Tomaz Brantusa
Fort Lauderdale,FL
Summary
Raised in a family of craftsmen, I learned the importance of hard work, ambition, and dedication early on. As a hospitality enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant, hotel, and event planning industries, I strive to create stories and unforgettable experiences. I thrive on the dynamic nature of the industry, have a keen eye for aesthetics, and value good communication, consistent growth, and effective leadership as learned through my work experiences.
Hospitality and tourism play a central role in my life. I find joy in exploring culinary experiences, learning about new cultures, and crafting authentic guest experiences. Dedicated to leadership and recognizing values and positive traits in people, I aim to foster supportive and inspiring work environments.
I see digitalization as a critical step toward advanced business solutions, innovative marketing, and sales, while firmly believing that people remain the cornerstone of success in the tourism industry.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Self Employed Services
Ljubljana, Slovenia, Slovenia
11.2023 - 01.2025
- Coordinated with vendors to secure high-quality services, ensuring memorable event experiences.
- Fostered strong relationships with sponsors, elevating caliber and financial support of events.
- Created and implemented processes to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Conducted regular status meetings with internal teams and external partners to track progress against established milestones.
- Served as primary contact person responsible for responding to inquiries about events.
- Created program activities, agendas and budgets based on client requirements.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies and staff for events.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms and cost-effective services for event essentials.
- Coordinated with vendors to source materials needed for production of print ads, banners.
- Managed own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
- Collaborated with marketing and product development teams to align creative strategies with overall business objectives.
- Stayed calm and polished at all times, even during moments of extreme stress or when dealing with difficult personalities, to accomplish professional goals.
F&B Director
Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Postojna, Slovenia
12.2016 - 03.2024
- Managed F&B outlets and accommodation facilities, including Hotel Jama****, Boutique Hotel Vila Planinka*****, and other high-volume venues in Postojna Cave Park and SKI Center Cerkno.
- Collaborated with chefs and kitchen staff members to create innovative menus that met guests' needs and preferences.
- Implemented cost-cutting measures throughout the organization's restaurants without compromising on quality standards.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Maintained accurate records regarding inventory control, ordering, pricing and other relevant information related to F&B operations.
- Responsibilities included overseeing up to 120 employees, managing operational processes, creating event concepts, budget control, coordinating interdepartmental activities, and implementing new work methods.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Designed menus and services in line with trends and guest preferences, maintained property and equipment standards, and collaborated with marketing, HR, and sales teams.
- Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Designed event themes and coordinated decorations, audio and visual equipment, and promotional materials to enhance event atmosphere.
- Worked closely with audio visual technicians and other technical personnel in setting up equipment at the venue.
- Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of products and services for events.
Restaurant General Manager
Do raja d.o.o., Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia, Slovenia
11.2007 - 12.2016
- Led the development and operation of Restaurant SOBA 102 and Cocktail bar PLAYA in Ljubljana and Portorož.
- Established strong relationships with vendors for better pricing, timely deliveries, and improved product selection.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness throughout the establishment by regularly inspecting facilities and addressing maintenance issues promptly.
- Managed social media presence to maintain consistent branding, promote special events, and engage with customers for enhanced loyalty and repeat business.
- Improved employee morale through transparent communication practices, regular feedback sessions, and opportunities for professional growth within the company.
- Fostered a positive team culture through regular staff meetings, open communication channels, and employee recognition programs.
- Managed inventory control processes for reduced waste and optimized profit margins.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to health and safety regulations among employees.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Organized and coordinated events for 150–2000 guests.
- Managed budgets, employee schedules, supplier contracts, and ensured the maintenance of equipment and facilities.
- Provided direction, guidance and motivation to team members.
- Resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Established cash control systems for register transactions.
- Managed relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of products.
- Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
Event Manager
Do raja d.o.o., Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
11.2007 - 12.2016
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Developed marketing materials and promotional campaigns to maximize event attendance and visibility.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
- Followed local regulations for events and obtained necessary permits.
- Crafted and disseminated event briefing materials for presenters, staff, and volunteers.
- Organized venues, budgets, guest lists, catering and event timelines.
- Oversaw all aspects of event production from conception through completion.
- Attended and participated in industry events.
Education
Hospitality And Tourism Management
College of Hospitality And Tourism
Slovenia09-2007
Skills
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
- Leadership Experience and Skills: Strategic thinking, decision-making, team management, and motivation
- Strategic Thinking: Long-term planning, setting objectives, and guiding teams to achieve the company’s vision
- Decision-Making: Quick and effective decision-making based on analyzed data and situations
- Team Leadership and Motivation: Inspiring and motivating colleagues to achieve successful outcomes
- Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with different organizational sectors, from colleagues to management
- Conflict resolution: Identifying and constructively resolving issues and disputes among team members
- Creativity and aesthetics: Creating unique spaces, personalized experiences, and themed events in hospitality, tourism, and the events industry
- Change/Revamp Management: Adapting and successfully implementing organizational changes
- Delegation: Assigning tasks based on individuals’ abilities and encouraging autonomy
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Analytical judgment and finding innovative solutions
- Emotional Intelligence: Empathetic leadership, understanding and managing emotions in the workplace
- Adaptability to Work Dynamics: Flexibility to work in diverse environments and respond to varying business and client needs
Certification
- I. Level Sommelier (June, 2024)
Timeline
Project Manager
Self Employed Services
11.2023 - 01.2025
F&B Director
Postojna Cave, Slovenia
12.2016 - 03.2024
Restaurant General Manager
Do raja d.o.o., Slovenia
11.2007 - 12.2016
Event Manager
Do raja d.o.o., Slovenia
11.2007 - 12.2016
Hospitality And Tourism Management
College of Hospitality And Tourism
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