Candidate

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First Name: Francois Hudson
E-Mail Address: Francois.hudson111@gmail.com
Country: South Africa
Phone: + 27 823614707
Current Job Designation: Self
Job Designation Applying For: Hotel or restaurant management position
Total Years of Experience: 25 +
Copy your Resume / CV in this box:

Francois Hudson
Hospitality & Tourism management and, Cheffing








Profile
I am a dedicated and hardworking professional with passion, energy
and enthusiasm for all that I do. I excel in all things hospitality and the challenges that come with both everyday management and long-term business strategies. I have a broad range of practical experience to contribute, and I take pride in opportunities to lead and guide those around me whilst at the same time continuing to learn from those with unique experiences and knowledge. I have taken the time to extend my skill set with a broad range of interests and abilities and am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure I am always best prepared to adapt to the new opportunities I embrace. I am excited to contribute my years of acquired skills, experience and knowledge whilst continuing to strive for better outcomes, creative solutions and efficient practice. Inspired to motivate others.

Employment History


General Manager and Operations Consultant, Zulla Parks
Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia.
Sep 2022 - Dec 2023


Zulla Parks is a new and the first of its kind in Ethiopia. There are currently three luxury lodges in various stages of construction. My key roles thus far have been setting up and advising on all operational aspects of the running of the lodges. A large part to date has been making vision and designs functional and practical once they become operational. Setting up all operational, training and company procedures.
I'm currently doing consulting on a freelance basis and am not under any contractual obligation.



General Manager at Becks Safari Lodge at Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Feb 2022 - Sep 2022


Tasked with reopening Karongwe Portfolio's flagship 5 Star Lodge, Becks after an extended Covid shut down. I Managed all day-to-day lodge operations, finances, capex, and maintenance. All guest activities, hosting, reservations and all aspects with regards to guest's experience. I introduced staff training programs and development.

Events Manager & Head Chef at Pippa's Food, Johannesburg
October 2021 — Feb 2022
I'm involved in all aspects of the business from General Day to Day Management, Cheffing, Events, Film Shoots, Banquets and Private Dinning. I manage menu planning, costing, purchasing, and general staff. I manage the company accounts and assist with marketing. Services ranged from fine dining, silver service, to large banquets and exclusive private events.
Ass Food and Beverage Manager at St Francis Links, St Francis Bay
March 2020 — December 2020
At The Links I was managing a team of 50 staff in all F&B activities, including weddings, golf events, fine dining restaurant, bar, halfway house and all residential needs. I was closely involved with the Exco group with regards to budgets, forecasts and management. I also managed all maintenance in and around the club house and completed upgrades and new developments from rethatching to new kitchens ext.
Owner / Director at Kawandama Ranch and Stud, Malawi
January 2012 — January 2021
Start-up, developing and managing of a cattle and sheep stud ranch. Breed improvement program of local stock, export and import of animals - both privately and for government. Sales, marketing and general running of all business activities. I also operate a local farmer training program with over 50 independent farmers. The Ranch reached 700 cattle, 600 sheep, 200 of the in the stud program. I did consulting for various lodges, guest houses and restaurants during this time as well as private guiding in and around Malawi.
Managing Director at Citrefine Plantations Ltd, Malawi
January 2009 — January 2015
Start-up and managing of 6000 hectares of essential oil plantation in Northern Malawi. All operational aspects, Government contracts, compliance, purchasing, sales, accounts, audits and training. All day to day running. Complement of 600 staff. Director of an NGO operating in area
building of schools, IT centres, hospitals ext.
General Manager at Wilderness Safaris Botswana, Okavango Delta
January 2006 — November 2008
A luxury 20 bed lodge in the heart of the Okavango Delta, with a 10 bed trails camp. With 60 full time staff members and a 90% occupancy I had intense training courses for all lodge positions. In my time at Xigera I relocated a fly camp and played an active role in construction and back of house renovations. The lodge catered for many high profile guests
and maintaining a high standard of guest satisfaction was key to the operations. Being in a national park, all precautions had
to be taken from an environmental and conservation aspect. I did private guiding trips when possible.
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Selfridges & Co, London
January 2005 — January 2006
One of the largest and most exclusive department stores in Europe, with 23 restaurants, bars and cafes. This operation had over 320 staff members to coordinate across various units. From fine dining to oyster and cocktail bars, the margins and profit levels were excellent. Dealing with back and front of house staff, running workshops and training courses to optimize skills. This demanding and fast-growing operation was a great challenge and I gained excellent experience in retail strategy and planning.
Assistant Group Manager at Gastrodome Restaurants, London
January 2003 — January 2005
An up-market London Restaurant group with six establishments and over 100 staff members an average turnover of 90 000 Pounds a week. I was in control of all daily operations, purchasing, stock control, recruiting, IT and marketing. I headed the staff-training program and was then put in charge of all new operations. I successfully opened three new restaurants and reached targets before deadlines.
Food and Beverage Manager at Pecanwood Golf Estate, Hartbeespoort
May 2001 — November 2002
The third ranked golf course at the time in South Africa, Pecanwood had two restaurants, a Clubhouse, Executive Lounge and Boat Club. We could cater for up to 2500 delegates and, as part of a well-organized team, I oversaw the initial take-over and then all F&B operations. I learned valuable managerial skills here and enjoyed working in a sports related atmosphere.
Sous Chef at Carvers Restaurant, Johannesburg
March 2001 — December 2002
One of South Africa's top restaurants, catering for up to 180 diners, I was fortunate enough to start my chef training here, I had to learn in an intense hands-on kitchen. The experience here was invaluable and I ended as sous chef. I had a hand-picked team of 18 chefs, part of my role was designing of menus and costing.

Education
Hotel And Restaurant Management, The Swiss Hotel School, Johannesburg
January 2001 — December 2002
Graduated With High Honours
Wine Science, The Swiss Hotel School, Johannesburg
June 2000 — December 2000
Graduated with High Honours
Chef's Apprenticeship, Carvers, Johannesburg
March 2001 — December 2003
Graduated With Honours

References
References available upon request



Details
Muizenberg, Cape Town
Maputo, Mozambique.
Cell: + 27 82 361 4707
WhatsApp: + 27 61 532 0121
Francois.hudson111@gmail.com
Date / Place of birth
1982/06/09
South Africa
Nationality
South African
Driving license
Yes PDP
Skills
Fast Learner


Ability to Work Under Pressure


Problem Solving


Project Management


Critical thinking and problem solving




Hobbies
Nature Sport Travel
Languages
English


Afrikaans




Basic
German / French / Flemish





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