and installation at events
• General management - scheduling, supervising, performance and productivity for 30+ staff
• Financial management - forecasting, payroll, budgets, costing and analysis
• Managing the full project lifecycle of the event
• Consulting with clients on SLA’s and quality of product ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Ensured quality, delivery and budget objectives were met
- Reduced theft and losses by implementing strict stock controls
- Sourced new and cost-effective top-quality suppliers
- Increased profit by 8% in 12 months
- Recruited, trained and deployed an effective warehouse team one week ahead of schedule
- Staff development contributed to productivity targets exceeded and reduced staff rotation Event/Operations Manager Mar 2013 – Mar 2015
Horn and Phillips Catering Consortium
• Managing corporate, major sports events and concerts - F&B, staff and planning menus in consultation with the Head Chef
• Recruiting, training, organising and motivating staff
• Developing marketing and sales strategies, planning new promotions and initiatives
• Preparing budgets, targets and financial forecasts
• Managing stadium suites and VIP areas
• Logistics planning - staff, trucks, equipment, floor plans and refrigerated food transport ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Ensured all stadium setups were as per brief within allocated time frames
- Increased profit margins by improving stock controls and improved costs
- Increased event inventory, to ensure sustainability and profitability
- Secured promotions and permanent roles for five operational staff Event / Operations Manager Aug 2009 – Nov 2012
Maverick Experience Exhilarator
• Organising and executing corporate events and major domestic and international sports events
• Managing logistics and operations of public and private events
• Planning, organizing and running functions /events in accordance with client requirements
• Managing fleet, warehouse staff, stock and promotional items
• Sourcing entertainment, catering, décor, security, contractors, suppliers and service providers
• Attending venue- and client meetings to ensure Health & Safety and security regulatory compliance
• Managing budget and reconciliation reports
Stadium Event Management - In-stadia entertainment
• Co-ordinating and managing DJ, PA, MC, cameramen and visual mixer
• Linking live match procedures - coin toss, camera links, sponsor activations, match presentations National Anthems and prize giving
• Coordinating cheerleaders, dancers, national anthem ceremonies, team flag bearers, pyrotechnics and event mascot
Work experience prior to 2009 available upon request REFERENCES
Ilse Anhaeusser, HR Manager – Liquid Chefs +27-66-289-**** Ariana Maraj, HR Manager – SAIL Rights +27-71-484-**** Derek Lester, Managing Director – By Word of Mouth +27-71-679-**** Vaughn Phillips, Owner - Horn & Phillips +27-82-651-**** Andrew Ross, Managing Director – Maverick +27-83-400-****