LEON ERASMUS RHEEDER
Juffair
Summary
F&B Operations Architect and AI Integration Developer
With 29 years, or nearly three decades of experience, I specialize in the vibrant markets of South Africa, GCC-MENA, and East Africa. My expertise lies in crafting innovative food and beverage concepts, leading multi-unit operations, and driving operational excellence. Proven track record of implementing innovative technologies, delivering consistent revenue growth, and optimizing guest experiences.
Skilled in P&L management, staff development, and strategic market expansion within the hospitality industry.
Let's create remarkable culinary experiences together!
Overview
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Concept Development Engineer & AI Operational Strategist
Freelance Project Collaboration & Development - GionCorp
Bahrain
07 2024 - Current
- Operational Efficiency Enhancer: Develop and deploy AI-driven solutions to automate daily work tasks, streamline processes, and significantly reduce operational costs
- Customer Experience Innovator: Enhance CRM systems with AI to deliver personalized interactions, boost customer satisfaction, and foster loyalty
- Inventory Management Pro: Utilize AI predictive analytics to optimize inventory levels, reduce waste, and ensure smooth supply chain operations
- Sales Analytics Expert: Leverage AI to analyze sales data, uncover actionable insights, and provide customer action recommendations to drive sales growth
- New Brand Concept Developer: Lead the brainstorming and execution of innovative brand concepts, ensuring they align with AI capabilities to promote future growth
- Growth Strategy Architect: Design and implement comprehensive strategies for brand expansion, ensuring scalability and sustained success
- Progress Tracking & Reporting: Create detailed weekly progress reports and comprehensive financial statements, providing essential insights to the Board of Investors
Head of Operations & Innovation
Al Zain Hospitality/Crazy Pizza
Bahrain
12 2023 - 07 2024
- Established operational infrastructure, governance, and standards for the new hospitality division from ground zero
- Doubled projected sales revenue during the launch phase through strategic marketing and operational excellence
- Implemented comprehensive operational procedures, cost controls, and quality assurance systems
General Brand Manager
SASH Cafe
Bahrain
04 2019 - 12 2023
- Optimize P&L performance through data-driven decision-making and strategic resource allocation
- Implement comprehensive staff development programs focused on service excellence and operational consistency
- Achieved 35% revenue growth through strategic market expansion initiatives and operational excellence
- Implemented standardized quality assurance frameworks, elevating customer experience and satisfaction metrics
Operations Manager
Mandela Group
East Africa (Uganda & Kenya)
01 2018 - 04 2019
- Led multi-unit restaurant operations across East African markets, ensuring consistent brand execution
- Established market presence in two key territories through strategic planning and localized operational approach
- Developed comprehensive staff leadership programs, building sustainable management capabilities
- Implemented process improvement initiatives across all units, enhancing operational efficiency
- Optimized vendor relations and supply chain management to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness
Regional Operations Manager
IHOP - Alshaya
Multi-Market (Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar)
01 2014 - 01 2018
- Spearheaded the opening of 4 New restaurants in 3 GCC markets
- Orchestrated 11+ restaurant operations across 4 GCC markets, ensuring consistent food & beverage quality standard
- Direct restaurant operations and strategic initiatives across multiple units, managing $15M+ annual revenue portfolio
- Developed and executed cross-market staff training programs, enhancing team performance and service delivery
Dishwasher to General Manager
Barneys Pub & Grill, Stones Entertainment, KFC-Yum International, Role Hospitality Advisors
South Africa
02 1996 - 01 2014
- Various Positios. As I grew my Career in the early years.
- Started as a dishwasher and Cleaner working nights and going school in the mornings
- after completing high school in 1998 I started full time as a bartender from there became bar manager
- Worked for Stones Entertainment where we developed their nightclub concept and revelutianised the brand and franchise for years to come.
- Head full Yum international training for kfc and ran Johannesburg Germiston Branch as General Manager
- CTFM Pretoria and Johannesburg, received Franshise Store of the year for 2 consecutive years.
- During Finansial Ressesion started with Role Hospitality Advisors helping falling franshise survire hard times.
Education
GED- Diploma -
06.1998
- Completed School and received my Diploma while working full time.
Skills
- Restaurant Operations Management
- Innovation Development
- Organizational Motivation
- Multi-unit F&B Leadership
- Food & Beverage Concept Development
- P&L Management
- Budget Management
- Staff Development
- Training
- Strategic Planning
- Market Expansion
- Digital Transformation Leadership
- Customer Experience Optimization
- Quality Assurance
- Brand Standards
- Vendor Relations
- Supply Chain Management
- Innovation Development & Organizational Motivation
- Multi-unit F&B Leadership
- Food & Beverage Concept Development
- P&L & Budget Management
Certification
LinkedIn Learning Certification
- Business Development Foundations - 2024
- Personal Branding & Social Media - 2024
- Generative AI for Digital Marketers - 2024
- Strategic Decision Making: Six Steps Methodology - 2022
- Advanced Sales Techniques with Miles Croft - 2022
- Project Leadership -2021
- Servant Leadership (Ken Blanchard Certification) -2021
- Time Management for Executives -2021
- High Performance Management -2021
- Audit and Due Diligence: Priorities and Best Practices - 2024
- Brand Strategy Development - 2023
Other Certifications
- Developing Champions (Yum International)
Accomplishments
VITAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
GionCorp - Freelace
- Implemented predictive maintenance systems resulting in 40% reduction in equipment downtime and repair costs.
