Srdan Dokovic
Newport,RI
Summary
Accomplished hospitality professional with 15 years of international experience in luxury hotels, resorts, and fine dining restaurants. Expert in Food & Beverage operations, guest relations, guest experience and team leadership, with strong skills in management, event coordination, and customer service. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Serbs-Croatian. Dedicated to delivering exceptional, detail-oriented service and elevating the guest experience to excellence. Willing to relocate: Anywhere
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Desk Supervisor
The Vanderbilt
Newport, RI
06.2026 - Current
- As a Front Desk Supervisor, I oversee the daily operations of the Front Desk, ensuring exceptional service is consistently delivered to our Notable guests while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.
- Overseeing daily Front Desk operations and ensuring a seamless guest experience from arrival through departure.
- Upholding Auberge Resorts Collection service standards and luxury hospitality expectations.
- Received 70+ guest name recognitions through post-stay surveys, reflecting commitment to personalized service and meaningful connections that enhance luxury hospitality standards.
- Handling guest inquiries, special requests, concerns, and complaints with professionalism, empathy, and urgency, while finding effective solutions to exceed expectations.
- Designed personalized amenities to ensure memorable guest experiences.
- Monitoring team performance and providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and support to encourage professional development and consistent service standards.
- Managing guest arrivals and departures, reservations, appointments, and experiences, including spa services and other property offerings.
- Working closely with Housekeeping, Maintenance, Food & Beverage, Spa, and any other departments to ensure smooth daily operations and effective communication.
- Identified opportunities to enhance guest experience and create personalized moments, contributing to overall satisfaction throughout the guest journey.
- Assisting management with administrative responsibilities, operational planning, and the implementation of service initiatives.
Head Server / Shift Leader
Forty 1
Newport
05.2023 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborated with management and kitchen teams, upholding high standards of quality and authenticity in dining experiences.
- Facilitated seamless front-of-house and back-of-house collaboration in high-end restaurant.
- Trained new team members, streamlining onboarding process to ensure readiness for service.
Guest Experience
Forty 1 North
Newport, RI
05.2023 - Current
- Managed reservations and booking systems for tables, phone calls, online bookings, and walk-in guests to enhance guest experience.
- Strategically managed table assignments and timing to maximize seating and service quality.
- Coordinated with host staff and collaborated with kitchen and serving teams to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
- Maintained detailed reservation records, including guest preferences and special requests.
- Addressed customer inquiries and complaints related to reservations promptly.
- Enforced reservation policies, including cancellation fees and deposit requirements.
- Trained and supervised new staff to uphold consistent service standards and foster a welcoming environment.
- Assisted with special events, private parties, and catering functions.
Front Desk Agent
The Vanderbilt
Newport
11.2025 - 06.2026
- Processed guest arrivals and departures, including all necessary payments, ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out experience.
- Coordinated room assignments and pre-arrivals to ensure optimal guest satisfaction.
- Facilitated group and tour check-ins and check-outs for seamless guest experiences.
- Addressed guest concerns promptly and connected guests with other departments such as Food & Beverage and Spa.
- Communicated with guests during their stay via text message to ensure satisfaction and timely departures.
- Utilized systems including OPERA, Alice, OpenTable, and Booking.com to manage reservations and guest requests.
- Developed guest itineraries and delivered concierge services to elevate overall guest experience.
Shift Supervisor
Forty 1
Newport
05.2024 - 11.2025
- Oversaw reservation system, efficiently handling phone calls, online bookings, and walk-in guests to optimize guest experience.
- Optimized table turnover to maximize seating capacity and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated with host staff to ensure smooth transitions and effectively accommodate special requests and large parties.
- Managed guest relations to create a welcoming and professional environment for all visitors.
- Addressed customer inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.
- Maintained accurate reservation records, including guest information and special requests.
- Trained and supervised new reservation staff, ensuring consistent service standards.
