Dejan Djukic
Summary
Results-oriented Food & Beverage Manager with expertise in multi-outlet management and team development. Drives guest satisfaction and operational efficiency while achieving financial targets. Proven skills in cost control and brand-standard execution, fostering talent development and associate engagement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of post-secondary education
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Food and Beverage Manager
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Newport Beach, California
05.2025 - Current
- Increased food quality guest satisfaction scores by 7 percentage points and delivered EBITDA performance 4 percentage points above budget through cost controls, forecasting, and margin optimization
- Directed operations for the main restaurant and multiple bar locations, ensuring consistent service standards, brand alignment, and elevated owner/guest experiences
- Recruited, managed, and developed teams of up to 22 associates, including supervisors and 8+ interns, fostering leadership capabilities and team cohesion
- Designed and implemented perpetual inventory systems, optimized storage and ordering guides, and introduced invoice organization processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and budgets
- Created food cost indexes and profitability reports, utilizing labor forecasting tools to optimize wage margins and enhance overall food cost management
- Led seasonal and annual menu development initiatives, driving guest satisfaction and effectively increasing revenue and profit margins
- Served as a certified ROLA (Resorts Operations Learning Ambassador), facilitating brand trainings (Art of Hospitality, Service Recovery, Life Fulfilled)
Manager Development Program
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Newport Beach, CA
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Completed a rotational management development program with leadership experience in Housekeeping, Front Desk, Food & Beverage, and Engineering operations
- Assisted in the implementation of a new resort amenity system, driving improved labor efficiency and contributing to increased room service revenue
- Identified operational and communication gaps between departments and partnered with leadership to improve cross-functional teamwork
Event Coordinator
Hazelbea Catering
Blacksburg, Virginia
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Planned and executed large-scale banquet events for 200+ guests, including weddings, charity fundraisers, and special events
- Coordinated and managed event rentals, equipment, and vendor logistics, maintaining strong supplier relationships
- Designed and costed handcrafted menus for each event, prioritizing local, farm-to-table sourcing while meeting client budgets and maintaining profitability
- Developed event-specific staffing plans and schedules, including on-call team members, to ensure appropriate coverage, labor efficiency, and service quality
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 08.2019 - 12.2023
Las Vegas Academy of The Arts
Las Vegas, NVSkills
- Food Cost Management
- Inventory control
- Labor forecasting
- Allergy Management
- Catering Coordination
- Multi-Unit Management
- Talent Development
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
Croatian
Professional
Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- RBS/TIPs Certification
Timeline
Food and Beverage Manager
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
05.2025 - Current
Manager Development Program
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
01.2024 - 05.2024
Event Coordinator
Hazelbea Catering
01.2022 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Virginia Tech
08.2019 - 12.2023
Las Vegas Academy of The Arts