Shikhar Ahluwalia
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Proven leader with a track record of fostering innovation and driving strategic growth at The Samaritans Hospitality Inc. Expert in operations management and adept at people management, I have successfully enhanced team performance and achieved significant improvements in customer satisfaction. Skilled in project coordination and staff management, my approach has consistently resulted in enhanced profitability and operational efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
The Samaritans Hospitality Inc.
Vancouver, BC
03.2020 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
Area Manager West
Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, India
11.2018 - 01.2020
- Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
- Conducted training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to increase profitability.
- Assessed reports to evaluate performance, develop targeted improvements, and implement changes.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Transformed underperforming teams into productive, profitable teams.
- Continuously improved operational procedures through ongoing evaluation of existing practices, incorporating feedback from team members and adopting industry best practices.
General Manager of Operations
Gourmet Investments Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, India.
07.2017 - 10.2018
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Managed budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for enhancement in operations, systems, and procedures.
- Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices within all areas of operation.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
Beverage Manager
Taj Hotels, Resorts And Palaces
Mumbai, India
04.2016 - 05.2017
- Designed creative cocktail recipes that became popular among guests, driving repeat business.
- Designed beverage menus.
- Selected wine, beer and alcohol products based on customer feedback and local product availability.
- Coordinated daily and nightly shift safety and sanitation procedures for bar areas and entire restaurant.
- Managed all day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, securing high-quality products at competitive prices.
- Improved average wine and alcohol spend per guest through curation, service training, and hands-on hospitality.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
Operations & Business Head
Intercontinental Hotels Group
Mumbai, India
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Developed and implemented successful strategies for building company sales.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate progress towards goals and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
- Launched new products or services that contributed significantly to the company''s bottom line while maintaining a strong competitive edge.
- Established and managed monthly, quarterly and yearly sales plans.
- Oversaw product development from conception through launch while maintaining quality standards and meeting customer expectations.
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends, inform decision-making processes, and optimize resource allocation for maximum profitability.
- Improved risk management processes which enhanced the organization''s ability to navigate through economic downturns or other challenges.
- Applied expertise in strategic planning that allowed us to outpace our competition in terms of market share growth or profitability.
Operations Manager
JSM Corporation
Mumbai, India
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Implemented new inventory management system to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Partnered with vendors and suppliers to effectively manage and budget.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Front Office Team Leader
Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts
Mumbai, India.
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Drove sales and maximized revenue by up-selling rooms and amenities.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by efficiently managing front office operations and addressing customer inquiries.
- Assisted guests by displaying knowledge of hotel property, local attractions, and hours of operation of hotel outlets and services.
- Optimized staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours without exceeding budget limitations.
- Motivated staff by setting goals, providing ongoing feedback, and rewarding and recognizing employees.
- Supported revenue management initiatives by providing detailed analysis of market conditions, competitor activities, and booking patterns.
- Analyzed guest feedback to identify trends or opportunities for improvement within the front office department.
- Managed room inventory effectively, maximizing occupancy rates while minimizing overbooking situations.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations by regularly reviewing policies, procedures, and staff training programs.
- Trained and mentored new team members, ensuring consistent service delivery across the front office team.
- Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
- Aided colleagues, managers, and customers through regular communication and assistance.
Front Office Receptionist
Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts
Mumbai, India
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Reduced wait times for callers, promptly answering phone lines and directing calls as needed.
- Interacted with customers by phone, email, or in-person to provide information.
- Maintained clean reception area to promote positive, professional environment for clients.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Ensured a welcoming atmosphere for guests with efficient check-in and check-out procedures.
- Collaborated with team members for smooth workflow, supporting colleagues during peak hours or absences.
- Contributed to the company''s positive image by consistently delivering exceptional service to clients and visitors.
- Directed incoming calls to internal personnel and departments, routing to best-qualified department.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely and accurate information in response to inquiries.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments by acting as a reliable point of contact for internal staff members seeking assistance or information from the front office team.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University Of Mumbai
Mumbai, India2020
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Team Management
- Creativity and Innovation
- Strategies and goals
- Project Coordination
- Staff Management
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director
The Samaritans Hospitality Inc.
03.2020 - Current
Area Manager West
Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd
11.2018 - 01.2020
General Manager of Operations
Gourmet Investments Pvt Ltd
07.2017 - 10.2018
Beverage Manager
Taj Hotels, Resorts And Palaces
04.2016 - 05.2017
Operations & Business Head
Intercontinental Hotels Group
01.2015 - 04.2016
Operations Manager
JSM Corporation
01.2013 - 01.2015
Front Office Team Leader
Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts
01.2012 - 01.2013
Front Office Receptionist
Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University Of Mumbai