- Assisted with special events and large parties, collaborating with event planners and management.
Server/Shift Leader
Stoneacre Brasserie
Newport, RI
11.2022 - 04.2024
- Welcomed guests and ensured comfortable seating in the dining area.
- Accurately took food and beverage orders, collaborating with kitchen and bar staff for timely delivery.
- Ensured guest satisfaction through attentive service and proactive engagement during dining experience.
- Verified food orders for accuracy and presentation.
- Offered tailored menu recommendations and addressed customer concerns to enhance overall dining experience.
- Coordinated shift tasks, including table setup, sanitizing surfaces, and clearing tables to maintain efficient operations.
- Enhanced guest experience by ensuring a neat and tidy environment and prepared the restaurant for special events.
Server/Shift Leader
Gurney's Resorts
Newport, RI
09.2020 - 10.2022
- Served food and beverages at Showfish restaurant, maintaining high-quality formal table service for over 100 customers daily.
- Delivered attentive, professional service to guests, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
- Ensured high standards for food and drink presentation, enhancing guest experience.
Barista/Shift Supervisor
For Five Coffee
Newport, NG
06.2020 - 10.2022
- Supervised barista shift operations at upscale coffee bar.
- Created exquisite coffee drinks to enhance guest satisfaction at For Five coffee shop. and espresso drinks for guests at For Five coffee shop, enhancing their experience at Gurney's Resort.
- Prepared espresso drinks, brewed coffee, and specialty beverages.
- Trained new baristas on For Five Coffee service standards.
- Ensured clean and organized work environment during shifts, contributing to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Gurney's Resorts
Newport, RI
07.2019 - 10.2022
- Trained and managed employees while overseeing inventory of food, beverages, and supplies to ensure operational readiness.
- Welcomed guests and ensured memorable dining experiences from start to finish.
- Coordinated large-party reservations and special requests, enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Opened and closed the Showfish restaurant, preparing for daily business operations.
Server/Shift Leader
Gurney's Resorts
Newport, RI
06.2020 - 09.2020
- Provided timely and professional food and beverage service to guests.
- Utilized menu knowledge to provide tailored recommendations and successfully upsell items, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of tables and silverware to uphold restaurant standards and guest satisfaction.
- Executed cashiering functions, closed checks, and prepared end-of-day reports to ensure smooth financial operations at Scarpetta restaurant.
Pastry Chef
Forty 1
Newport, RI
07.2019 - 09.2020
- Developed artisan breads, cakes, and frozen desserts that elevated the dining experience for hotel guests.
- Created and managed dessert menus that enhanced guest satisfaction through innovative flavor combinations and presentation.
- Collaborated with management to introduce new dessert items, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with guest preferences.
Restaurant Server
Gurney's Resorts
Newport, RI
12.2019 - 06.2020
- Delivered prompt, courteous food service while accommodating special requests to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Organized and maintained dining room for efficient breakfast service at Firepit & Lounge and Tillie's.
- Supervised buffet line during meal service to ensure food presentation and availability met customer expectations., inventory, and weekly deliveries.
Restaurant Server
Gurney's Resorts
Newport, RI
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Delivered outstanding customer service, which resulted in recommendation letters from HR and restaurant directors for commitment to guest satisfaction.
- Delivered attentive service to guests across multiple dining venues, enhancing their dining experience at The Pineapple Club and The Regent Lounge. in The Pineapple Club, The Regent Lounge & Firepit, and breakfast at Tillie's.
- Greeted resort guests with warm tableside service in luxury dining areas.
- Presented menus and described daily specials using upscale resort dining standards.
- Entered guest orders accurately into POS system and coordinated kitchen timing.
Pastry Chef
Hotel Forty 1 North
Newport, RI
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Created bespoke wedding cakes and modernized a la carte desserts, elevating presentation and flavor profiles.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to design signature desserts and seasonal menus, enhancing overall dining appeal.
- Supported menu innovation to enhance customer dining experiences. and new product lines.