- Developed real-time analytics for menu engineering, increasing high-margin item sales and inventory management.
- Deployed AI-driven customer experience platforms enhancing guest satisfaction and personalization.
- Introduced automated inventory control systems achieving 30% waste reduction and improved cost management.
Hospitality Division Setup and Flagship First Restaurant Opening:
- Tasked with opening the first restaurant for a new division under tight deadlines and existing project delays.
- Ensure franchise standards and successful restaurant launch.
- Resolved design and purchasing issues and maintained high standards across all operations.
- Opened successfully in 3.5 months, doubled sales targets, and achieved full bookings with a new brunch service.
Sash Café Leadership:
- Managed Sash Café in Bahrain's competitive market.
- Enhance brand recognition and create new revenue streams.
- Launched delivery services and innovative menu items.
- Achieved a 35% revenue increase, a 10% sales surge from new beverage offerings, and reduced expenses by 13%.
IHOP Multi-Country Management:
- Led operations across Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Qatar.
- Drive growth and efficiency in over 10 stores.
- Introduced a new beverage menu and improved training programs.
- Reduced employee turnover by 25%, facilitated 26 promotions, and maintained a 32% food cost.
Cafe Java's Brand Operations:
- Oversaw operations in Kenya and Uganda.
- Develop SOPs and open new stores.
- Created training manuals and a branded delivery service.
- Opened two new stores and enhanced operational efficiency.
Diverse Market Leadership
- Award-Winning Performance: Received multiple awards, including Franchisee of the Year and the Best Cafe 2021 - Riffa Culinary Excellence Award.
- Global Brand Development: Enhanced brand presence and performance across multiple countries.
Timeline
Concept Development Engineer & AI Operational Strategist - Freelance Project Collaboration & Development - GionCorp
07 2024 - Current
Head of Operations & Innovation - Al Zain Hospitality/Crazy Pizza
12 2023 - 07 2024
General Brand Manager - SASH Cafe
04 2019 - 12 2023
Operations Manager - Mandela Group
01 2018 - 04 2019
Regional Operations Manager - IHOP - Alshaya
01 2014 - 01 2018
Dishwasher to General Manager - Barneys Pub & Grill, Stones Entertainment, KFC-Yum International, Role Hospitality Advisors
02 1996 - 01 2014
President Steyn Highschool - GED- Diploma,
Languages
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Dutch
Limited Working
Personal Information
Hospitality Operations Architect | Tech-Driven Brand Strategist
Significant Proficiencies
- Multi-Brand & Multi-Unit Management: Skilled in managing diverse restaurant brands and units.
- Menu Innovation: Expert in creating new menu offerings that boost revenue.
- Talent Development: Proven leadership in developing and managing successful teams.
- Operational Excellence: Committed to surpassing operational standards and delivering high-quality service.
- Strategic Marketing: Adept at executing marketing plans to increase brand awareness.
- Financial Management: Skilled in cost management and maintaining optimal food costs.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
- Training & Development: Effective in implementing staff training programs.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Change Management: Proficient in implementing change and integrating staff and culture.
Personal Information
Hospitality Operations Architect | Tech-Driven Brand Strategist
Significant Proficiencies
- Multi-Brand & Multi-Unit Management: Skilled in managing diverse restaurant brands and units.
- Menu Innovation: Expert in creating new menu offerings that boost revenue.
- Talent Development: Proven leadership in developing and managing successful teams.
- Operational Excellence: Committed to surpassing operational standards and delivering high-quality service.
- Strategic Marketing: Adept at executing marketing plans to increase brand awareness.
- Financial Management: Skilled in cost management and maintaining optimal food costs.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
- Training & Development: Effective in implementing staff training programs.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Change Management: Proficient in implementing change and integrating staff and culture.
Personal Information
Hospitality Operations Architect | Tech-Driven Brand Strategist
Significant Proficiencies
- Multi-Brand & Multi-Unit Management: Skilled in managing diverse restaurant brands and units.
- Menu Innovation: Expert in creating new menu offerings that boost revenue.
- Talent Development: Proven leadership in developing and managing successful teams.
- Operational Excellence: Committed to surpassing operational standards and delivering high-quality service.
- Strategic Marketing: Adept at executing marketing plans to increase brand awareness.
- Financial Management: Skilled in cost management and maintaining optimal food costs.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
- Training & Development: Effective in implementing staff training programs.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Change Management: Proficient in implementing change and integrating staff and culture.
Personal Information
Hospitality Operations Architect | Tech-Driven Brand Strategist
Significant Proficiencies
- Multi-Brand & Multi-Unit Management: Skilled in managing diverse restaurant brands and units.
- Menu Innovation: Expert in creating new menu offerings that boost revenue.
- Talent Development: Proven leadership in developing and managing successful teams.
- Operational Excellence: Committed to surpassing operational standards and delivering high-quality service.
- Strategic Marketing: Adept at executing marketing plans to increase brand awareness.
- Financial Management: Skilled in cost management and maintaining optimal food costs.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
- Training & Development: Effective in implementing staff training programs.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Change Management: Proficient in implementing change and integrating staff and culture.