Resume

I am an astute Project and Property Senior Lead Professional with over 20 years of experience in the design and construction of casual dining and retail outlets from setting up and launching well-known franchise concepts like Wendy's, Costa Coffee, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks etc. focused on the full life cycle from concept to project finalization globally. I operate at a strategic level, with a bottom line focus and the ability to develop and execute effective operating controls to deliver projects completed accurately and on time. My skills include project and construction management, business-focus and resource management with the ability to solve problems through strong planning and implementation skills whilst being able to work in pressure-driven environments.

My experience extends into helping others with their personal growth for individuals under my management/leadership through a focused approach to coaching and mentoring young and curious minds. I thrive on delivering memorable operational experiences and I constantly strive to gain a clearer understanding of a client's needs and ways of working in order to deliver exceptional results in a timely and accurate fashion. I pride myself on my attention to detail and working in a collaborative environment where team members work towards a common goal of achieving business results with a level of work ethic and professionalism.

Experience

Oct 2017- Present

Senior Head of Project & Facility Manager

Emirates Leisure Retail

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Responsible for maintaining an effective line of communication between the Group Head of Property and Operational teams on a daily basis.
Establish a clear process between project management team, design team and facilities management in 220 operating stores within the UAE and Dubai International Airport location.
Outlets included the following brands: Costa Coffee. Pret A Manger. Giraffe World Kitchen. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. The Draft House Sports Bar & Canteen. The Noodle House. Mr.Toad's Pub & Kitchen. Jack's Bar & Grill. Primer Inn Hotel.
During the past two year our FM Team achieved huge saving of over 5 million AED by bringing all outsourced function inhouse.
Initiated a schedule of rates agreement with our contractors thus driving down our build cost by 25%.
Achieving a 20% Capex saving in store over 100Sqm and 30% savings in smaller sized store.
Built a robust property process and establishment an effective property pipeline for next two years.
Introduced appropriate cost recognition: ensure accurate invoicing by suppliers and monitor receivables for all Capex & Opex under my PL for FM 6mil and Capex 25mil per annum.
Ensuring project teams achieve a 10% saving against cost goals set for each project.
Introduced new, creative ways to employ teams on projects and distribute responsibilities.
Managed day-to-day in-house Facilities teams so that expectations of service and deliverables are meet.
Formulated Quantifiable Model for our property store cost model for ROCI.

Aug 2015 - Sep 2017

Consultant F & B Senior Project Manager

Emirates Leisure

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Oversaw the successful construction of two Costa Drive thru in Dubai, Value 15 Mil AED.
Spearheaded and successfully implemented Host brand new Atlas designs throughout Costa UAE.
Coordinated a direct line of communication with Senior Management of all phases of a project or a discrete portion of a larger project
Define role, responsibilities and authorities, effectively delegate’s authority and responsibility.
Managed, adequate administration of the Main Contract and Subcontracts, including approval of any variations.
Mediated resolution of issues or conflicts, robust decision-making is utilized and recorded, ensures that the close out activities are completed.

Jan 2013 - Jul 2015

Consultant F & B Head of Property

Alghanim Industries

Kuwait

Assisted the business development team in a successful takeover of Costa and Wendy’s into the Kuwait market. Reorganized the property real estate acquisition process for developments in the Middle East.
Successfully integrated a new IT Micros POS system for FOH and inventory management for warehouse control reporting back into SAP.
Successfully refurbished 27 stores, closed three and opened 16 new stores.
Validate all appropriate costs with Commercial finance ensuring accuracy in invoicing by suppliers and monitor receivables for all projects under my direction.
Promoted a clear understanding of our brands' needs in technical preferences, and technical direction and helped with design and implementation with our contractors.
Performed financial analysis of current built costs to identify our avg store cost per sqm Achieved a 10% saving against agreed ROCI set for each project.
Managed the design and move to the new 8000sqm distribution warehouse in Kuwait.

Jul 2007 - Jan 2013

Regional Project Manager

M.H.Alshaya Co. WLL

Kuwait

Responsible for the day-to-day operational and tactical aspects of multiple or large-scale projects such as Mother care, Clair’s, Payless, American Eagle, Debenhams, VaVaVoom, Boots, Victoria’s Secret, Body Bath & Works, Vision Express, Next, Dean & De Luca, P. F. Changs, Pinkberry, Texas Roadhouse, Shake Shack, Pei Wei, Sarai, IZ Juice, Starbucks Drive Thru and Magic Planet to name a couple.
The highlight was the successful completion of Magic Planet under the 2007 budget estimates.
E.H Harris Cost estimate based on the new design format was between 97-110 Million Dirham. I was tasked to deliver the project under the 2007 budget of 67Million Dirham, achieved with a 250k saving with no impact on design specification.
Accurately forecasts costs, profitability, margins and utilization across projects.
Assists in the identification of strategic accounts.
Possesses a thorough understanding of our brand's needs in technical preferences, and technical direction and helps with design and implementation with our contractors.
Helps to determine new, creative ways to employ teams on projects and distribute responsibilities.

Mar 2005 - Jul 2007

Project Manager

Styles & Wood Limited

United Kingdom

Successfully managed the Barclays Bank refurbishment program through Scotland, UK and Northern Island.
Managed the Woolwich Bank rebranding into Barclays Bank in Northern Island.
Successfully completed the Glasgow and Cardiff call centres for Barclays Bank.
Manage Pre-contract meetings with clients, contractors and PMS and HSE files on each site. Monitoring of expenditure against the budget for the above contracts and suppliers' performance including KPIs.
Compiled operational reports for monthly directors’ meetings.
Risk analysis and management.
Identify and apply Key Performance Indicators.
Dispute resolution.

Other Positions Held:

I.S.T. Management Services (Pty) Limited Position - Operations Director (Mar 2001 Jan 2005)
I.S.T. Transport C.C. - Operations Manager (Oct 2000 - Mar 2001)
M.G. Shopfitters C.C. - Project Manager (Nov 1993 - Sep 2000)
Sherwood Services (Pty) Limited. - Junior Project Manager (Feb 1990 - Oct 1993)
South African Army - Mechanic units (Jan 1988 - Dec 1989)

IT Proficiency

MS-word
Excel
MS-project
PowerPoint
Outlook
AUTO CAD
Pastel Accounting

Professional skillset

Leadership
Team Management
Project Management
OPEX
CAPEX
Coaching
Mentoring
Growth Mindset
Contract Management
Training
Construction Management
Testing and Commissioning
Planning/directing and co-ordination
Quality Assurance & Control
Compliance
Budget/Cost Control and cost savings
SHEQ Control and Time Management Control
Health & Safety Management
Process Improvement
Performance Management
Quality & Standards Management
Attention To Detail