Assistant Pastry Chef
Hotel Crowne Plaza (IHG)
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Prepared a variety of sweets, pastries, and a la carte desserts to enhance guest experiences across multiple dining outlets.
- Supported execution of wedding buffets, set menus, and special events to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction.
- Supported breakfast service for up to 400 guests and gala dinners for 600 guests.
- Obtained a formal recommendation letter from Executive Chef Jovica Neskovic, highlighting my contributions and skills.
Assistant Pastry Chef
The Company of Jobs
06.2015 - 09.2015
- Prepared a variety of baked goods for multiple locations according to requirements.
- Supported daily operations of pastry department and served as point of contact during chef's absence.
- Operated kitchen equipment while contributing to recipe development and managing ingredient inventory.
- Collaborated with team to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in fast-paced environment.
Pastry Cook
Best Western Hotel Šumadija
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Prepared pastries and sweets to enhance dining experience for hotel guests during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Assisted in coordinating wedding buffets, gala dinners, and set menus for events serving up to 150 guests.
- Obtained recommendation letter for scholarship based on academic performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
The University of Business Studies, The Faculty of Tourism And Hotel Management
Serbia12-2018
Bachelor of Science - Gastronomy Management
The College of Hotel Management Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia12-2017
High School Diploma -
High School of Tourism And Hospitality
Belgrade, Serbia12-2016
High School Diploma -
High School of Tourism
Belgrade, Serbia 01-2014
College Degree - English
International School For Languages
Belgrade, SerbiaSkills
- Hospitality - Front Office - Food & Beverage
- Guest relations - Reservation management
- Concierge - Itinerary - Customer Experience
- Leadership - Team development - Team improvements
- Revenue management - System updates - Administrative skills
- Service recovery - Guest satisfaction
Personal Information
- Title: Hospitality | Food and Beverage | Gastronomy
- Availability: Anywhere
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Certification
- SERSA - Serbian Sommelier Association [Sommelier level 3]
- TIPS
- ServSafe
Languages
- Serbian (Fluent)
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Intermediate)
- German (Beginner)
Awards
Assistant Professor, Scholarship holder at Best Western Hotel Šumadija from 2012-2014 with recommendation letters. Full scholarship recipient for excellent exam results and assistant professor in Confectionary and Gastronomy.
Timeline
Front Desk Supervisor
The Vanderbilt
06.2026 - Current
Front Desk Agent
The Vanderbilt
11.2025 - 06.2026
Shift Supervisor
Forty 1
05.2024 - 11.2025
Head Server / Shift Leader
Forty 1
05.2023 - Current
Guest Experience
Forty 1 North
05.2023 - Current
Server/Shift Leader
Stoneacre Brasserie
11.2022 - 04.2024
Server/Shift Leader
Gurney's Resorts
09.2020 - 10.2022
Barista/Shift Supervisor
For Five Coffee
06.2020 - 10.2022
Server/Shift Leader
Gurney's Resorts
06.2020 - 09.2020
Restaurant Server
Gurney's Resorts
12.2019 - 06.2020
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Gurney's Resorts
07.2019 - 10.2022
Pastry Chef
Forty 1
07.2019 - 09.2020
Restaurant Server
Gurney's Resorts
05.2018 - 11.2018
Pastry Chef
Hotel Forty 1 North
05.2017 - 09.2017
Assistant Pastry Chef
Hotel Crowne Plaza (IHG)
06.2016 - 09.2016
Assistant Pastry Chef
The Company of Jobs
06.2015 - 09.2015
Pastry Cook
Best Western Hotel Šumadija
01.2012 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
The University of Business Studies, The Faculty of Tourism And Hotel Management
Bachelor of Science - Gastronomy Management
The College of Hotel Management Belgrade
High School Diploma -
High School of Tourism And Hospitality
High School Diploma -
High School of Tourism
College Degree - English
International School For Languages