Richard Baard
Underberg
Summary
Learning and Development professional with over 15 years of experience in hospitality management and training. Expertise in leading diverse teams, designing effective training programs, and enhancing operational performance. Recognized for high productivity and efficient task execution, with a focus on curriculum design and leadership development. Committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within organizations. Adaptable Manager offers many years of experience coordinating operations to achieve organizational goals. Communicative team leader with expertise in strategic planning and inventory management. Committed to driving improvements through innovation and leadership.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
L&D Manager/Maitre D'/Head Waiter
/
12.2018 - Current
- Elevated from Head Waiter to Maitre D’ by demonstrating strong leadership abilities.
- Focused on team development by training staff on service standards and procedures.
- Joined Learning & Development team in 2022, emphasizing coaching across F&B departments.
- Assisted in designing E-Learning courses to boost operational efficiency and career growth.
- Executed new initiatives via Cruise Control platform for performance management.
- Worked with management to pinpoint development needs and implement learning strategies.
- Evaluated existing processes in L&D to identify improvement opportunities.
- Tracked progress of training activities for employees effectively.
Assistant General Manager
M.H Alshaya – P.F. Chang’s, Dubai
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Directed daily operations of a high-volume casual dining restaurant in the Mall of Emirates, employing over 65 front of house staff members.
- Monitored scheduling, inventory levels, and compliance with food safety standards.
- Executed cost analysis and developed strategies to control food costs efficiently.
- Provided ongoing training to staff, ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction levels.
- Ensured strict compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.
- Created weekly staff schedules tailored to individual availability.
- Maintained precise records for employee attendance, payroll processing, and sales data.
- Addressed customer complaints effectively while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
Chef De Rang / Assistant Maître D’
Yachts of Seabourn (Seabourn Cruise Line Ltd.)
03.2009 - 08.2017
- Trained and managed diverse waiting teams across flagship vessels and dining venues.
- Implemented organizational strategies and operational procedures for efficiency.
- Conducted on-the-job training to foster skill development and team dynamics.
- Led initiatives for new system rollouts, event planning, and enhancing guest experiences.
- Acknowledged for leadership in overseeing multiple outlets and staff training initiatives.
- Provided exceptional customer service by proactively addressing guest needs.
- Set up tables meticulously with linens, silverware, and glassware for dining events.
- Ensured cleanliness of work areas throughout shifts to comply with health standards.
Manager /Head Waiter
Piatto Holdings
Durban
06.1998 - 02.2009
- Began as a waiter and was quickly promoted to Front of House Manager, overseeing daily restaurant operations for a leading restaurant group in Durban.
- Managed guest service, team supervision, and staff training across multiple venues.
- Developed strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills that laid the foundation for a successful career in hospitality management.
Education
High School Diploma -
Westville Boys High School
Durban South Africa11-1999
Skills
- Team leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Organizational management
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Service excellence
- Communication skills
- Multicultural team management
- Performance evaluation
- Inventory management
- Problem solving
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Windows and Mac expertise
- Social media awareness
- AI technology proficiency
Accomplishments
- Successfully transitioned from operational management to L&D, designing and leading training initiatives that improved team performance and guest satisfaction.
- Led the implementation of new service standards and procedures across F&B teams.
- Recognized for ability to motivate, coach, and develop multicultural teams in dynamic environments.
- Consistently assigned training and development duties throughout career due to strong communication and leadership skills.
- Created useful excel tracker workbooks for the fleet to improve daily operations, continuously learning new ways to apply A.I tools to improve team success.
Affiliations
- Home Improvement & Woodworking: Passionate about craftsmanship and hands-on projects; currently enhancing skills by learning CAD software to integrate traditional skills with modern digital design.
- Music Production: Enthusiastic about creating and producing music; believe that a day without music is a missed opportunity for inspiration and creativity.
- Learning trending technologies: by building or improving digital systems for those around me.
References
References available upon request.
Online - Udemy Course Certificates
Diversity: Equity and Inclusion A Beginner's Guide
Emotional Intelligence at Work: Learn from Your Emotions
Leadership Skills: How to Increase Your Influence at Work
Communication Fundamentals: How To Communicate Better
Communication Skills: Become Clear, Concise, Confident
The Science of Leadership
Leadership: How to Influence, Inspire and Impact as a Leader
Smart Tips: Time Management & Productivity
Smart Tips: Communication
Motivation: unlock powerful self-motivation
Powerful Performance Management Skills for Leaders
Timeline
L&D Manager/Maitre D'/Head Waiter
/
12.2018 - Current
Assistant General Manager
M.H Alshaya – P.F. Chang’s, Dubai
09.2017 - 09.2018
Chef De Rang / Assistant Maître D’
Yachts of Seabourn (Seabourn Cruise Line Ltd.)
03.2009 - 08.2017
Manager /Head Waiter
Piatto Holdings
06.1998 - 02.2009
High School Diploma -
Westville Boys High School